Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
, .... . .. . . . ... ...y...n.-.-...n. . .._... . . . .,.,.. vv..:..... , _
... ......... . .. . . .. . .. . . . . .
CA 02341418 2006-05-08
No-Spill Drinking Cup Apparatus
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 liqnid 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.
In accordance with this invention apparatus for preventing spilling during
drinking comprises a valve having a closed position and an open position, the
valve
comprising a protruding member and a valve member, the valve member including
an
opening therein. The closed position is a configuration in which the
protruding
member extends through the opening in the valve member, to block passage of
liquid
I
.. . . . . .. .._ .. y .. ... . . . . . .. .. . . . . w._.y n,. a . _. . . ._
.... . . . . . .
CA 02341418 2006-05-08
through that opening. The valve is movable into an open position in which the
valve
member is pulled away from the protruding member, for passage of liquid
through the
opening. The valve moves from the closed position to the open position upon
application of negative pressure to the valve member.
In another embodiment a no-spill drinking apparatus comprises a valve
including
a sealing member and a flexible valve member, the sealing member comprising a
protruding member and a base, and the valve member having an opening therein.
The
valve has a closed position and an open position. At least a portion of the
sealing member
extends through the opening while the valve is in the closed position; the
valve member
resting closer to the base in the closed position than in the open position.
The protruding
member of the valve is fixed, and the valve member moves upon application of
negative
pressure to the valve member.
In another aspect the invention provides a no-spill drinking apparatus
comprising: a cap and a cup, the cap being removably attachable to and
detachable
from the cup, and the cap including a soft spout; a valve, the valve
comprising a
flexible material having an opening and further comprising a protruding
member, the
protruding member extending into the opening, and the valve having a resting
position and an open position wherein, in the resting position, liquid is
blocked from
passing through the opening and through the spout; a valve holder which holds
the
flexible material, the valve holder being attachable to the cap and separable
from the
cap; and an air vent. The apparatus is configured such that application of
negative
pressure through the spout causes the flexible material to move, with the
opening in
the flexible material moving along the protruding member toward the spout,
such that
liquid passes through the opening and out of the spout, and further such that
air
passes into the apparatus through the vent.
Therefore, the invention provides an improved cup construction and valve
assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid
flow from the
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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 begin to invert, or turn inside out, thereby unblocking an
opening such as an
orifice or slit in the valve. In the preferred embodiment, the application of
negative pressure
to the top of the valve causes an opening in a portion of the valve to move up
off of the base
of a protruding member extending through that opening. 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
opening pressed against the center seal-off, thereby sealing off the opening,
slit or orifice 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. In the
preferred
embodiment, the protruding member extends through the opening in a male to
female
relationship such that the orifice sits tightly on the protruding member
against the protruding
member's bottom portion and the center seal-off or sealing member's base.
In one embodiment, a dual valve device is provided having an adjacent valve
which
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.
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In each of the embodiments of the invention, the closed valve 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
Figure 1(a) is an exploded front view of a no-spill cup assembly in accordance
with the
present invention. Figure 1(b) is an exploded perspective view of the no-spill
cup assembly
of Figure 1(a).
Figure 2(a) is an exploded front view of a second embodiment of a no-spill cup
assembly in accordance with the present invention. Figure 1(b) is an exploded
perspective
view of the no-spill cup assembly of Figure 2(a).
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Figure 3 is a perspective view of the valve assembly of the present invention.
Figure 4 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of the valve
assembly
of the no-spill cup, in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 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. Figure 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 Figure 5(a).
Figure 6 (a) - (e) are a series of additional views of the valve holder or
assembly of
Figure 3. Figure 6(a) is a top view of the valve holder. Figure 6(b) is a
front view of the valve
holder. Figure 6(c) is a side view of the valve holder. Figure 6(d) is a cross-
sectional view of
the valve holder wherein the valve is in a relaxed state, sealing off fluid
flow. Figure 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.
Figure 7 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of the valve
assembly
of the no-spill cup, in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 8 (a) - (e) are a series of additional views of a further embodiment of
the valve
assembly shown in Figure 6. Figure 8(a) is a top view of the valve holder or
assembly. Figure
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8(b) is a front view of the valve holder. Figure 8(c) is a side view of the
valve holder. Figure
8(d) is a cross-sectional view of the valve holder wherein the valve is in a
relaxed state, sealing
off fluid flow. Figure 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.
Figure 9 (a) - (e) are a series of additional views of another embodiment of
the valve
assembly shown in Figure 8. Figure 9(a) is a top view of the valve holder or
assembly. Figure
9(b) is a front view of the valve holder. Figure 9(c) is a side view of the
valve holder. Figure
9(d) is a cross-sectional view of the valve holder wherein the valve is in a
relaxed state, sealing
off fluid flow. Figure 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.
Figure 10 is a side view of a no-spill cup with a soft gripping area, in
accordance with
the present invention.
Figure 11(a) - (c) are a series of additional views of another embodiment of
the cap of
the present invention. Figure 11(a) is a partial sectional view of a cap with
an insert molded
or glued in gasket, in accordance with the invention. Figure 11(b) is a side
sectional view of
the cap of Figure 11(a). Figure 11(c)-is a top sectional view of the cap of
Figure 11(b).
Figure 12 (a) - (c) are a series of additional views of another embodiment of
the cap of
the present invention. Figure 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. Figure
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12(b) is a side sectional view of the cap of Figure 12(a). Figure 12(c) is a
top sectional view of
the cap of Figure 12(b).
Figure 13 is a side sectional view of a cap having a soft spout, in accordance
with a
further embodiment of the invention.
Figure 14 is a side sectional view of a cap having a reduced volume spout, in
accordance
with a further embodiment of the invention.
Figures 15(a) -(f) are a series of additional views of a preferred embodiment
of the
present invention in which the center stop has been modified, and the opening
in the valve
is an approximately circular orifice or hole.
Figure 15 (a) is a top view of the valve holder, holding the modified valve,
in accordance
with the invention.
Figure 15(b) is a cross sectional view of the valve holder of Figure 15(a)
showing the
modified valves therein, including a modified center stop having a protruding
member. The
valve includes an approximately circular opening in the valve that is blocked
by the
protruding member, which extends therethrough.
Figure 15(c) is a side view of the valve holder of Figure 15(a).
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Figure 15(d) is an end view of the valve holder of Figure 15(a).
Figure 15(e) is a cross sectional view of the valve within the valve holder of
Figure
15(a), showing the fast flow valve, in accordance with the embodiment of the
invention in
which the center stop has been modified to include a protruding member
extending
therefrom.
Figure 15 (f) is a cross sectional view of the valve within the valve holder
of Figure
15(a), showing the slow flow valve, in accordance with the embodiment of the
invention in
which the center stop has been modified to include a protruding member
extending
therefrom.
Figures 16(a)-(d) are a series of views of one of the valve holder subunits of
the valve
holder shown in Figures 15 (a) -(f). Figure 16(a) is a top view of the valve
holder subunit, for
attachment to a cap of a no spill cup. Figure 16(b) is a cross sectional view
of the valve holder
subunit of Figure 16(a). Figure 16(c) is a side view of the valve holder
subunit shown in Figure
16(a). Figure 16(d) is a perspective view of the valve holder subunit.
Figures 17(a)-(d) are a series of views of the valve, in accordance with the
preferred
embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 15(a) -(f), and Figures 16(a)-
(d). Figure 17(a)
is a top view of the valve, for placement within a valve holder subunit, as
shown in Figures
16(a)-(d) and/or placement in a valve holder, as shown in Figures 15 (a) -(f).
Figure 17(b) is
a cross sectional view of the valve of Figure 17(a). Figure 17(c) is a side
view of the valve
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shown in Figure 17(a). Figure 17(d) is an exploded view of a portion of the
valve shown in
Figure 17(b).
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. Figures
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 Figure 1. Alternatively, a 9 oz. drinking cup, as shown in Figure
2, a 6'fi 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 Figure 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
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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.
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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 Figure 2. In an alternative embodiment, a snap-
on cap is
used, as shown in Figure 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 Figures 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 Figures 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 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.
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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 6~fi 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
Figure 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
Figure 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 Figure 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
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the underside of the cap. Valve assembly carrier or tapered hole 181eads 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 Figures 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
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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.
Figure 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
or orifice for the passage of liquid. The slit or orifice is preferably
through the center portion
of the valve, and is dimensioned to allow a predeterrnined 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(b), respectively. Taking subunit 37 as an
example of the
function of each subunit, as shown in Figure 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
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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 Figures
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 Figure 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 Figures 5, 6, 8 and 9, upon closing a subunit (e.g. subunit 37 in
Figure 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,
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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 member or blocking element of the valve
assembly which seals off and blocks the flow of fluid through the valve. In
one embodiment,
center stop 52 consists of a solid substantially flat central area or portion
56 which is
impenetrable to the flow of liquid therethrough. In a further, preferred,
embodiment, center
stop or seal off 101 is provided with a protruding member 108 extending off of
the base of the
center seal off, as shown in Figure 15.
Surrounding the central area or portion 56, a peripheral area or region 58 can
be
provided having open areas such as slots or so forth, for allowing the passage
of liquid
therethrough, as shown, for example in Figure 8(a). Central area 56 or center
stop 52 can
further include stems 74. As shown in Figure 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 Figure 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. In an
alternate embodiment,
the orifice can sit firmly against and upon a protruding member 108, as shown
in Figure 15.
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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. In one embodiment, 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 Figure 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 one 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.
In a first embodiment, 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
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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 further embodiment, the valve assembly is 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 Figure 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 or
orifice in the valve.
In the resting position, no liquid will spill from or emerge out of the cup.
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Further embodiments of the valve holder and assembly are shown in Figures 4,7-
9 and
15-17. As shown in Figure 4, instead of the valve retainer shown in Figure 3,
a detachable
snap fit valve retainer 81 can alternatively be provided. Or, as shown in
Figure 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 orifice or
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 or larger orifice 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 or sizes
may, of course, be used as well in accordance with the invention.
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By varying the size andlor 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 Figure 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
orifice 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 (1800), 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 (including
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any form of 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 Figure
7.
In another preferred embodiment, the opening is a "T" shaped slot 76, as also
shown in Figure
7. Use of the X-shaped slot 78 shown in Figure 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 7mm opening (the length from end to end of each crossbar of the
"X") can be
used for the fast side, and a 6mm opening for the slow side.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the valve includes a valve member
126 and
a center stop or seal off with a protruding member. The preferred
configurations and
dimensions for the valve are shown in Figures 15-17.
As shown in Figure 17(a), valve member 126 includes an opening such as orifice
or
hole 118, and is preferably a membrane or flexible portion of material. The
valve member
and, likewise the protruding member, can each be made of a suitable flexible
or plastic
material, such as silicone, kraton, latex or ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-
Styrene).
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Valve member 126 is preferably encapsulated within an valve assembly subunit
114,
116 or 130, the valve assembly subunit being shown in Figures 15(a) and 16.
Valve assembly
subunit 130 is provided with openings therethrough, for passage of liquid
through one side
of the subunit, then through the valve, when the valve is in the open
position, and then
through the other side of the subunit, allowing a user to drink when negative
pressure or
suction is applied to the valve. The valve subunit or another suitable anti-
inversion member
or flow bridge placed in proximity to the valve member can further serve to
block excessive
inversion of the valve member. In accordance with this embodiment, the side of
the valve
subunit or the anti-inversion member is placed at a sufficiently close
distance to the valve
member such that upon the application of negative pressure or suction to the
valve member,
the valve member will hit the side of the subunit before fully inverting.
In the preferred embodiment, center stop or sealing member 101 is provided
with a
protruding member 108 which extends off of a base 104, as shown in Figure
15(b) and Figures
15(e) -(f}. Protruding member 108 is a male sealing or protruding member,
which in the
closed valve state extends through orifice 118. Preferably, a circular or
approximately circular
orifice is used, although any shaped orifice can be used consistent with the
invention.
Further preferably, male sealing or protruding member 108 is a post or pin,
such as a
frustoconical or conical post, or a finger-like shaped member. Male sealing or
protruding
member 108 extends off of the base 104 as a protrusion or projection toward
the orifice 118.
Preferably, sealing or protruding member 108 is tapered. Specifically, in the
preferred
embodiment, the protruding member 108 has a greater diameter at its bottom
portion (near
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the base 104 of the center seal-off), than its diameter at the top. In the
preferred embodiment,
base 104 is subtantially flat.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, protruding
member
108 is provided opposite female orifice 118, with the protruding member 108
and the orifice
118 in the center seal off forming a male to female mating relationship. In
the relaxed state,
with no negative pressure applied, center, _ seal off 101 presses against
orifice 118, with
protruding member 108 tightly extending through the orifice and forming a seal
against the
flow of fluid through the valve. Due to the mating between the sealing member
and the
orifice, and due to the tapering of the sealing member with the larger
diameter provided at the
protruding member's base, the orifice sits snugly against the wider diameter
bottom portion
of protruding member 108 to form a very tight seal against fluid flow. In
addition, in the
preferred embodiment, the protruding member 108 extends past the orifice 118,
i.e., in the
closed valve state, the top of the protruding or sealing member 108 extends
both through and
past the orifice 118, to further ensure a tight barrier against fluid flow
through the valve and
to prevent the orifice from overtravelling and moving off of the protruding
member. In
accordance with the invention, even if the cup with the valve is shaken
vigorously no fluid
flows therethrough. In fact, shaking the cup can further wedge the protruding
member 108
into the orifice 118, further tightening the seal between the protruding
member and the edges
of the orifice.
In this preferred embodiment, when the child or user tilts back the cup to
drink
therefrom and sucks at the top of the valve, the negative pressure he or she
is applying to the
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top of the valve will open the valve by pulling the valve member containing
the opening up
and off of the valve and away from the protruding member. Accordingly, with
the opening
or orifice pulled off of the protruding member, the opening or orifice is
unblocked and liquid
can flow through the opening into the user's mouth.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, a variable flow
valve
is provided, such that the harder the user sucks on the spout the greater the
flow of liquid that
comes out through the valve. Since the valve member preferably rests on a
tapered protruding
member, such as cone or frusto-conical member, the higher the negative
pressure on the top
of the valve member, i.e. the more the user sucks on the spout, the more the
valve member
is pulled off of the cone. As the valve member is further pulled off the base
of the protruding
member 108 and up its height (e.g. up the height of a cone), the opening or
orifice in the valve
member becomes progressively less blocked by the tapered protruding member
108, revealing
a progressively greater cross-sectional area for fluid to flow therethrough.
Further in accordance with the embodiments shown in Figures 15-17, the
application
of negative pressure to the top of the valve causes the valve to partially
invert, raising the valve
off of the protruding member, but preferably not inverting totally. As the
valve begins to
invert, the orifice is raised off of the protruding member, partially
unblocking the orifice,
which results in fluid flow therethrough as disclosed above.
In the preferred embodiment, the orifice in valve member 124 is circular and
approximately 3/32 of an inch in diameter for the slow valve side +/- 1/16 of
an inch, and
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is approximately 1/8 of an inch in diameter for the fast flow valve, also +/-
1/16 of an inch.
Preferably, the protruding member is provided with a diameter of slightly over
an 1/8' at its
base, and a diameter of approximately 1/16 of an inch at its top on the fast
flow valve, and a
diameter of over 3/32 of an inch at its base and approximately 1/32 of an inch
at its top on
the slower flow valve. The opening or hole in the valve member 124 is also
preferably
radiused on the face, as shown in Figures 17(b) and in the detailed, enlarged
view of the orifice
in Figure 17(d), to enable the valve member 124 to more easily move up and
down the
protruding member, and so that it does not stick on the protruding member
during operation.
In the preferred embodiment, the radius is 0.0100 inches.
In one embodiment, the valve is part of one or more subunits 114 and/or 116 of
a valve
assembly 120 for attachment to a no-spill drinking cup, or the cap thereof. In
an alternative
embodiment of the invention, the valve is an integral part of the cap or cover
of the drinking
cup. In a preferred version of this embodiment, the valve holder is molded to
the cup cap or
cover, or or the cover is molded with the valve inserted therein. In a further
preferred version
of this embodiment, only a single valve is used, this valve having a
protruding member with
an approximately seven (7) degree taper.
In one embodiment of the invention, two valves are provided, one on each side
of the
lid or cap of the cup. In this embodiment, the protruding member on the fast
flow side has
a taper of approximately seven (7) degrees, and the protruding member on the
slow flow side
has a taper of approximately nine (9) degrees. In a further preferred
embodiment of the
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invention, a single valve is used, this valve having a protruding member with
an
approximately seven (7) degree taper.
In the various embodiments of the invention, 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 Figures 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
Figures 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.
26
