US20050184075A1 - One-piece soft spout valve assembly for a no-spill drinking cup - Google Patents
One-piece soft spout valve assembly for a no-spill drinking cup Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050184075A1 US20050184075A1 US10/710,643 US71064304A US2005184075A1 US 20050184075 A1 US20050184075 A1 US 20050184075A1 US 71064304 A US71064304 A US 71064304A US 2005184075 A1 US2005184075 A1 US 2005184075A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- spout
- valve
- assembly
- recited
- drinking cup
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K15/00—Check valves
- F16K15/14—Check valves with flexible valve members
- F16K15/144—Check valves with flexible valve members the closure elements being fixed along all or a part of their periphery
- F16K15/147—Check valves with flexible valve members the closure elements being fixed along all or a part of their periphery the closure elements having specially formed slits or being of an elongated easily collapsible form
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G19/00—Table service
- A47G19/22—Drinking vessels or saucers used for table service
- A47G19/2205—Drinking glasses or vessels
- A47G19/2266—Means for facilitating drinking, e.g. for infants or invalids
- A47G19/2272—Means for facilitating drinking, e.g. for infants or invalids from drinking glasses or cups comprising lids or covers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
- B65D47/2018—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure
- B65D47/2031—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure the element being formed by a slit, narrow opening or constrictable spout, the size of the outlet passage being able to be varied by increasing or decreasing the pressure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/32—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with means for venting
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to drink containers, and more particularly, to valve assemblies for no-spill drink containers.
- valves Improvements over these valves have included a single piece solid valve that is releasably engageable with the lid of a drinking cup.
- the valve is located beneath or in communication with a spout, typically constructed of a plastic, in a drinking lid.
- the valve can be constructed entirely of silicon or may alternatively be a silicon diaphragm disposed within a plastic housing.
- a one-piece spill proof valve and spout assembly for a drinking cup lid is provided.
- the valve and spout assembly is preferably constructed of a flexible material, such as silicone.
- the valve and spout assembly has a raised spout that allows fluid to flow therethrough.
- the spout has a valve integrally formed therewith and beneath the spout opening.
- the valve is moveable between an open position allowing fluid to pass through the raised spout and a closed position blocking the flow of fluid therethrough.
- the valve and spout assembly includes a circumferential rim that is intended to engage a lid portion to effectuate securing the valve and spout assembly to a drinking cup.
- the valve is moveable between the open and closed position upon application of a slight force by the user.
- a one-piece soft spout valve assembly for a drinking cup is provided as a diaphragm.
- the diaphragm has a body, a spout portion and a valve portion integrally formed in the body.
- the body has an outward surface, an inward surface, and a peripheral edge.
- the peripheral edge delineates the outward surface from the inward surface.
- the spout portion and the valve portion form a cavity within the inward surface of the body and a drinking opening within the spout portion on the outward surface of the body, whereby fluid may pass from the cavity to the drinking opening through the valve portion when the valve portion is forcibly actuated by the spout portion in response to an externally applied force by an user.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an integral valve and spout assembly attached to a drinking cup according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an integral valve and spout assembly attached to a drinking cup according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of an integral valve and spout assembly attached to a drinking cup opening according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an integral valve and spout assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a top view of an integral valve and spout assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a top view of an integral valve and spout assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a valve and spout portion of a diaphragm according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a vent portion of a diaphragm according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a valve portion of a diaphragm according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a top view of an integral valve and spout assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a front cross-sectional view of an integral valve and spout assembly according the embodiment of FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of an integral valve and spout assembly according to the embodiment of FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 1 there is generally illustrated a cross-sectional view of an integral valve and spout assembly 10 attached to a drinking cup 12 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- the valve and spout assembly 10 is attached to a lid portion 14 , which engages the drinking cup 12 by threads 15 .
- the valve and spout assembly 10 can be directly attached to the drinking cup without the need for a lid portion.
- lid portion may also be attached to the drinking cup in a variety of other suitable ways.
- the valve and spout assembly 10 preferably is comprised of a flexible material, such as silicone. Alternatively, a variety of other suitable materials may be utilized as would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.
- the drinking cup 12 and the lid portion 14 are both preferably constructed of a plastic material. It will be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art that a variety of other suitable materials may be utilized. Moreover, the material may be selected depending upon whether the valve and spout assembly 10 is directly attached to the drinking cup 12 or to the lid portion 14 .
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an integral valve and spout assembly 10 attached to a drinking cup 12 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- the valve and spout assembly 10 is attached in sealing compression between a lid portion 14 and a drinking cup 12 , in which the lid portion 14 engages the drinking cup 12 by threads 15 .
- the valve and spout assembly 10 need not be directly attached to the lid portion 14 (as shown) when the valve and spout assembly 10 is retained compressively.
- the lid portion may be attached to the drinking cup in various other ways.
- FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of an integral valve and spout assembly 10 attached to a drinking cup opening 12 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- the valve and spout assembly 10 includes a peripheral edge 16 , which is generally circular in shape when viewed from the top.
- the peripheral edge 16 in this embodiment includes a groove 18 formed therein to allow the valve and spout assembly 10 to engage a rim 19 of the drinking cup 12 .
- the engagement of the rim 19 into the groove 18 is preferably accomplished by a tight friction fit.
- other suitable engagements can be effectuated between the valve and spout assembly 10 and the rim 19 of a cup 12 or a lid 14 as would be recognized by a person having ordinary skill in the art.
- the valve and spout assembly 10 includes a raised spout portion 20 through which a person can drink fluid from the cup 12 .
- the raised spout portion 20 includes a drinking opening 21 and an integral valve portion 22 , which is moveable between a normally closed portion and an open position.
- the integral valve portion 22 of this embodiment is a duck valve.
- valve and spout assembly 10 may also include a vent portion 24 (as shown in FIG. 1 ) for releasing pressure that builds up in the cup 12 .
- the vent portion 24 may be configured to relieve pressure, build up pressure or to let pressure in and out of the cup 12 .
- valve and spout assembly 10 can also be formed without the vent portion 24 .
- the valve portion 22 is preferably comprised of a pair of opposing flap portions 26 , 28 that are normally closed to prevent the flow of fluid.
- a user places their mouth over the spout portion 20 and applies a slight force or squeeze to the sides of the spout portion 20 (in the notional direction of the externally applied force F as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 ).
- the external force may be applied to the spout portion 20 in a variety of different ways.
- the external force will cause the flap portions 26 , 28 of the valve portion 22 to pucker outwardly (as shown in FIG. 7 ) forming an opening between the flap portions 26 , 28 that will allow fluid to pass in either direction from the valve portion 22 and through the drinking opening 21 .
- the flap portions 26 , 28 will return to a normally closed position.
- the vent portion 24 preferably has the same configuration as the valve portion 22 .
- valve portion 22 has a pyramidal shape and the spout portion 20 has a cylindrical shape when both are in their normally closed position.
- spout portion 20 has a cylindrical shape when both are in their normally closed position.
- One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a variety of other shapes may be used to configure the valve and spout assembly.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an integral valve and spout assembly 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- the valve and spout assembly 10 is shown as a diaphragm 11 having a body 17 , a spout portion 20 integrally formed in the body 17 , and a valve portion 22 integrally formed in the body 17 .
- the valve portion 22 is also preferably integrally formed within the spout portion 20 .
- the body 17 has an outer surface 30 , an inner surface 32 , and a peripheral edge 16 delineating the outer surface 30 from the inner surface 32 .
- the spout portion 20 and the valve portion 22 form a cavity 23 within the inner surface 32 .
- the spout portion 20 and the valve portion 22 form a drinking opening 21 within the outer surface 30 of the spout portion 20 .
- Fluid may pass from the cavity 23 to the drinking opening 21 through the valve portion 22 when the spout portion 20 , in response to an externally applied force, forcibly actuates the valve portion 22 to an open position.
- the diaphragm 11 is made from a flexible material such as silicone or latex.
- a flexible material such as silicone or latex.
- silicone or latex One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other materials may also be used.
- the diaphragm 11 has a pair of web portions 36 , 38 integrally connecting the spout portion 20 to the valve portion 22 .
- a pair of web portions 36 , 38 integrally connecting the spout portion 20 to the valve portion 22 .
- any number of web portions may be used.
- the spout portion 20 and the valve portion 22 need not be coupled by web portion, but may be integrally coupled, closely coupled, or even have a space gap separating them as shown in the other embodiments of the invention.
- the pair of web portions 36 , 38 facilitate forcibly actuating the valve portion 22 when an externally applied force is exerted upon the spout portion 20 .
- the valve portion 22 of this embodiment is comprised of a pair of opposing flap portions 26 , 28 .
- Each flap portion has two outer axial edges 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 .
- the pair of flap portions 26 , 28 are adjoined along opposite adjacent outer axial edges. That is, outer axial edges 40 , 43 are adjoined and outer axial edges 41 , 42 are adjoined.
- the pair of flap portions 26 , 28 of the valve portion 22 are normally in a closed configuration.
- the spout portion 20 of the current embodiment is elliptical.
- the valve portion 22 is elliptical.
- the spout portion 20 and the valve portion 22 may have different geometries.
- the diaphragm 11 may include an integrally constructed vent portion 24 .
- the vent portion 24 relieves pressure by venting pressure when gasses build up or releasing a vacuum when the internal atmosphere is depleted within the cup.
- the vent portion 24 is constructed in the same manner as the valve portion 22 .
- the vent portion 24 may have the same structure as the valve portion 22 disclosed in the other embodiments.
- the peripheral edge 16 of this embodiment has a groove 18 circumferentially formed therein.
- the groove 18 is primarily circular and delineates an upper edge 46 and a lower edge 48 on the peripheral edge 16 , whereby the groove 16 may engage a drinking cup or a lid.
- the upper edge 46 and the lower edge 48 need not be circular, but may be any shape that sufficiently retains the groove 18 of the diaphragm 11 in sealing contact with a cup or lid.
- the peripheral edge 16 does not necessitate an upper edge 46 (see FIG. 5 ) when used with a cup and lid combination, such as the combination shown in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 5 is a top view of an integral valve and spout assembly 10 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
- the diaphragm 11 of the valve and spout assembly 10 is shown with a mouth shaped spout portion 20 having a closely coupled valve portion 22 integrally assembled therein.
- an external force F must depress the spout portion 20 and bring it in squeezing contact with the valve portion 22 whereby the flap portions 26 , 28 are forcibly separated.
- the vent portion 24 of this embodiment is configured to relieve pressure when a vacuum is formed within the inward surface 32 .
- peripheral edge 16 has a lower edge 48 for retaining the diaphragm 11 in a clamping fashion when used with a cup and lid combination.
- FIG. 6 is a top view of an integral valve and spout assembly 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- the diaphragm 11 of the valve and spout assembly 10 is shown with a cylindrical shaped spout portion 20 connectively coupled to a nozzle shaped valve portion 22 by web portions 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 .
- the valve portion 22 is opened when an external force F is applied to the spout portion 20 squeezing contact with the web portions 36 , 38 .
- the actuation of the valve portion 22 is also enhanced by the web portions 37 , 39 in pulling contact with the flap portions 26 , 28 by the forcibly elongated shape of the spout portion 20 caused by the external force F.
- the vent portion 24 of this embodiment is configured to relieve pressure when a pressure buildup is formed within the inward surface 32 .
- the peripheral edge 16 with the internally formed groove 18 has a lower edge 48 and a smaller upper edge 46 for retaining the diaphragm 11 in a clamping fashion when used with a cup or a cup and lid combination.
- the upper edge 46 need not be smaller than the lower edge 48 , but may be the same size or larger depending upon the application to which valve and spout assembly 18 are used.
- FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a diaphragm 11 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- the valve portion 22 is shown in an actuated configuration where an external force (not shown) is applied to the spout portion 20 .
- gas and fluid may pass in either direction from the cavity 23 through the flap portions 26 , 28 of the valve portion 22 to the drinking opening 21 .
- the outer axial edge 40 of the flap portion 26 is adjoined to the outer axial edge 43 of the flap portion 28 .
- FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a vent portion 24 of a diaphragm 11 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- the vent portion 24 of the diaphragm 11 has flap portions 27 , 29 and is configured to relieve vacuum conditions.
- the vent portion 24 could be configured to vent pressure conditions and or relieve vacuum conditions.
- FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a diaphragm 11 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- a valve portion 22 of the valve and spout assembly 10 has a flap portion 28 with outer axial edges 42 , 43 .
- the valve portion 22 is connected to the spout portion 20 by the webs 36 , 38 .
- the webs 36 , 38 may fully or partially contact the valve portion 22 to the spout portion 20 .
- FIGS. 10, 11 , and 12 show top, front, and side views, respectively, of an integral valve and spout assembly 10 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
- a diaphragm 11 has a body 17 , a vent portion 24 integrally formed in the body 17 , and an elliptical spout portion 20 integrally formed in the body 17 .
- a pyramidal valve portion 22 is integrally formed within the spout portion 20 of the body 17 .
- the valve portion 22 is axially connected to the spout portion 22 by four web portions 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 .
- the valve portion 22 has a pair of opposing flap portions 26 , 28 .
- Each flap portion 26 , 28 has two outer axial edges (not shown).
- the flap portions 26 , 28 are adjoined along opposite adjacent outer axial edges (not shown).
- the flap portions 26 , 28 are normally releasably closed.
- the body 17 has an outward surface 30 , an inward surface 32 , and a peripheral edge 16 delineating the outward surface 30 from the inward surface 32 .
- a groove 18 for engaging a drinking cup or a lid, is circumferentially formed in the peripheral edge 16 .
- the spout portion 20 outwardly extends from the outward surface 30 .
- the outwardly extending spout portion 20 forms a cavity 23 within the inward surface 32 .
- a drinking opening 21 is also formed on the outward surface 17 of the spout portion 20 . Fluid may pass from the cavity 23 to the drinking opening 21 through the valve portion 22 when the valve portion 22 is forcibly actuated by the web portions 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 and the spout portion 20 in response to an externally applied force.
Abstract
A one-piece soft spout valve assembly (10) for attachment to a drinking cup (12) includes a diaphragm (11) having a body (17), a spout portion (20) and a valve portion (22) integrally formed in the body (17). The body (17) has an outward surface (30), an inward surface (32), and a peripheral edge (16). The peripheral edge (16) delineates the outward surface (30) from the inward surface (32). Furthermore, a groove (18) is circumferentially formed in the peripheral edge (16) for fixedly attaching to a drinking cup (12). The spout portion (22) and the valve portion (22) form a cavity (23) within the inward surface (32) of the body (17) and a drinking opening (21) within the spout portion (20) on the outward surface (30) of the body (17), whereby fluid may pass from the cavity (23) to the drinking opening (21) through the valve portion (22) when the valve portion (22) is forcibly actuated by the spout portion (20) in response to an externally applied force by an user.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/547,326, filed Feb. 24, 2004, entitled “One-piece Soft Spout Valve Assembly For A No-spill Drinking Cup.”
- The present invention relates generally to drink containers, and more particularly, to valve assemblies for no-spill drink containers.
- Current no-spill valves suffer from a variety of disadvantages. Some current no-spill valves are constructed of multiple pieces that are relatively difficult to clean. Moreover, some of these no-spill valves have both an inlet valve and an outlet valve and thus require even more parts, which increases both the material and manufacturing costs associated with the valves. In an effort to reduce costs, one-piece valves constructed of a silicon material have been developed. However, some of these one-piece valves include a perforation formed in the valve that allows fluid to flow into and out of the drinking cup. These perforations, however, are prone to leakage, particularly if the drinking cup into which the valve is incorporated is tipped over. This is because there is no structure for sealing off the perforation as the valve operates by the opening and closing of the perforation itself.
- Improvements over these valves have included a single piece solid valve that is releasably engageable with the lid of a drinking cup. In this configuration, the valve is located beneath or in communication with a spout, typically constructed of a plastic, in a drinking lid. The valve can be constructed entirely of silicon or may alternatively be a silicon diaphragm disposed within a plastic housing.
- Therefore, a need exists for a one-piece assembly having a valve that seals the drinking spout, a valve that is integrally constructed with the spout allowing fluid to flow directly through the valve and spout, and a valve that virtually eliminates leakage through the valve and the lid. Also, there is a need for such a closure that includes an additional valve to allow fluid pressure to be released.
- It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide a one-piece spout and valve assembly for a drinking cup.
- It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide an integral valve and valve seat that allows fluid to flow directly through the valve and spout from the drinking cup.
- It is another advantage of the present invention to provide a no-spill valve that virtually eliminates any leakage through the valve and the lid.
- It is still a further advantage of the present invention to provide a no-spill valve that allows fluid to pass at one location and allows pressure to be released at another location.
- It is yet another advantage of the present invention to provide a no-spill valve and spout assembly that utilizes minimal parts and thus makes cleaning relatively simple.
- In accordance with the above and the other advantages of a first embodiment of the present invention, a one-piece spill proof valve and spout assembly for a drinking cup lid is provided. The valve and spout assembly is preferably constructed of a flexible material, such as silicone. The valve and spout assembly has a raised spout that allows fluid to flow therethrough. The spout has a valve integrally formed therewith and beneath the spout opening. The valve is moveable between an open position allowing fluid to pass through the raised spout and a closed position blocking the flow of fluid therethrough. The valve and spout assembly includes a circumferential rim that is intended to engage a lid portion to effectuate securing the valve and spout assembly to a drinking cup. The valve is moveable between the open and closed position upon application of a slight force by the user.
- In another embodiment of the present invention, a one-piece soft spout valve assembly for a drinking cup is provided as a diaphragm. The diaphragm has a body, a spout portion and a valve portion integrally formed in the body. The body has an outward surface, an inward surface, and a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge delineates the outward surface from the inward surface. The spout portion and the valve portion form a cavity within the inward surface of the body and a drinking opening within the spout portion on the outward surface of the body, whereby fluid may pass from the cavity to the drinking opening through the valve portion when the valve portion is forcibly actuated by the spout portion in response to an externally applied force by an user.
- Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent when viewed in light of the detailed description of the preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings and appended claims.
-
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an integral valve and spout assembly attached to a drinking cup according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an integral valve and spout assembly attached to a drinking cup according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of an integral valve and spout assembly attached to a drinking cup opening according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an integral valve and spout assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is a top view of an integral valve and spout assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is a top view of an integral valve and spout assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a valve and spout portion of a diaphragm according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a vent portion of a diaphragm according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a valve portion of a diaphragm according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 10 is a top view of an integral valve and spout assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 11 is a front cross-sectional view of an integral valve and spout assembly according the embodiment ofFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of an integral valve and spout assembly according to the embodiment ofFIG. 10 . - In the following figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in the various views and alternate embodiments.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , there is generally illustrated a cross-sectional view of an integral valve andspout assembly 10 attached to adrinking cup 12 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the valve andspout assembly 10 is attached to alid portion 14, which engages thedrinking cup 12 bythreads 15. Alternatively, as would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, the valve andspout assembly 10 can be directly attached to the drinking cup without the need for a lid portion. Also one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that lid portion may also be attached to the drinking cup in a variety of other suitable ways. - The valve and
spout assembly 10 preferably is comprised of a flexible material, such as silicone. Alternatively, a variety of other suitable materials may be utilized as would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. - The
drinking cup 12 and thelid portion 14 are both preferably constructed of a plastic material. It will be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art that a variety of other suitable materials may be utilized. Moreover, the material may be selected depending upon whether the valve andspout assembly 10 is directly attached to thedrinking cup 12 or to thelid portion 14. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an integral valve andspout assembly 10 attached to adrinking cup 12 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the valve andspout assembly 10 is attached in sealing compression between alid portion 14 and adrinking cup 12, in which thelid portion 14 engages thedrinking cup 12 bythreads 15. Alternatively, as would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, the valve andspout assembly 10 need not be directly attached to the lid portion 14 (as shown) when the valve andspout assembly 10 is retained compressively. Also one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the lid portion may be attached to the drinking cup in various other ways. -
FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of an integral valve andspout assembly 10 attached to a drinking cup opening 12 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The valve andspout assembly 10 includes aperipheral edge 16, which is generally circular in shape when viewed from the top. Theperipheral edge 16 in this embodiment includes agroove 18 formed therein to allow the valve and spoutassembly 10 to engage arim 19 of thedrinking cup 12. The engagement of therim 19 into thegroove 18 is preferably accomplished by a tight friction fit. Alternatively, other suitable engagements can be effectuated between the valve and spoutassembly 10 and therim 19 of acup 12 or alid 14 as would be recognized by a person having ordinary skill in the art. - The valve and spout
assembly 10 includes a raisedspout portion 20 through which a person can drink fluid from thecup 12. The raisedspout portion 20 includes adrinking opening 21 and anintegral valve portion 22, which is moveable between a normally closed portion and an open position. Theintegral valve portion 22 of this embodiment is a duck valve. - Alternatively, the valve and spout
assembly 10 may also include a vent portion 24 (as shown inFIG. 1 ) for releasing pressure that builds up in thecup 12. It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that thevent portion 24 may be configured to relieve pressure, build up pressure or to let pressure in and out of thecup 12. It will be understood that the valve and spoutassembly 10 can also be formed without thevent portion 24. - The
valve portion 22 is preferably comprised of a pair of opposingflap portions valve portion 22, a user places their mouth over thespout portion 20 and applies a slight force or squeeze to the sides of the spout portion 20 (in the notional direction of the externally applied force F as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 ). Obviously, the external force may be applied to thespout portion 20 in a variety of different ways. The external force will cause theflap portions valve portion 22 to pucker outwardly (as shown inFIG. 7 ) forming an opening between theflap portions valve portion 22 and through thedrinking opening 21. Once the force is removed from thevalve portion 20, theflap portions vent portion 24 preferably has the same configuration as thevalve portion 22. - In the current embodiment, the
valve portion 22 has a pyramidal shape and thespout portion 20 has a cylindrical shape when both are in their normally closed position. One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a variety of other shapes may be used to configure the valve and spout assembly. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an integral valve and spoutassembly 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the valve and spoutassembly 10 is shown as adiaphragm 11 having abody 17, aspout portion 20 integrally formed in thebody 17, and avalve portion 22 integrally formed in thebody 17. Thevalve portion 22 is also preferably integrally formed within thespout portion 20. Thebody 17 has anouter surface 30, aninner surface 32, and aperipheral edge 16 delineating theouter surface 30 from theinner surface 32. - The
spout portion 20 and thevalve portion 22 form acavity 23 within theinner surface 32. Thespout portion 20 and thevalve portion 22 form adrinking opening 21 within theouter surface 30 of thespout portion 20. Fluid may pass from thecavity 23 to thedrinking opening 21 through thevalve portion 22 when thespout portion 20, in response to an externally applied force, forcibly actuates thevalve portion 22 to an open position. - In the preferred embodiment the
diaphragm 11 is made from a flexible material such as silicone or latex. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other materials may also be used. - The
diaphragm 11 has a pair ofweb portions spout portion 20 to thevalve portion 22. One having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that any number of web portions may be used. Alternatively, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that thespout portion 20 and thevalve portion 22 need not be coupled by web portion, but may be integrally coupled, closely coupled, or even have a space gap separating them as shown in the other embodiments of the invention. The pair ofweb portions valve portion 22 when an externally applied force is exerted upon thespout portion 20. - The
valve portion 22 of this embodiment is comprised of a pair of opposingflap portions axial edges flap portions axial edges axial edges flap portions valve portion 22 are normally in a closed configuration. - The
spout portion 20 of the current embodiment is elliptical. Also, thevalve portion 22 is elliptical. Alternatively, it will be recognized by a person having ordinary skill in the art that thespout portion 20 and thevalve portion 22 may have different geometries. - Optionally, as shown in the current embodiment, the
diaphragm 11 may include an integrally constructedvent portion 24. Thevent portion 24 relieves pressure by venting pressure when gasses build up or releasing a vacuum when the internal atmosphere is depleted within the cup. Thevent portion 24 is constructed in the same manner as thevalve portion 22. Alternatively, one having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that thevent portion 24 may have the same structure as thevalve portion 22 disclosed in the other embodiments. - The
peripheral edge 16 of this embodiment has agroove 18 circumferentially formed therein. Thegroove 18 is primarily circular and delineates anupper edge 46 and alower edge 48 on theperipheral edge 16, whereby thegroove 16 may engage a drinking cup or a lid. Alternatively, one having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that that theupper edge 46 and thelower edge 48 need not be circular, but may be any shape that sufficiently retains thegroove 18 of thediaphragm 11 in sealing contact with a cup or lid. Moreover, theperipheral edge 16 does not necessitate an upper edge 46 (seeFIG. 5 ) when used with a cup and lid combination, such as the combination shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 5 is a top view of an integral valve and spoutassembly 10 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment of the invention, thediaphragm 11 of the valve and spoutassembly 10 is shown with a mouth shapedspout portion 20 having a closely coupledvalve portion 22 integrally assembled therein. In order to actuate thevalve portion 22, an external force F must depress thespout portion 20 and bring it in squeezing contact with thevalve portion 22 whereby theflap portions - The
vent portion 24 of this embodiment is configured to relieve pressure when a vacuum is formed within theinward surface 32. - Moreover, the
peripheral edge 16 has alower edge 48 for retaining thediaphragm 11 in a clamping fashion when used with a cup and lid combination. -
FIG. 6 is a top view of an integral valve and spoutassembly 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment of the invention, thediaphragm 11 of the valve and spoutassembly 10 is shown with a cylindrical shapedspout portion 20 connectively coupled to a nozzle shapedvalve portion 22 byweb portions valve portion 22 is opened when an external force F is applied to thespout portion 20 squeezing contact with theweb portions valve portion 22 is also enhanced by theweb portions flap portions spout portion 20 caused by the external force F. - The
vent portion 24 of this embodiment is configured to relieve pressure when a pressure buildup is formed within theinward surface 32. - The
peripheral edge 16 with the internally formedgroove 18 has alower edge 48 and a smallerupper edge 46 for retaining thediaphragm 11 in a clamping fashion when used with a cup or a cup and lid combination. Alternatively, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that theupper edge 46 need not be smaller than thelower edge 48, but may be the same size or larger depending upon the application to which valve and spoutassembly 18 are used. -
FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of adiaphragm 11 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment of the invention, thevalve portion 22 is shown in an actuated configuration where an external force (not shown) is applied to thespout portion 20. In this configuration, gas and fluid may pass in either direction from thecavity 23 through theflap portions valve portion 22 to thedrinking opening 21. - Also, as shown in this embodiment, the outer
axial edge 40 of theflap portion 26 is adjoined to the outeraxial edge 43 of theflap portion 28. -
FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of avent portion 24 of adiaphragm 11 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment of the invention, thevent portion 24 of thediaphragm 11 hasflap portions vent portion 24 could be configured to vent pressure conditions and or relieve vacuum conditions. -
FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of adiaphragm 11 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment of the invention, avalve portion 22 of the valve and spoutassembly 10 has aflap portion 28 with outeraxial edges valve portion 22 is connected to thespout portion 20 by thewebs webs valve portion 22 to thespout portion 20. -
FIGS. 10, 11 , and 12 show top, front, and side views, respectively, of an integral valve and spoutassembly 10 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment of the invention, adiaphragm 11 has abody 17, avent portion 24 integrally formed in thebody 17, and anelliptical spout portion 20 integrally formed in thebody 17. Also, apyramidal valve portion 22 is integrally formed within thespout portion 20 of thebody 17. Thevalve portion 22 is axially connected to thespout portion 22 by fourweb portions - The
valve portion 22 has a pair of opposingflap portions flap portion flap portions flap portions - The
body 17 has anoutward surface 30, aninward surface 32, and aperipheral edge 16 delineating theoutward surface 30 from theinward surface 32. Agroove 18, for engaging a drinking cup or a lid, is circumferentially formed in theperipheral edge 16. - The
spout portion 20 outwardly extends from theoutward surface 30. The outwardly extendingspout portion 20 forms acavity 23 within theinward surface 32. Adrinking opening 21 is also formed on theoutward surface 17 of thespout portion 20. Fluid may pass from thecavity 23 to thedrinking opening 21 through thevalve portion 22 when thevalve portion 22 is forcibly actuated by theweb portions spout portion 20 in response to an externally applied force. - While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, numerous variations and alternate embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only in terms of the appended claims.
Claims (21)
1. A one-piece soft spout valve assembly for a no-spill drinking cup comprising:
a diaphragm comprising a body, a spout portion integrally formed in said body, and a valve portion integrally formed in said body within said spout portion, wherein said body comprises an outward surface, an inward surface, and a peripheral edge delineating said outward surface from said inward surface, wherein said spout portion and said valve portion form a cavity within said inward surface and a drinking opening within said outward surface of said spout portion, whereby fluid may pass from said cavity to said drinking opening through said valve portion when said valve portion is forcibly actuated by said spout portion in response to an externally applied force.
2. The one-piece soft spout valve assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said diaphragm is made from a flexible material.
3. The one-piece soft spout valve assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein the flexible material is silicone or latex.
4. The one-piece soft spout valve assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of web portions axially coupling said valve portion to said spout portion, whereby said valve portion is forcibly actuated by said web portions and said spout portion in response to an externally applied force.
5. The one-piece soft spout valve assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said valve portion is a duck valve.
6. The one-piece soft spout valve assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said valve portion is comprised of a pair of opposing flap portions, wherein each flap portion has two outer axial edges, and said pair of flap portions are adjoined along opposite adjacent outer axial edges, whereby said pair of flap portions of said valve portion are normally closed.
7. The one-piece soft spout valve assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said valve portion is pyramidal.
8. The one-piece soft spout valve assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said spout portion is elliptical.
9. The one-piece soft spout valve assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said diaphragm further comprises a vent portion.
10. The one-piece soft spout valve assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a groove circumferentially formed in the peripheral edge, whereby said groove may engage a drinking cup or a lid portion.
11. The one-piece soft spout valve assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a drinking cup coupled to said diaphragm.
12. The one-piece soft spout valve assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a drinking cup and a lid portion coupled to said diaphragm.
13. An integral valve and spout assembly for a no-spill drinking cup comprising:
a body, a spout portion integrally formed in said body, and a valve portion integrally formed in said body within said spout portion, wherein said body comprises an outward surface, an inward surface, and a edge delineating said outward surface from said inward surface, wherein said spout portion outwardly extends from said outward surface forming a cavity within said inward surface and a drinking opening within said outward surface of said spout portion, whereby fluid may pass from said cavity to said drinking opening through said valve portion when said valve portion is forcibly actuated by said spout portion in response to an externally applied force.
14. The integral valve and spout assembly as recited in claim 13 further comprising a plurality of web portions axially coupling said valve portion to said spout portion, whereby said valve portion is forcibly actuated by said web portions and said spout portion in response to an externally applied force.
15. The integral valve and spout assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said valve portion is comprised of a pair of opposing flap portions, wherein each flap portion has two outer axial edges, and said pair of flap portions are adjoined along opposite adjacent outer axial edges, whereby said pair of flap portions of said valve portion are normally closed.
16. The integral valve and spout assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said valve portion is pyramidal.
17. The integral valve and spout assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said spout portion is elliptical.
18. The integral valve and spout assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said diaphragm further comprises a vent portion.
19. The integral valve and spout assembly as recited in claim 13 further comprising a groove circumferentially formed in the peripheral edge, whereby said groove may engage a drinking cup or a lid portion.
20. The integral valve and spout assembly as recited in claim 13 further comprising a drinking cup or a lid portion coupled to said assembly.
21. A no-spill drinking cup assembly comprising:
a diaphragm comprising a body, a vent portion integrally formed in said body, an elliptical spout portion integrally formed in said body, a pyramidal valve portion integrally formed within said spout portion of said body, and a plurality of web portions axially coupling said valve portion to said spout portion,
wherein said valve portion is comprised of a pair of opposing flap portions, wherein each flap portion has two outer axial edges, and said pair of flap portions are adjoined along opposite adjacent outer axial edges, whereby said pair of flap portions of said valve portion are normally closed,
wherein said body comprises an outward surface, an inward surface, and a peripheral edge delineating said outward surface from said inward surface, and a groove circumferentially formed in the peripheral edge, whereby said groove may engage a drinking cup or a lid portion, and
wherein said spout portion outwardly extends from said outward surface forming a cavity within said inward surface and a drinking opening within said outward surface of said spout portion, whereby fluid may pass from said cavity to said drinking opening through said valve portion when said valve portion is forcibly actuated by said web portions and said spout portion in response to an externally applied force;
a lid portion coupled to said diaphragm; and
a drinking cup coupled to said lid portion.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/710,643 US20050184075A1 (en) | 2004-02-24 | 2004-07-27 | One-piece soft spout valve assembly for a no-spill drinking cup |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US54732604P | 2004-02-24 | 2004-02-24 | |
US10/710,643 US20050184075A1 (en) | 2004-02-24 | 2004-07-27 | One-piece soft spout valve assembly for a no-spill drinking cup |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050184075A1 true US20050184075A1 (en) | 2005-08-25 |
Family
ID=34864587
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/710,643 Abandoned US20050184075A1 (en) | 2004-02-24 | 2004-07-27 | One-piece soft spout valve assembly for a no-spill drinking cup |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20050184075A1 (en) |
Cited By (43)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070045214A1 (en) * | 2004-07-27 | 2007-03-01 | Jennings James E | Nipple spout |
US20070108158A1 (en) * | 2005-11-16 | 2007-05-17 | The Last Straw, Llc | No straw liquid pouch |
US20070138121A1 (en) * | 2005-11-16 | 2007-06-21 | The Last Straw, Llc | Drinking devices for children with integrated valve |
FR2904610A1 (en) * | 2006-08-01 | 2008-02-08 | Nicolas Marie | End cap for e.g. beverage bottle, has one-way valve opened in interior direction and passing air in bottle, during absorption of liquid by mouth of user, when user exerts depression, opposite to that of valve, in bottle |
US20080110929A1 (en) * | 2006-11-15 | 2008-05-15 | Stanley Traasdahl E Lawrence | Fluid dispensing cap & bottle assembly |
US20090250461A1 (en) * | 2008-04-04 | 2009-10-08 | Yves Syrkos | Liquid container |
US20100294765A1 (en) * | 2009-05-22 | 2010-11-25 | Handi-Craft Company | Leak resistant drinking cup |
WO2010133154A1 (en) | 2009-05-19 | 2010-11-25 | Great Fortune (Hk) Limited | Accessory for dringking vessel |
WO2011066814A1 (en) * | 2009-12-03 | 2011-06-09 | Christoph Protte | Capping unit for beverage bottles |
US20120168450A1 (en) * | 2009-09-17 | 2012-07-05 | Ilanm Zadik Samson | Spout for a Spill-Proof Beverage Container |
USD667558S1 (en) | 2003-08-05 | 2012-09-18 | Luv N' Care, Ltd. | Drinking cup cap |
USD671793S1 (en) | 2010-09-13 | 2012-12-04 | Luv N' Care, Ltd. | Drinking product |
WO2013024192A1 (en) * | 2011-08-12 | 2013-02-21 | Desarrollos Tamarit Plaza Sl | Cap |
US20130214007A1 (en) * | 2012-02-10 | 2013-08-22 | Armond Simonian | Water bottle with check valve |
US20130233898A1 (en) * | 2011-12-15 | 2013-09-12 | Joshua Isaac Nielsen Resnikoff | Lids for beverage containers |
US20140110438A1 (en) * | 2011-08-01 | 2014-04-24 | Kathryn Madison | Hair color bottle |
US20150020906A1 (en) * | 2011-11-29 | 2015-01-22 | Bb Ipr Limited | Non-spill valve |
GB2521886A (en) * | 2013-12-30 | 2015-07-08 | Pernod Ricard | Duckbill valve arrangement for a beverage dispensing container |
US20160039583A1 (en) * | 2000-05-08 | 2016-02-11 | Craig E. Brown | Continuous, Complete, Automatic, Non-Leaking, Non-Aerating, Positive Pressure One-Piece Vent And Pouring Combination Utilizing One Direct Venting Aperture |
US20160046421A1 (en) * | 2010-03-25 | 2016-02-18 | Craig E. Brown | Sectionalized fluids container |
CN105708272A (en) * | 2016-03-16 | 2016-06-29 | 北京小米移动软件有限公司 | Soft-core water glass |
US9463911B2 (en) | 2005-04-11 | 2016-10-11 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Drink bottles |
US20160296422A1 (en) * | 2008-01-29 | 2016-10-13 | Craig E. Brown | Singular cap compound vented nursing and related bottle |
US20170297784A1 (en) * | 2016-04-15 | 2017-10-19 | Pandian Peng | New bottle cap |
CN107873013A (en) * | 2015-05-28 | 2018-04-03 | 雷克包装系统有限公司 | Distribute closure member and distributor |
US20190210775A1 (en) * | 2014-06-24 | 2019-07-11 | Craig E. Brown | Universal Single Piece Venting Insert For Container |
US10358270B1 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2019-07-23 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Closure assemblies and drink containers including the same |
US10398241B2 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2019-09-03 | Jackel International Limited | Valve assembly |
USD862985S1 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2019-10-15 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Beverage container |
USD864658S1 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2019-10-29 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Beverage container closure |
USD871836S1 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2020-01-07 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Bite-actuated mouthpiece |
US10532862B2 (en) | 2018-06-19 | 2020-01-14 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Closure assemblies with distinct dispensing modes and drink containers including the same |
US10544028B2 (en) | 2013-12-30 | 2020-01-28 | Pernod Ricard Sa | Beverage dispensing container, apparatus, system and method |
WO2020055315A1 (en) * | 2018-09-10 | 2020-03-19 | Prima Holding Sverige AB | Lid for beverage bottle and use of a beverage bottle |
USD881639S1 (en) | 2018-06-19 | 2020-04-21 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Beverage container closure |
USD901238S1 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2020-11-10 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Bite-actuated mouthpiece |
US11345523B2 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2022-05-31 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Bite-actuated mouthpieces and drink vessels including bite-actuated mouthpieces |
US11738988B1 (en) | 2022-11-17 | 2023-08-29 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Ingredient container valve control |
US11745996B1 (en) | 2022-11-17 | 2023-09-05 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Ingredient containers for use with beverage dispensers |
US11751585B1 (en) | 2022-05-13 | 2023-09-12 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Flavored beverage carbonation system |
US11871867B1 (en) | 2023-03-22 | 2024-01-16 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Additive container with bottom cover |
US11925287B1 (en) | 2023-03-22 | 2024-03-12 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Additive container with inlet tube |
US11931704B1 (en) | 2023-06-16 | 2024-03-19 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Carbonation chamber |
Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3556122A (en) * | 1964-06-15 | 1971-01-19 | Laerdal A S | Valve for artificial respiration apparatus |
US5101991A (en) * | 1988-12-15 | 1992-04-07 | Jex Company, Limited | Nipple for nursing bottle |
US5598809A (en) * | 1992-08-12 | 1997-02-04 | Mcinnes; Ross G. | Teat |
US5890621A (en) * | 1996-10-21 | 1999-04-06 | Gerber Products Company | Cup for young children with cap valved for fluid control |
US6079586A (en) * | 1999-04-15 | 2000-06-27 | Hanneman; Amy L. | Combination cup and food container |
US6102245A (en) * | 1992-04-07 | 2000-08-15 | Haberman; Mandy Nicola | Drinking vessel with valve |
US6126679A (en) * | 1999-04-12 | 2000-10-03 | Botts; Lynne Marie | Nipple for use with liquid and medicine dispensing bottle |
US6250503B1 (en) * | 2000-07-19 | 2001-06-26 | Richard C. G. Dark | Fluid dispensing valve and method of use |
US6343704B1 (en) * | 1999-10-02 | 2002-02-05 | John Gilbert Prentiss | Infant feeding nipple |
US6550493B2 (en) * | 2001-06-13 | 2003-04-22 | Baxter International Inc. | Vacuum demand valve |
US6607092B2 (en) * | 1998-02-06 | 2003-08-19 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Cup assembly with retaining mechanism |
US6616012B2 (en) * | 2001-07-27 | 2003-09-09 | Richard C. G. Dark | Fluid dispensing valve and method of use |
-
2004
- 2004-07-27 US US10/710,643 patent/US20050184075A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3556122A (en) * | 1964-06-15 | 1971-01-19 | Laerdal A S | Valve for artificial respiration apparatus |
US5101991A (en) * | 1988-12-15 | 1992-04-07 | Jex Company, Limited | Nipple for nursing bottle |
US6102245A (en) * | 1992-04-07 | 2000-08-15 | Haberman; Mandy Nicola | Drinking vessel with valve |
US5598809A (en) * | 1992-08-12 | 1997-02-04 | Mcinnes; Ross G. | Teat |
US5890621A (en) * | 1996-10-21 | 1999-04-06 | Gerber Products Company | Cup for young children with cap valved for fluid control |
US6607092B2 (en) * | 1998-02-06 | 2003-08-19 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Cup assembly with retaining mechanism |
US6126679A (en) * | 1999-04-12 | 2000-10-03 | Botts; Lynne Marie | Nipple for use with liquid and medicine dispensing bottle |
US6079586A (en) * | 1999-04-15 | 2000-06-27 | Hanneman; Amy L. | Combination cup and food container |
US6343704B1 (en) * | 1999-10-02 | 2002-02-05 | John Gilbert Prentiss | Infant feeding nipple |
US6250503B1 (en) * | 2000-07-19 | 2001-06-26 | Richard C. G. Dark | Fluid dispensing valve and method of use |
US6550493B2 (en) * | 2001-06-13 | 2003-04-22 | Baxter International Inc. | Vacuum demand valve |
US6616012B2 (en) * | 2001-07-27 | 2003-09-09 | Richard C. G. Dark | Fluid dispensing valve and method of use |
Cited By (72)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160039583A1 (en) * | 2000-05-08 | 2016-02-11 | Craig E. Brown | Continuous, Complete, Automatic, Non-Leaking, Non-Aerating, Positive Pressure One-Piece Vent And Pouring Combination Utilizing One Direct Venting Aperture |
USD667558S1 (en) | 2003-08-05 | 2012-09-18 | Luv N' Care, Ltd. | Drinking cup cap |
US20070045214A1 (en) * | 2004-07-27 | 2007-03-01 | Jennings James E | Nipple spout |
US10023365B2 (en) | 2005-04-11 | 2018-07-17 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Drink bottles |
US11242178B2 (en) | 2005-04-11 | 2022-02-08 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Drink bottles |
US9463911B2 (en) | 2005-04-11 | 2016-10-11 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Drink bottles |
US11851250B2 (en) | 2005-04-11 | 2023-12-26 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Drink bottles |
US10676255B2 (en) | 2005-04-11 | 2020-06-09 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Drink bottles |
US20070108158A1 (en) * | 2005-11-16 | 2007-05-17 | The Last Straw, Llc | No straw liquid pouch |
US20070138121A1 (en) * | 2005-11-16 | 2007-06-21 | The Last Straw, Llc | Drinking devices for children with integrated valve |
FR2904610A1 (en) * | 2006-08-01 | 2008-02-08 | Nicolas Marie | End cap for e.g. beverage bottle, has one-way valve opened in interior direction and passing air in bottle, during absorption of liquid by mouth of user, when user exerts depression, opposite to that of valve, in bottle |
US20080110929A1 (en) * | 2006-11-15 | 2008-05-15 | Stanley Traasdahl E Lawrence | Fluid dispensing cap & bottle assembly |
US20160296422A1 (en) * | 2008-01-29 | 2016-10-13 | Craig E. Brown | Singular cap compound vented nursing and related bottle |
US10138034B2 (en) * | 2008-01-29 | 2018-11-27 | Craig E Brown | Singular cap compound vented nursing and related bottle |
US20090250461A1 (en) * | 2008-04-04 | 2009-10-08 | Yves Syrkos | Liquid container |
US9555938B2 (en) | 2008-04-04 | 2017-01-31 | Quebec Inc./Syrkoss | Liquid container |
EP2432352A1 (en) * | 2009-05-19 | 2012-03-28 | Great Fortune (HK) Limited | Accessory for drinking vessel |
WO2010133154A1 (en) | 2009-05-19 | 2010-11-25 | Great Fortune (Hk) Limited | Accessory for dringking vessel |
EP2432352A4 (en) * | 2009-05-19 | 2013-02-27 | Great Fortune Hk Ltd | Accessory for drinking vessel |
US8807386B2 (en) | 2009-05-19 | 2014-08-19 | Great Fortune (Hk) Limited | Accessory for drinking vessel |
US20110121008A1 (en) * | 2009-05-19 | 2011-05-26 | Great Fortune (Hk) Limited | Accessory for drinking vessel |
US20100294765A1 (en) * | 2009-05-22 | 2010-11-25 | Handi-Craft Company | Leak resistant drinking cup |
US9138088B2 (en) * | 2009-05-22 | 2015-09-22 | Handi-Craft Company | Leak resistant drinking cup |
US8701928B2 (en) * | 2009-09-17 | 2014-04-22 | Ilan Zadik Samson | Spout for a spill-proof beverage container |
US20120168450A1 (en) * | 2009-09-17 | 2012-07-05 | Ilanm Zadik Samson | Spout for a Spill-Proof Beverage Container |
WO2011066814A1 (en) * | 2009-12-03 | 2011-06-09 | Christoph Protte | Capping unit for beverage bottles |
US20160046421A1 (en) * | 2010-03-25 | 2016-02-18 | Craig E. Brown | Sectionalized fluids container |
USD671793S1 (en) | 2010-09-13 | 2012-12-04 | Luv N' Care, Ltd. | Drinking product |
US9193506B2 (en) * | 2011-08-01 | 2015-11-24 | Kathryn Madison | Hair color bottle |
US9706826B2 (en) | 2011-08-01 | 2017-07-18 | Dye Candy Llc | Hair color bottle |
US20140110438A1 (en) * | 2011-08-01 | 2014-04-24 | Kathryn Madison | Hair color bottle |
AU2012296826B2 (en) * | 2011-08-12 | 2017-06-15 | Desarrollos Tamarit Plaza Sl | Cap |
EP2743201A1 (en) * | 2011-08-12 | 2014-06-18 | Desarrollos Tamarit Plaza SL | Cap |
WO2013024192A1 (en) * | 2011-08-12 | 2013-02-21 | Desarrollos Tamarit Plaza Sl | Cap |
EP2743201A4 (en) * | 2011-08-12 | 2015-01-28 | Desarrollos Tamarit Plaza Sl | Cap |
RU2631647C2 (en) * | 2011-08-12 | 2017-09-25 | Десарройос Тамарит Пласа Сл | Cap |
US10457450B2 (en) | 2011-08-12 | 2019-10-29 | Desarrollos Tamarit Plaza Sl | Intergral, single material container cap |
CN103826982A (en) * | 2011-08-12 | 2014-05-28 | 塔马利特市场发展有限公司 | Cap |
US9326916B2 (en) * | 2011-11-29 | 2016-05-03 | Bb Ipr Limited | Non-spill valve |
US20150020906A1 (en) * | 2011-11-29 | 2015-01-22 | Bb Ipr Limited | Non-spill valve |
US10538368B2 (en) * | 2011-12-15 | 2020-01-21 | Jrap, Inc. | Lids for beverage containers |
US20130233898A1 (en) * | 2011-12-15 | 2013-09-12 | Joshua Isaac Nielsen Resnikoff | Lids for beverage containers |
US20130214007A1 (en) * | 2012-02-10 | 2013-08-22 | Armond Simonian | Water bottle with check valve |
US10544028B2 (en) | 2013-12-30 | 2020-01-28 | Pernod Ricard Sa | Beverage dispensing container, apparatus, system and method |
GB2521886A (en) * | 2013-12-30 | 2015-07-08 | Pernod Ricard | Duckbill valve arrangement for a beverage dispensing container |
US10398241B2 (en) | 2014-01-29 | 2019-09-03 | Jackel International Limited | Valve assembly |
US20190210775A1 (en) * | 2014-06-24 | 2019-07-11 | Craig E. Brown | Universal Single Piece Venting Insert For Container |
US10252841B2 (en) * | 2014-10-20 | 2019-04-09 | Rieke Packaging Systems Limited | Dispensing closures and dispensers |
US20180148234A1 (en) * | 2014-10-20 | 2018-05-31 | Rieke Packaging Systems Limited | Dispensing closures and dispensers |
US10723527B2 (en) | 2014-10-20 | 2020-07-28 | Rieke Packaging Systems Limited | Dispensing closures and dispensers |
CN107873013A (en) * | 2015-05-28 | 2018-04-03 | 雷克包装系统有限公司 | Distribute closure member and distributor |
US10710772B2 (en) | 2016-03-16 | 2020-07-14 | Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co., Ltd. | Soft core bottle |
CN105708272A (en) * | 2016-03-16 | 2016-06-29 | 北京小米移动软件有限公司 | Soft-core water glass |
US20170297784A1 (en) * | 2016-04-15 | 2017-10-19 | Pandian Peng | New bottle cap |
USD901238S1 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2020-11-10 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Bite-actuated mouthpiece |
USD862985S1 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2019-10-15 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Beverage container |
US10358270B1 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2019-07-23 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Closure assemblies and drink containers including the same |
USD884419S1 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2020-05-19 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Beverage container closure |
USD876895S1 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2020-03-03 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Beverage container |
US11345523B2 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2022-05-31 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Bite-actuated mouthpieces and drink vessels including bite-actuated mouthpieces |
USD871836S1 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2020-01-07 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Bite-actuated mouthpiece |
USD893941S1 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2020-08-25 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Mouthpiece |
USD864658S1 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2019-10-29 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Beverage container closure |
US10532862B2 (en) | 2018-06-19 | 2020-01-14 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Closure assemblies with distinct dispensing modes and drink containers including the same |
USD881639S1 (en) | 2018-06-19 | 2020-04-21 | Camelbak Products, Llc | Beverage container closure |
WO2020055315A1 (en) * | 2018-09-10 | 2020-03-19 | Prima Holding Sverige AB | Lid for beverage bottle and use of a beverage bottle |
US11751585B1 (en) | 2022-05-13 | 2023-09-12 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Flavored beverage carbonation system |
US11738988B1 (en) | 2022-11-17 | 2023-08-29 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Ingredient container valve control |
US11745996B1 (en) | 2022-11-17 | 2023-09-05 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Ingredient containers for use with beverage dispensers |
US11871867B1 (en) | 2023-03-22 | 2024-01-16 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Additive container with bottom cover |
US11925287B1 (en) | 2023-03-22 | 2024-03-12 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Additive container with inlet tube |
US11931704B1 (en) | 2023-06-16 | 2024-03-19 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Carbonation chamber |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20050184075A1 (en) | One-piece soft spout valve assembly for a no-spill drinking cup | |
EP1841662B1 (en) | Leak resistant drinking cup | |
US6634384B2 (en) | One-way valve for use with vacuum pump | |
US10433665B2 (en) | Valve assembly for leak resistant straw cup | |
US6325236B1 (en) | Drinking device | |
KR101411054B1 (en) | Beverage container | |
EP1574155B1 (en) | Closure assembly for drinking vessel | |
AU2004278350B2 (en) | Flow control element for use with leak-proof cup assemblies | |
JP5041560B2 (en) | Lid for beverage containers to prevent liquid leakage | |
JP4116561B2 (en) | A cup assembly that has an aerated bottom and does not leak out. | |
US6880713B2 (en) | Flow control element with pinholes for spill-resistant beverage container | |
US20070051727A1 (en) | Beverage Container With Integral Flow Control Member Having Vent And Outlet Pinhole Membranes And Safety Button | |
JPH0323428B2 (en) | ||
AU2020254710A1 (en) | A lid for a container | |
CN210842543U (en) | Beverage cup with self-suction function | |
US7530469B2 (en) | Valve device having two membranes for a drinking container | |
US6609630B1 (en) | Leak-proof closure apparatus | |
WO2001097663A1 (en) | Spill proof closure and cup | |
US20040144435A1 (en) | Check valve | |
US11333262B2 (en) | Valve and associated methods | |
KR200374680Y1 (en) | Gas discharge device for airtightness vessel | |
KR200189559Y1 (en) | A stopple of a milk bottle | |
JP2004051124A (en) | Separation cap | |
JP2011093595A (en) | Spout cap and spout container |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: NIKO DESIGNS, LLC, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BELCASTRO, DOMENIC;REEL/FRAME:014898/0719 Effective date: 20040708 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |