Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
2139868
WO 94/01026 PCr/DK93/00238
A DRINKING CUP
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a drinking mug comprising a cup, a
lid and at least one suction tube. Such drinking mugs,
which are arranged to prevent spillage, are for example
used for small children, the handicapped and hospital
patients.
In addition to the mug being able to avoid the spillage of
liquids, for example if it is tipped over, it is desirable
for the mug to be of low weight, easy to use, easy to clean
and able to be produced at low cost~
A mug of the kind described above is disclosed in US Patent
~o. 2,914,214, where the suction tube is secured to the
lid, in that the mouth of the suction tube is found at the
lid or over the lid outside the mug~ On the lid there are
~wo diametrically arrange~ mouthpieces each with a suction
tube. ~he suction tubes extend right ~wn towards the
bottom, but are hereafter extended in an arc upwards
towards the lid, in that the inlet to the suction tubes ;
turns towards the lid or towards a space between two
concentric walls in the cup. Although this mug is intended
to prevent spillage, the li~uid which stands in the
lowermost tube will run out because the uppermost tube
functions as an air valve. A second and more significant
disadvantage is that the tubes must be long and curved in
order to be able to function as intended. This means a
relatively complicated construction which is expensive to
produce. Moreover, if disposable suction tubes are not
used, the suction tubes will be difficult to clean which
will result in bacterial growth, which is unacceptable in
connection with the use of the mug by small children.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET
WO 94/01026 PCI`/DK93/0023~
2~39868
EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION
The special feature of the invention is that the suction
tube is substantially $traight between its outlet and its
inlet inside the mug, said inlet inside the mug being
situated at a relatively short distance above the bottom,
and that the mug is configured with substantially gastight
joints, so that the flow of air to and from the interior of
the mug is effected exclusively or almost exclusively
through the suction tube. That the flow of air can take
place almost exclusively through the suction tube is to be
construed in the way that there can be leaks in the joints
which, however, are so small that they have no influence on
the p~operties of the mug according to the invention. For
example, the leak of air to the interior of the mug is so ~ -
small that it takes se~eral mi~utes before this gives rise
to the flow of liquid out through the suction tube when the
mug is not standing in its.normal upright position.
Since the suction tube is the only way in which the
surrounding air can gain ingress to the inside of the mug,
a partial vacuum will be creatPd above the liquid in the
mug when the liquid influenced by gravity seek~ a way out
through the suction tube, which happens fQr example when
the mug is lying on its side or is turned upside down (the
mouth of the suction tube is turned downwards). This
underpressure~will prevent the liquid from running out of
the suction tube. Furthermore, the negative pressure which
is formed above the surface of the liquid due to the
suction of liquid when a person is drinking, will empty the
suction tube of liquid. Because of the length of the
suction tube, the liquid will be able to find its way some
distance up through the suction tube, but without being
able to flow out, whereby sufficient underpressure is
formed above the surface of the liquid to prevent spillage.
2139868
WO94/01026 PCT/DK93/0023
If the mug is turned upside down so that the first mouth of
the tube faces downwards, the tube's second mouth will as a
rule be free of liquid. Compared to the known technique,
the mug according to the invention can be built up in a
simple manner with low costs of production, and use can be
made of disposable suction tubes or re-usable suction tubes
which are easy to clean.
Furthermore, because of the underpressure which is created
during use of the mug, it is easier for the parson drinking
to control the amount which is sucked up. This is of
special significance for small children, who when using
known mugs or cups can get the milk down the wrong way,
which can result in coughing and spillage of milk.
1~
In a preferred embodiment, a sealing ring is used to create
a high degree of airtightness in the joint between the mug`~
and the lid.
,
20 In a second embodiment of the invention, the mug is
configured with a running fit in the form of relatively
smooth surfaces which c nstitute mutually abutting parts in
the joint between mug and lid. Such a joint can provide
sufficient airtightness without any great frictional forces
25 arising when the lid is turned or lifted ~from the mug.
To further prevent the spillage of liquid, the bottom of
the mug can have at least one recess which, in the positionG
of use, is located opposite the inlet to the suction tube,
30 so that the inlet is down in the recess. When the bottom of
the mug is turned upwards, a pocket is formed above the
inlet of the suction tube, which is hereby protected
against the ingress of liquid, especially if the mug is
shaken. The liquid will then hit the bottom besides the ~-
35 recess, and possible risk of liquid spillage is further -~
reduced since liquid will not gain ingress to the suction `
WO~4/01026 PCT/DK93/0023g
2l3ga68
tube.
In a simple-to-produce configuration`~of the invention, the
recess is an~ular and disposed symmètrically in the bottom.
This embodiment will be preferred if, for example, a screw
lid is used, where the suction tube can assume different
positions above the bottom and along the side of the
bottom.
It is moreover preferred that the lid can be secured on the
mug by means of two or more bayonet locks, hereby enabling
a secure connection to be achieved between the lid and the
mug.
In order to ensure fixed positions of the lid in relation
to the mug, while at the same time marking the position of
the lid in the closed position, it is preferred that the
bayonet locks are arranged with lateral pins which extend
towards each other from the wall of the muy, and where in
the lid there are cutouts which are configured in such a
manner that by a mutual turning of the lid and mug they
will cooperate with the pins so that the pins influence a
flexible portion at the cutouts until the pins have passed
a top point on the portions where the pins assume a locking
position in relation to the cutouts, and rom which locking
position no further turning can be ~ffected in the same
direction, and where turning in the opposite direction can
be effected qnly byjovercoming a force which is caused by
the passage of the top point by the pins in the opposite
direction. When the lid and herewith the bayonet locks are
turned towards the locking position for the pins, it will
be possible to feel when the top point on the flexible
portions has been past.
- 35 In a further embodiment of the mug according to the
invention, the lid constitutes the bottom of the mug, and
WO94/01026 2 1 3 9 8 6 8 PCT/DK93/00~38
the cup is configured with a closed upper side except for
the mouth of the suction tube which is located at or in the
cup's upper side. With this construction, when tha mug is
to be filled the bottom is turned upwards, the lid is
removed and the liquid is pour~d in. The inlet of the
suction tube faces upwards during the filling. The mug can
be filled up to the inlet which, at the connection to the
mouth on the downwardly-turning upper side, constitutes the
only outlet for the liquid. The advantage is that when the
lid, i.e. in this case the bottom, is put on, the
overpressure which will normally arise can be equalized
through the suction tube without any spillage of liquid as
the surface of the liquid lies below the mouth.
If the lid constitutes the bottom of the mug, it is also
advantageous for the suction tube to be configured as a
channel which extends mainly in a thickened part of the
side of the cup. A simplified embodiment of the mug is
hereby achieved, in that the suction tube is integrated in
the wall of the m~g, and the only disengageable joint
required to be made airtight is the joint between the
bottom and the cup.
2~ THE DRAWING
Embodiments of the invention will now be described in more
detail with reference to the drawing, where
fig. l shows a preferred embodiment of the drinking mug
according to the invention seen in perspective from above
and in partly dismantled condition,
fiy. 2 shows a vertical section through the drinking mug in ~:
assembled condition,
W094/01026 PCT/DK93/0023X
3 g8 68 6
fig. ~a and 2b show two enlarged details in fig. 2,
fig. 3 shsws a second embodiment for the bottom of the
drinking mug seen from above,
fig. 4 shows a third ambodiment for the bottom seen in
section on the line IV-IV in fig~ 3,
fig. 5 shows a second embodime~t of the joint between the
lid and the mug,
fig. 6 shows a third embodiment of the joint between the
lid and the mug,
fig. 7 shows a second embodiment of the drinking mug
according to the invention, seen in section, and
fig. 8 shows a section on the line VIII-VIII in fig. 7.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
A drinking mug for children, handicapped or hospital
patients who are unable to use open cups, glasses or mugs,
comprises a cup l, a lid 3 and a suction tube 5. It is
preferred that ~he parts l and 3 are made of synthetic
material, e.g. by injection moulding, while the suction
tube 5 can be made of a synthetic material or a cellulose-
containing material. In its preferred embodiment, the cup
l, which is described in the following, is provided
externally.with two mutually opposite handles 7~ Along the
edge 9 of the cup and at a short distance from the edge 9
there are four pins ll which are arranged at mutually equal
distances. It is preferred that the pins ll are
cylindrical.
-- 2139868
WO94/01026 PCT/DK93/00238
The lid 3 is configured with an arcuate upper side 13 .in
which there is a assymmetrically-disposed mouthpiece in the
form of a drinking spout 15 which extends upwards as a
projection along edge 17. The spout 15 is provided with a ~;
single, through-going channel 19, although several channels
can be envisaged. The channel 19 opens out on the inner -
side of the lid through a pipe stub, and here the suction
tube 5 is secured. Use can be made of both disposable and
permanent suction tubes 5, which are ~nserted in the spout
21. Permanent suction tubes 5, as shown in fig. 2, can be
removed for cleaning and have such a large wall thickness
that a collar 23 or a shoulder can be provided which serves
as an abutment against the end of the spout 21. When using
disposable suction tubes, which can have thinner walls, the
suction tube 5 can abut against a collar inside the spout
21.
The edge 17 is provided with a laterally-extending collar
25. An annular edge 27 extends down under the collar 25,
and the edge has a groove in which there is mounted a
sealing ring 29 in the f-rm of an O-ring of rubber or ~
another elastomer material. It is hereby ensured that the ~-
joint between the lid 3 and the cup 1 is airtight.
.
With other embodiments, the seal can be effected by hard or
soft jointing material, and it is possible for the seal to
be vulcanized, glued or welded firmly to the lid or the
cup,iand these arrangements can possibly be combined with
the seal lying on an upwardly-facing or downwardly-facing
30 flange in the cup or in the lid, all of which arrangements ~-
fall within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the
seal can lie loose or be configured as a belt on a
cylindrical surface in the joint.
The edge 27 is provided with four cutouts which are
indicated in general by the reference number 30, and which
,.
';
WO94/01026 PCT/DK93~00238
2 ~3 9~ 6~ 8
together with the pins 11 function as bayonet locks in the
fastening of the lid 3 on the cup 1. At each cutout there
is a narrow slot 31 which allows the adjacent, projecting
portion 33 to exercise flexing movements in the directions
as shown by the arrow 35. The cutouts 30 are configured in
such a manner that the lid is first led downwards so that
the pins 11 pass an opening 37 in the edge 27. Hereafter,
the lid 3 must be turned~, whereby the pins 11 force the lid
3 downwards when the pins 11 slide along the parallel and
slightly inclined section 39 and 41 in the edge 27 and the
portion 33 respectively. The sealing ring 29 is thus forced
into engagement with the inside of the cup. The l:Ld 3 finds
its locked position, as shown in fig. 2b, when the pins ll
have passed a small upwardly-extending projection or top
point 43, after which the portion 33, because of its
flexible configuration, prevents any accidental movements
away from the locked position. Upon p~ssage of the top
point 43, there is at the same time achieved a registration
which can be felt during the manual turning of the lid 3.
When the lid 3 is to be removed, it is necessary to
overcome a resistance upon pass~ge of the top point 43, and
upon influence by the section 39 on the pins ll, the
sealing ring 29 is pushed out of engagement with the inside
of the cup. The bayonet locks ensure that the spout l5
assumes the same position in relation to the cup every
time, and at the same time it is ensured that the seal 29
is in airtight engagement.
,
With the preferred embodiment, four bayonet locks are
employed, but another number of locks can be envisaged, in
particular two locks whereby the the lid 3 can be secured
only in two different positions in relation to the cup 1,
which can be of significance for the position of the spout
15 in relation to the handles 7.
Other configurations of the seal between the lid 3 and the
"-: :-,-, - . - . : .
213986~
WO94/01026 PCT/DK93/00238
g ; .
cup 1 are possible. A second embodiment is seen in figs. 5
and 6, where mutually abutting, smooth surfaces 45 are
provided on both the lid 3 and the cup l. In fig. 5 the
surfaces 45 are conical, while in fig. 6 they 45 are
horizontal. A proper sealing in the joint can also be
obtained by a suitable choice of material.
With the embodiments described above, use is shown of
bayonet locks, but the drinking mug according to the
invention can naturally also be configured with threaded
connections or snap-locks between the lid and the cup, or
the joint between the lid and the cup can simply ble an
interference fit.
In the preferred embodiment, the bottom 47 of the cup is
plane, and as shown in fig. 2 the suction tube 5 opens out ~-
at a relatively short distance over the bottom 47, so that `~
the last remaining li~uid can also be sucked up.
20 In a second embodiment, the bottom is provided with one or ~-
two recesses 49, as shown in figs. 3 and 4. As indicated by
the stippled line in $ig. 3, the recess can be annular so
that the position of the suction tube is arbitrary. The
suction tube 5 extends a short way down into the recess 49,
which hereby creates a pocket where the liquid has
difficulty in gaining ingress to the suction tube if the
-mug is turned upside down.
In other embodiments within the scope of the invention, the
lid 3 or the cup l, or the joint between lid 3 and cup 1 is
provided with a not-shown, common~y-known air valve for the
equalization of the overpressure on the inside of the
drinking mug, which can arise particularly when the lid 3
is being put on the cup, and which will tend to press
liquid out through the suction tube 5.
WO94/~l026 PCT/DKg3/0023~
2~-3g~\6~J 10
Moreover, the possibility exists of configuring the suction
tube with a valve which opens for the through-flow of
liquid when a person is sucking up liquid, bu~ which closes
~when no suction is applied, and where the closing function
is reinforced by the negative pressure created inside the
mug. Drops of liquid in the suction tube are hereby
prevented from running out when the bottom o the mug is
turned upwards.
Furthermore, the joint between the suction tube 5 and the
lid 3 can be configured in different ways. The lid 3 and
the tube 5 can have threads, and the drinking spout can be
configured in one piece with the suction tube, in that the
drinking spout can then be removed from the lid for
cleaning together with the suction tube. The lid, drinking
spout and suction tube can be made in one piece, e.g. by ~-
the suction tube being welded or glued to the lid or the
drinking spout. Moreover, the suction tube can be through-
going in the lid, in that a seal is provided between the
lid and the suction tube. The suction tube can have an
angle in relation to the bottom 47, and the drinking spout
and the suction tube's external opening can be disposed in
the centre of the lid instead of near the edge 17, as
described above.
A second embodiment of the mug according to the invention
is shown in figs. 7 and 8. The cup 50 is configured with an
upper side 51 which is in one piece with the cylindrical
side wall 52. At the wall 52 there is provided a thickening
53 which has a through-going channel S4. The channel 54
extends from its mouth 55 in the drinking spout 15 on the
upper side 51 to an inlet 56 near the bottom 57, which as
shown is slightly conical so that the liquid will run out
towards the edge where the inlet 56 is found. The bottom 57
is configured as a screw lid with thread 58, and has a
tight joint 59 which is effected by the mutually abutting
2139868
WO94~01026 - PCT/DK93/0023X
11
surfaces having a fine fit. When the bottom 57, which
functions as the lid, is taken off, the cup S0 with the
upper side 51 facing downwards can be filled up to the
inlet 56, and the bottom 57 is screwed on. The possible
sl~rplus air which stands over the surface of the li~uid in
the cup S0 will be able to escape through the channel 54
when the bottom 57 is being screwed on, and overpressure is
hereby avoided. Hereafter, the mug can be turned over into
its normal position shown in fig. 7. Due to the airtight
and liguid-tight joint 59, the same advantages are achieved
as with the remaining embodiments described above~ Since
the suction tube is configured as an integrated channel 54,
the configuration of the mug is simplified.
The embodiment shown in figs. 7 and 8 can be varied in
different ways, particularly by combLnation with the
embodiments previously described, e.g. by having a separate
suction tube which can be disposable instead o a channel
54. Moreover, the channel 54 can be extended as a short
stub in the vicinity of the bottom 57, e.g. so that the
inlet 56 can extend down into a recess in the bottom 57.
., , .. .-, .. :. .
