Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02761952 2011-11-14
WO 2010/135619 PCT/US2010/035719
LEAK RESISTANT DRINKING CUP AND
DIAPHRAGM THEREFOR
BACKGROUND
[0001] This invention relates generally to leak resistant drinking cups
and more particularly to a leak resistant drinking cup having a diaphragm that
is
moveable between a sealed position and an unsealed position.
[0002] Leak resistant drinking cups are often adapted for use by
young children (e.g., infants, toddlers, preschoolers). These types of
drinking cups
are configured so that when they are turned over, liquid inside the cup is
prevented
from spilling out of the cup by a valve or valve assembly. Usually, the cup
includes a
container with an open top for receiving and holding liquids therein and a
relatively
rigid cover for closing the open top of the container. A spout is typically
formed as
one-piece with the rigid cover for allowing a child to drink from the cup. The
cover
can be releasably attached (e.g., snapped or screwed on) to the container.
[0003] The valve or valve assembly is typically disposed between the
cover and the container and can be moved from a closed, sealing position to an
opened, unsealing position to allow liquid to pass out of the cup for
drinking. Most
commonly, the valve is actuated by a vacuum pressure applied by the user to
the
interior of the cup by sucking on the spout. The applied vacuum pressure
causes the
valve to move or otherwise deform in such a way (i.e., move toward the spout)
that a
path past the valve is exposed so liquid can flow out of the cup. It is
possible that the
valve might be actuated in other ways, such as a purely mechanical actuation,
but for
young children vacuum pressure actuation is most preferable because the only
time
the valve is open is when the child is in the act of taking a drink.
[0004] Vacuum pressure actuated drinking cups of the type just
described have certain problems generally associated with balancing the need
to
assure positive sealing with the need to make the cup easy to use for the
child. A
strong seal by the valve requires a relatively large vacuum to open, making it
hard for
-1-
CA 02761952 2011-11-14
WO 2010/135619 PCT/US2010/035719
the child to use. A valve having a seal that requires a lower vacuum pressure
to open
may not seal tightly enough to prevent at least some liquid flowing past it,
especially
when dropped, swung, shaken, or impacted. Thus, valves having low vacuum
pressure actuated seals are typically prone to leak.
[0005] Frequently, conventional valves are relatively small and
located under the spout. These types of valves often require a substantial
vacuum
pressure to actuate because the pressure acts on only a relatively small area
of the
valve. In other words, children will have to suck with significant effort to
get the
valve to open and obtain a drink, which makes the cup less desirable to the
child.
[0006] In one conventional configuration, the valve or valve
assembly can be permanently attached to the cover. During normal use of the
cup, the
valve or valve assembly will become fouled with liquid and particulates in the
liquid.
Although cleaning is possible, it is very difficult to clean the entire
valve/valve
assembly or the entire cover. Disassembly of the valve/valve assembly from the
cover in this type of configuration would result in destruction of the
valve/valve
assembly or cover. As a result, it is difficult for caregivers to provide the
child with a
drinking cup that has a clean valve/valve assembly and cover in repeated uses
of these
types of drinking cups.
[0007] In another conventional configuration, the valve or valve
assembly can be disassembled from the cover for cleaning. Even with the
capability
of being disassembled for cleaning, some known valves and valves assemblies
are
still prone to fouling. Some valves and valve assemblies are difficult to
detach and
reassemble as they require precise alignment or orientation. Moreover, small
valves
or pieces of a valve assembly may be easily lost or pose a danger to the child
if the
cup becomes disassembled.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0008] In one aspect, a leak resistant drinking cup generally
comprises a container for receiving and holding a quantity of liquid for
drinking. The
container has an open top. A lid assembly is adapted for removable attachment
to the
-2-
CA 02761952 2011-11-14
WO 2010/135619 PCT/US2010/035719
container for selectively closing the open top. The lid assembly comprises a
liquid
discharge member for allowing liquid in the container to exit the cup during
drinking.
A closure member is adapted for placement adjacent the open top of the
container
when the lid assembly is attached to the container. A flexible diaphragm is
moveable
between a sealed position in which the diaphragm blocks the flow of liquid
from the
container to the liquid discharge member, and an unsealed position in which
liquid is
permitted to flow from the container to the liquid discharge member. The
diaphragm
is moveable from the sealed position to the unsealed portion by a vacuum being
applied to the diaphragm by a user sucking on the liquid discharge member. The
vacuum causes the diaphragm to flex toward the container and at least in part
away
from the closure member and thereby move the diaphragm from the sealed
position to
the unsealed position.
[0009] In another aspect, a leak resistant drinking cup generally
comprises a container for receiving and holding a quantity of liquid for
drinking. The
container has an open top. A lid assembly is adapted for removable attachment
to the
container for selectively closing the open top. The lid assembly comprises a
liquid
discharge member for allowing liquid in the container to exit the cup during
drinking.
A closure member is adapted for placement adjacent the open top of the
container
when the lid assembly is attached to the container. A flexible diaphragm is
moveable
between a sealed position in which the diaphragm blocks the flow of liquid
from the
container to the liquid discharge member, and an unsealed position in which
liquid is
permitted to flow from the container to the liquid discharge member. The
diaphragm
is moved toward its sealed position by pressure within the container.
[0010] In yet another aspect, a diaphragm for a leak resistant
drinking cup. The cup has a container for holding liquid and a lid assembly
selectively attachable to the container. The diaphragm generally comprises a
liquid
discharge member and a sealing member adapted for movement between a sealed
position in which the sealing member blocks the flow of liquid from the
container to
the liquid discharge member, and an unsealed position in which liquid is
permitted to
flow from the container to the liquid discharge member. The liquid discharge
member and the sealing member are formed as one-piece.
-3-
CA 02761952 2011-11-14
WO 2010/135619 PCT/US2010/035719
[0011] Yet another aspect is generally directed to a leak resistant
drinking cup generally comprising a container for holding liquid and a lid
assembly
selectively attachable to the container. The lid assembly comprises a
diaphragm
having a spout and a sealing member adapted for movement between a sealed
position
in which the sealing member blocks the flow of liquid from the container to
the spout,
and an unsealed position in which liquid is permitted to flow from the
container to the
spout. The spout and sealing member are formed as one-piece.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective of one embodiment of a leak
resistant drinking cup.
[0013] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective of the cup.
[0014] Figure 3 is a side elevation of the cup with a lid removed
therefrom.
[0015] Figure 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary vertical cross-section of
the cup illustrating a diaphragm thereof in a sealed position.
[0016] Figure 4A is an enlargement of the encircled portion of Figure
4.
[0017] Figure 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary vertical cross-section of
the cup illustrating a portion of the diaphragm being deflected downward but
still in
its sealed position.
[0018] Figure 5A is an enlargement of the encircled portion of Figure
5.
[0019] Figure 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary vertical cross-section
similar to Figure 4 but illustrating the diaphragm in an unsealed position.
[0020] Figure 6A is an enlargement of the encircled portion of Figure
6.
-4-
CA 02761952 2011-11-14
WO 2010/135619 PCT/US2010/035719
[0021] Figure 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary vertical cross-section of
the cup illustrating a diaphragm thereof returned to the sealed position from
the
unsealed position and a portion deflected downward.
[0022] Figure 7A is an enlargement of the encircled portion of Figure
7.
[0023] Figure 8 is a perspective of a cover of the cup.
[0024] Figure 9 is a side elevation of the cover.
[0025] Figure 10 is a top plan of the cover.
[0026] Figure 11 is a bottom plan of the cover.
[0027] Figure 12 is a perspective of the diaphragm.
[0028] Figure 13 is a side elevation of the diaphragm.
[0029] Figure 14 is a top plan of the diaphragm.
[0030] Figure 15 is a bottom plan of the diaphragm.
[0031] Figure 16 is a perspective of a closure member.
[0032] Figure 17 is a side elevation of the closure member.
[0033] Figure 18 is a top plan of the closure member.
[0034] Figure 19 is a bottom plan of the closure member.
[0035] Figure 20 is a perspective of another embodiment of a cover
of the cup.
[0036] Figure 21 is a bottom perspective of another embodiment of a
closure member of the cup.
[0037] Figure 22 is a vertical cross-section of the cup having the
cover of Figure 20 and the closure member of Figure 21.
-5-
CA 02761952 2011-11-14
WO 2010/135619 PCT/US2010/035719
[0038] Figure 23 is a vertical cross-section of the cup having a non-
rigid container.
[0039] Figure 24 is a vertical cross-section of a leak resistant
drinking cup in the form of a sports bottle.
[0040] Figure 25 is a vertical cross-section of a leak resistant
drinking cup in the form of a commuter cup.
[0041] Figure 26 is a vertical cross-section of another embodiment of
a leak resistant drinking cup, the cup being seen in a tilted, drinking
position.
[0042] Figure 27 is a vertical cross-section of yet another
embodiment of a leak resistant drinking cup, the cup being seen in a tilted,
drinking
position.
[0043] Figure 28 is a vertical cross-section of still yet another
embodiment of a leak resistant drinking cup, the cup having a longitudinally
extending fluid guide.
[0044] Figure 29 is a vertical cross-section of another embodiment of
a leak resistant drinking cup, the cup having a transverse extending fluid
guide.
[0045] Figure 30 is a vertical cross-section of an embodiment of a
leak resistant drinking appliance being operatively connected to a source of
liquid.
[0046] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Figures 1
and 2, a leak resistant drinking cup, generally indicated at 1, includes a
container,
which is generally indicated at 3, and a lid assembly, which is generally
indicated at 9.
The illustrated container 3 is generally cylindrical and symmetric about a
central axis.
The container 3 has a closed bottom 5, an open top 7, and a generally
cylindrical side
-6-
CA 02761952 2011-11-14
WO 2010/135619 PCT/US2010/035719
wall 6 extending between the closed bottom and the open top. The cylindrical
side
wall 6 includes a base portion 8, a top portion 10, and a concaved middle
portion 12
extending between the base and top portions. The middle portion 12 of the side
wall
6 of the illustrated container 3 is concaved to facilitate grasping of the
container and
thereby the cup 1. It is understood, however, that the middle portion 12 can
be
convex or generally straight. The base portion 8 of the side wall 6 includes a
plurality
of circumferentially spaced-apart nubs 14. The top portion 10 of the side wall
6 has a
circular upper edge 21, an attachment collar 23 disposed beneath and adjacent
to the
upper edge, and a shoulder 25 disposed below the attachment collar. The
attachment
collar 23 has external threads 27 thereon.
[0048] The illustrated container 3 has a liquid chamber adapted to
hold a quantity of liquid for consumption by a user, such as a small child.
More
specifically, the illustrated container 3 is adapted to hold approximately 6
ounces of
liquid. It is to be understood, however, that the cup 1 can be sized to hold
other
quantities of liquid (e.g., 9 ounces, 12 ounces, 20 ounces, etc.). For
example, the
container 3 can be adapted for older children or adults and hold larger
quantities of
liquid. It is also understood that the container 3 can have a different
configuration
than the one illustrated herein, such as a sports bottle, a drink tumbler, a
commuter
cup, etc. The container 3 can be made of any suitable material such as,
without
limitation, polypropylene, aluminum, or stainless steel. The container 3 can
also be
made in any desired color or colors, and may be transparent, translucent, or
opaque.
The container 3 can be rigid as illustrated in Figures 1-3 or non-rigid as
illustrated in
Figure 23.
[0049] The lid assembly 9 of the cup 1 is adapted for removable
attachment to the container 3 for selectively closing the open top 7 of the
container.
The lid assembly 9, as illustrated in Figure 2, comprises a cover 11, a
closure member
13, and a diaphragm 15 disposed between the cover and the closure member (each
of
the lid assembly components being indicated generally by their respective
reference
numbers). As described in more detail below, the diaphragm 15 is operable to
block
the flow of liquid from the container 3 to prevent liquid from being spilled
when the
cup 1 is tipped over. The diaphragm 15 can be deflected, flexed, or otherwise
moved
-7-
CA 02761952 2011-11-14
WO 2010/135619 PCT/US2010/035719
by an application of vacuum pressure applied by a user drinking from the cup
to
permit liquid in the container 3 to flow past the diaphragm and out of the
cup. The
cover 11, closure member 13, and diaphragm can be made of any suitable
materials.
In one embodiment, the cover 11 and closure member 13, for example, can be
made
of polypropylene and the diaphragm 15 can be made of silicone. The cover 11,
closure member 13 and diaphragm 15 can be made in any desired color or colors,
and
may be transparent, translucent, or opaque.
[0050] The illustrated cup 1 also includes a cap, indicated generally
at 17, that is removeably securable to the cover 11 via a snap-fit connection.
The cap
17 can be selectively placed on the cover 11 during periods of non-use (e.g.,
storage,
travel) of the cup 1, as illustrated in Figure 1, and removed during periods
of use. The
cap 17 is removed from the cup 1 in Figure 3. The cap 17 can be made of any
suitable material, such as polypropylene, and can be made in any desired color
or
colors, and may be transparent (as illustrated), translucent, or opaque. It is
understood
that the cap 17 can be omitted from the cup 1.
[0051] As seen in Figure 2, the illustrated cup 1 includes a handle
assembly, indicated generally at 19. The handle assembly 19 has an annular hub
18
and a pair of grips 20 extending outward and downward from the ring. The
annular
hub 18 is sized and shaped for engaging the shoulder 25 of the container 3.
When the
annular hub 18 is placed into engagement with the container 3, the annular hub
rests
on the shoulder 25 of the container and the attachment collar 23 of the
container
extends upward through the annular ring. The grips 20 of the handle assembly
19 are
adapted for grasping by the user of the cup. It is contemplated that the
handle
assembly can include a single grip or can be omitted from the cup altogether.
It is
also contemplated that the handle assembly can be formed integral with the
container
3.
[0052] With reference now to Figures 8-11, the cover 11 of the lid
assembly 9 includes a domed, upper portion 39 and a peripheral skirt 35
depending
from the upper portion. The upper portion 39 includes a relatively small,
generally
circular aperture 41 in its center and a relatively larger generally oblong or
elliptical
-8-
CA 02761952 2011-11-14
WO 2010/135619 PCT/US2010/035719
opening 49 spaced from the central aperture and adjacent the peripheral skirt
35. As
illustrated in Figure 11, the cover 11 has an inner socket 36 with internal
threads 37
for releasably mating with the external threads 27 of the attachment collar 23
of the
container 3. The inner socket 36 is spaced transversely inward from the
peripheral
skirt 35. The cover 11 also includes an interior rib 38 extending downward
from an
inner surface of the domed, upper portion 39. The interior rib 38 defines the
outer
boundary of a recess 40 formed in the interior surface of the domed, upper
portion 39
of the cover 11.
[0053] As illustrated in Figures 12-15, the diaphragm 15 has a
roughly disk-shaped portion 42, an annular rim 44 depending from the disk-
shaped
portion, and a spout 46 (broadly, a "liquid discharge member") projecting up
from the
disk-shaped portion adjacent the annular rim. The spout 46 is sized and shaped
for
projecting up through the elliptical opening 49 in the cover 11 when the cover
and
diaphragm 15 are assembled. The spout 46 includes a circumscribing rib 48 for
cooperating with a part of the disk-shaped portion 42 of the diaphragm 15 to
capture a
portion of the cover 11 adjacent the elliptical opening 49 therein (see, e.g.,
Figure 4).
The spout 46 includes a passageway 47 and an opening 45 for allowing liquid to
exit
or discharge the drinking cup 1. It is understood that the liquid discharge
member can
be other than a spout, e.g., an elliptical opening similar to the elliptical
opening 49 in
the cover 11.
[0054] The disk-shaped portion 42 of the diaphragm 15 has an upper
surface 50 (Figure 14) and a lower surface 52 (Figure 15). As seen in Figures
12 and
14, the upper surface 50 includes an annular tapered groove 54, a central
aperture 56,
and a sloped wall 58 adjacent to and sloping towards the central aperture. The
lower
surface 52 of the disk-shaped portion 42 includes a recessed center 60 that is
in fluid
communication with the spout 46 (Figure 15). With particular reference to
Figure 4, a
tubular stem 62 has a generally mushroom shaped tip 64 that depends from the
recessed center 60 of the disk-shaped portion 42 of the diaphragm 15. The
tubular
stem 62 and the tip 64 collectively defining a sealing member of the diaphragm
15.
The tip 64 includes a hollow dome 66 and is sized in cross-section larger than
the
stem 62 to form an annular shoulder 68 adjacent the stem. In one embodiment
(not
-9-
CA 02761952 2011-11-14
WO 2010/135619 PCT/US2010/035719
shown), the hollow dome 66 of the tip 64 can include a slit to provide a one-
way
valve to relieve (e.g., vent) excessive vacuum inside the container 3.
[0055] As illustrated in Figures 13 and 15, the annular rim 44
depends from the lower surface 52 of the diaphragm 15 and includes a generally
planar ring-shaped upper member 70, a vertical wall member 72 extending
downward
from the upper member, and a lower member 74 extending inward from the
vertical
wall member and spaced from the upper member. The upper member 70, vertical
wall member 72, and lower member 74, cooperatively define a channel 76, which
is
illustrated in Figure 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the diaphragm 15 is
formed as
one-piece but it is contemplated that any part, including the tip 64, the disk-
shaped
portion 42, the annular rim 44, the spout 46, and/or portions thereof can be
formed as
separate pieces.
[0056] Referring to Figures 16-19, the closure member 13 of the lid
assembly 9 comprises an upper base member 80, a lower base member 82, and a
tapered member 84 extending between the upper and lower base members. The
tapered member 84 slopes from the upper base member 80 to the lower base
member
82. The upper base member 80 has a mounting band 85 extending about the
circumference of the upper base member. The mounting band 85 extends above and
below the upper base member 80. In other words, the mounting band 85 has a
height
that is greater than the thickness of the upper base member 80. An annular rib
86 is
spaced inward from the mounting band 85 and extends downward from the upper
base member 80. It is contemplated, however, that the annular rib 86 can be
omitted.
It is also contemplated that the closure member 13 can be generally flat with
the upper
and lower base members 80, 82 being generally in the same plane and the
tapered
member 84 being omitted.
[0057] A plurality of spaced, elongate upper protuberances 87 are
disposed on the upper base member 80 adjacent the tapered member 84. The
illustrated embodiment includes eight upper protuberances 87 but it is
understood that
more or fewer upper protuberances can be provided. The lower base member 82
includes a central opening 88 and a plurality of spaced, elongate lower
protuberances
-10-
CA 02761952 2011-11-14
WO 2010/135619 PCT/US2010/035719
89 disposed adjacent the central opening. The illustrated embodiment includes
four
lower protuberances 89 but it is understood that more or fewer lower
protuberances
can be provided. It is contemplated that protuberances can be provided on the
diaphragm 15 instead of or in addition to the upper and lower protuberances
87, 89
provided on the closure member 13.
[0058] The illustrated drinking cup 1 can be repeatedly taken apart
for thorough cleaning and reassembled for the next use. The separable
components
(as seen in Figure 2) are all relatively large so that they are easy to
handle, are not
easily lost, and do not pose a danger to small children. In addition, the
number of
separable components is minimized to make assembly and reassembly of the cup 1
relatively easy without comprising the ability to clean each of the
components. As
mentioned above, the cap 17 can be easily removed from or secured to the
drinking
cup 1 via its snap-fit connection with the cover 11. The cover 11, in the
illustrated
embodiment, can be removed from or secured to the container 3 via its threaded
connection therewith. That is, the internal threads 37 of the inner socket 36
of the
cover 11 can be engaged with and disengaged from the external threads 27 on
the
attachment collar 23 of the container 3. Other forms and structures for making
a
releasable connection between the cover 11 and the container 3 may be used.
For
instance, the cover 11 may have a snap-fit connection with the container 3.
The
closure member 13, diaphragm 15, and handle assembly 19 are captured between
the
cover 11 and the container 3 when the cover is screwed onto (or otherwise
attached
to) the container. Thus, all of the components of the cup 1 can be easily
separated,
cleaned and reassembled.
[0059] The diaphragm 15 can be snapped onto and off of the closure
member 13. More particularly, the diaphragm 15 can be releasibly coupled to
the
closure member 13 by inserting the mounting band 85 of the closure member into
the
channel 76 of the diaphragm and inserting the mushroom-shaped tip 64 through
the
central opening 88 in the closure member. The lower member 74 of the annular
rim
44 of the diaphragm 15 sealing bears against the upper edge 21 of the
container 3
when then the cover is screwed onto the container. The spout 46 of the
diaphragm 15
extends up through the elliptical opening 49 in the cover 11. The
circumscribing rib
-11-
CA 02761952 2011-11-14
WO 2010/135619 PCT/US2010/035719
48 extending circumferentially about the spout 46 cooperates with part of the
disk-
shaped portion 42 to capture a portion of the cover 11 that is adjacent the
opening 49.
The interior rib 38 of the cover 11 is received in the tapered groove 54 of
the
diaphragm 15.
[0060] As seen in Figure 4, the cover 11 and diaphragm 15
cooperatively define a first interior chamber 92 (broadly, a "vent chamber").
More
specifically, the recess 40 in the domed, upper portion 39 of the cover 11,
the upper
surface 50 of the disk-shaped portion 42 of the diaphragm 15, the tubular stem
62, and
the hollow dome 66 of the tip 64 cooperate to define the first interior
chamber 92.
The first interior chamber 92 is in fluid communication with the aperture 41
in the
cover 11 and therefore is maintained generally at atmospheric pressure. A
second
interior chamber 94 (broadly, a "vacuum chamber") is defined between the
closure
member 13 and the diaphragm 15. Specifically, the lower surface 52 and
recessed
center 60 of the diaphragm 15 and the lower base member 82 and tapered member
84
of the closure member 13 cooperatively define the second interior chamber 94.
A
portion of the diaphragm 15 is in contact with the upper base member 80 of
closure
member 13 to minimize the volume of the second interior chamber 94. This
facilitates faster priming of the cup 1 during use by minimizing the amount of
air that
needs to be removed from the second interior chamber 94 before the diaphragm
is
moved to its unsealed position and thereby allows liquid flow to begin.
[0061] Referring now to Figures 4-7A, it is easy for a small child to
get a drink out of the drinking cup 1 by placing her lips around the spout 46
so as to
form a seal with the spout, tilting the cup so that liquid in the container 3
flows into
contact with the lid assembly, and sucking on the spout. Sucking on the spout
46
removes some of the air from the second interior chamber 94 of the cup 1,
vacuum is
thus drawn on the second interior chamber 94, causing the diaphragm 15 to move
from a sealed position (Figures 4 and 4A) to an unsealed position (Figures 6
and 6A).
More specifically, the vacuum causes the upper surface 50 of the disk-shaped
portion
42 of the diaphragm 15 to flex downward relative to the closure member 13
thereby
decreasing the volume of the second interior chamber 94 from a first volume
(Figures
4 and 4A) to a second, lesser volume (Figure 5 and 5A).
-12-
CA 02761952 2011-11-14
WO 2010/135619 PCT/US2010/035719
[0062] The upper protuberances 87 of the closure member 13 act as a
fulcrum about which the diaphragm 15 flexes. The upper protuberances 87 also
act in
cooperation with the interior rib 38 of the cover 11 to define a pinch point
for
capturing a portion of the diaphragm 15. The lower protuberances 89 of the
closure
member act as a stop to prevent the diaphragm 15 from engaging and forming a
seal
with a portion of the closure member about the central opening 88 in the
closure
member. The spacing between each of the upper protuberances 87 and the spacing
between each of the lower protuberances 89 provide pathways for the liquid
within
the container 3 to flow. The diaphragm 15 is more flexible than the closure
member
13. In one suitable embodiment, the diaphragm is elastomeric and has a
durometer of
about 75 (type A scale).
[0063] Continued flexure of the diaphragm 15, as seen in Figures 6
and 6A, causes the tubular stem 62 and the mushroom-shaped tip 64 of the
diaphragm
to move downward relative to the closure member 13. As a result, the annular
shoulder 68 of the tip 64 moves from a position in sealing contact with the
closure
member 13 adjacent the central opening 88 (Figures 4-5A), which defines the
sealed
position of the diaphragm 15, to a position wherein the annular shoulder 68 is
at least
partially spaced from the portion of the closure member 13 adjacent the
central
opening (Figures 6 and 6A), which defines the unsealed position of the
diaphragm.
With the annular shoulder 68 of the tip 64 spaced from closure member 13, a
passageway 96 is formed allowing liquid within the container to flow into the
second
interior chamber 94 of the cup 1. That is, liquid is permitted to flow past
the
diaphragm 15, through the central opening 88 in the closure member 13, through
the
second interior chamber 94 and into the spout 46 for drinking.
[0064] The amount of vacuum pressure, which is applied by the user
sucking on the spout 46, needed to move the diaphragm 15 between its sealed
and
unsealed positions can be predetermined by varying the area of the diaphragm
(i.e.,
the annular shoulder 68 of the tip 64) and the area of the closure member 13
that is
contacted by the diaphragm. In one embodiment, the amount of vacuum pressure
needed to move the diaphragm 15 between its sealed and unsealed position is
less
than 100 inches of water. In one suitable embodiment, for example, the amount
of
-13-
CA 02761952 2011-11-14
WO 2010/135619 PCT/US2010/035719
vacuum pressure needed to move the diaphragm 15 between its sealed and
unsealed
position is about 47 inches of water.
[0065] As liquid is drawn out of the container 3 by the child, liquid
fills the reduced volume of the second interior chamber 94 of the cup 1
thereby
gradually reducing the vacuum therein. As the vacuum pressure within the
second
interior chamber 94 approaches equilibrium with the pressure within container
3, the
resiliency of the diaphragm 15 causes it to move back to the sealed position.
In doing
so, the upper surface 50 of the disk-shaped portion 42 of the diaphragm 15
flexes
upward about upper protuberances 87 of the closure member 13 thereby
conjointly
moving the tubular stem 62 and tip 64 upward to the sealed position
illustrated in
Figure 4. In this sealed position, the annular shoulder 68 of the tip 64 of
the
diaphragm 15 sealingly engages the portion of the closure member 13 adjacent
the
central opening 88 therein in a liquid-tight manner. Moreover, the tubular
stem 62
and tip 64 of the diaphragm 15 are biased toward the sealed position by the
resiliency
of the diaphragm 15.
[0066] The diaphragm 15, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 7A,
continues to flex upward (i.e., away from the container 3) even after the
diaphragm
has returned to its sealed position. As a result, the volume of the second
interior
chamber 94 increases from the second, lesser volume (Figures 7 and 7A) to the
first,
greater volume (Figures 4 and 4A). This increase in volume within the second
interior chamber 94 creates a vacuum pressure that draws any residual liquid
away
from the opening 45 in the spout 46.
[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing member of the
diaphragm 15 (i.e., the tubular stem 62 and the tip 64) is generally aligned
with a
longitudinal axis of the cup 1. It is understood, however, that the sealing
member can
be spaced from and/or oriented orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal
axis of
the cup 1 without departing from the scope of this invention.
[0068] Figure 20 is a perspective of another embodiment of a cover
111 of the cup 1. The cover 111 illustrated in Figure 20 is similar to the
cover 11 of
-14-
CA 02761952 2011-11-14
WO 2010/135619 PCT/US2010/035719
Figures 1-19 except that the cover of this embodiment includes a spout shield
151 for
covering the spout 46 of the diaphragm 15. Thus, the cover 111 includes a
domed,
upper portion 139 and a peripheral skirt 135 depending from the upper portion.
The
upper portion 139 includes a relatively small, generally circular aperture 141
in its
center. As illustrated in Figure 22, the spout shield 151 of this embodiment
is sized
and shaped for receiving the spout 46 of the diaphragm 15 therein, thereby
providing
a relatively rigid cover for the relatively soft, flexible spout. The
circumscribing rib
48 of the spout 46 acts as an o-ring in this embodiment by sealingly engaging
the
interior surface of the spout shield.
[0069] Figure 21 is a bottom perspective of another embodiment of a
closure member 113 of the cup 1. As in the previous embodiment of Figures 1-
19, the
closure member 113 of this embodiment includes an upper base member 180, a
lower
base member 182, and a tapered member 184 extending between the upper and
lower
base members. The tapered member 184 slopes from the upper base member 180 to
the lower base member 182. The upper base member 180 has a mounting band 185
extending about the circumference of the upper base member. The mounting band
185 extends above and below the upper base member 180. In other words, the
mounting band 185 has a height that is greater than the thickness of the upper
base
member 180. An annular rib 186 is spaced inward from the mounting band 185 and
extends downward from the upper base member 180. It is contemplated, however,
that the annular rib 186 may be omitted. A plurality of spaced, elongate upper
protuberances (not shown but similar to the upper protuberances 87 of Figure
16) are
disposed on the upper base member 180 adjacent the tapered member 184. The
lower
base member 182 includes a central opening 188 and a plurality of spaced,
elongate
lower protuberances (not shown but similar to the lower protuberances 89 of
Figure
16) disposed adjacent the central opening. The closure member 113 of this
embodiment includes three grip tabs 195 depending from the lower surface
thereof.
These grip tabs 195 provide finger grips to facilitate disassembly of the
closure
member 113 and the diaphragm 15 from the cover 111. In use, the user can grip
one
or more of the grip tabs 195 and pull the closure member 113 and diaphragm 15
from
-15-
CA 02761952 2011-11-14
WO 2010/135619 PCT/US2010/035719
engagement with the cover 111. While three grip tabs 195 are illustrated, more
or
fewer grip tabs 195 can be provided.
[0070] Figure 23 is a vertical cross-section of the cup 1 illustrating
another embodiment of a container, indicated generally at 203. In this
embodiment,
the container 203 is at least partially non-rigid and, as a result, can be
flexible and/or
collapsible. In suitable embodiments, the non-rigid container 203 can be in
the form
of a bag (e.g., a foil pouch) or a box (e.g., a juice box). Since the sealed
position of
diaphragm 15 is in a direction away from the container 203, squeezing of the
non-
rigid container 203 causes the pressure within the container to increase and,
thereby,
creates a greater seal between the diaphragm 15 and the closure member 113.
Thus,
liquids contained within the non-rigid container 203 are held in a leak-tight
manner
within the container even when the non-rigid container is squeezed. Stated
another
way, the diaphragm 15 has a first sealing pressure in its sealed position and
a second,
greater sealing pressure when the non-rigid container 203 is squeezed.
[0071] Figure 24 is a vertical cross-section of the cup 1 illustrating
yet another embodiment of a container, indicated generally at 303. In this
embodiment, the container 303 is in the form of a sports bottle. Figure 25 is
a
vertical cross-section of the cup 1 illustrating still yet another embodiment
of a
container, indicated generally at 403. In this embodiment, the container 403
is in the
form of a commuter cup. In this embodiment, the spout 46 of the diaphragm 15
and
the spout shield 151 of the cover 111 are shorter than in the previously
described
embodiments.
[0072] Another embodiment of a leak resistant drinking cup,
generally indicated at 501, is illustrated in Figure 26. The cup 501 is
illustrated in a
tilted, drinking position. The cup 501 includes a container, which is
generally
indicated at 503, and a generally frustum lid assembly, which is generally
indicated at
509. The lid assembly 509 of the cup 501 is adapted for removable attachment
to the
container 503 for selectively closing the container. The lid assembly 509
comprises a
cover 511, a closure member 513, and a diaphragm 515 disposed between the
cover
and the closure member. A cap (not shown but similar to the cap 17 seen in
Figures 1
-16-
CA 02761952 2011-11-14
WO 2010/135619 PCT/US2010/035719
and 2) can be selectively secured to the cover 511 via a snap-fit connection.
The cap
can be selectively placed on the cover 511 during periods of non-use (e.g.,
storage,
travel) of the cup 501 and removed during periods of use.
[0073] The cover 511 of the lid assembly 509 includes an upper
portion 539 and a peripheral skirt 535 depending from the upper portion. The
upper
portion 539 includes a relatively small, generally circular aperture 541 in
its center
and a relatively larger generally oblong or elliptical opening 549 spaced from
the
central aperture. The peripheral skirt 535 of the cover 511 has internal
threads 537 for
releasably mating with external threads 527 of the container 503. The cover
511 also
includes an interior rib 538 extending downward from an inner surface of the
upper
portion 539. The upper portion 539 includes a plateau member 539a and a sloped
member 539b extending between the plateau and the peripheral skirt 535.
[0074] As seen in Figure 26, the diaphragm 515 has a shape that
generally compliments the shape of the cover 511. The diaphragm 515 includes a
disk-shaped portion 542, a sloped portion 543 extending from the disk-shaped
portion, and an annular rim 544 depending from the disk-shaped portion. A
spout 546
(broadly, a "liquid discharge member") projects outward from the sloped
portion 543
and is sized and shaped for projecting up through the elliptical opening 549
in the
cover 511 when the cover and diaphragm 515 are assembled. The spout 546
includes
a passageway 547 and an opening 545 for allowing liquid to exit or discharge
the
drinking cup 501.
[0075] The disk-shaped portion 542 of the diaphragm 515 has an
upper surface 550 and a lower surface 552. As seen in Figure 26, the upper
surface
550 includes an annular tapered groove 554 and the lower surface 552 includes
a
recessed center 560 that is in fluid communication with the spout 546. A
tubular stem
562 has a generally mushroom shaped tip 564 that depends from the recessed
center
560 of the disk-shaped portion 542 of the diaphragm 515. The tubular stem 562
and
the tip 564 collectively defining a sealing member of the diaphragm 515. The
tip 564
includes a hollow dome 566 and is sized in cross-section larger than the stem
562 to
form an annular shoulder 568 adjacent the stem. The hollow dome 566 of the tip
564
-17-
CA 02761952 2011-11-14
WO 2010/135619 PCT/US2010/035719
include a slit 567 to provide a one-way valve to relieve (e.g., vent)
excessive vacuum
inside the container 503.
[0076] The closure member 513 of the lid assembly 509 comprises
an upper base member 580, a central opening 588 in the upper base member, and
a
tapered member 584 extending outward from the upper member. The tapered
member 584 has a mounting band 585 extending about the circumference of the
upper
base member. The diaphragm 515 can be releasibly coupled to the closure member
513 by joining the mounting band 585 of the closure member to the annular rim
544
of the diaphragm and inserting the mushroom-shaped tip 564 through the central
opening 588 in the closure member. The annular rim 544 of the diaphragm 515
sealing bears against an upper edge of the container 503 when then the cover
511 is
screwed onto the container. The spout 546 of the diaphragm 515 extends up
through
the elliptical opening 549 in the cover 511. The interior rib 538 of the cover
511 is
received in the tapered groove 554 of the diaphragm 515. The cover 511 and
diaphragm 515 cooperatively define a first interior chamber 592 (broadly, a
"vent
chamber") and a second interior chamber 594 (broadly, a "vacuum chamber") is
defined between the closure member 513 and the diaphragm 515.
[0077] It is easy for a small child to get a drink out of the drinking
cup 501 by placing her lips around the spout 546 so as to form a seal with the
spout,
tilting the cup (e.g., as seen in Figure 26) so that liquid in the container
503 flows into
contact with the lid assembly, and sucking on the spout. Sucking on the spout
546
removes some of the air from the second interior chamber 594 of the cup 501,
vacuum
is thus drawn on the second interior chamber 594, causing the diaphragm 515 to
move
from a sealed position to an unsealed position. In this embodiment, the
tapered
member 584 of the closure member 513 directs liquid in the container toward
the
central opening 588 as illustrated by arrows 591. As the volume of liquid
within the
container 503 is reduced, the tapered member 584 funnels the remaining liquid
toward
the central opening 588 where it can pass through the closure member 513 and
into
the second interior chamber 594. From the second interior chamber 594, the
liquid
can flow freely into the channel 547 in the spout 546 and out the opening 545
therein
for consumption by the child using the cup 501.
-18-
CA 02761952 2011-11-14
WO 2010/135619 PCT/US2010/035719
[0078] Figure 27 illustrates another embodiment of a leak resistant
drinking cup, indicated generally at 601, having a container 603 and a lid
assembly
609. The cup 601 is illustrated in a tilted, drinking position. The lid
assembly 609
comprises a cover 611, a closure member 613, and a diaphragm 615 disposed
between
the cover and the closure member. The cover 611 includes a domed upper portion
639 and a peripheral skirt 635 depending from the upper portion. The upper
portion
639 includes a relatively small, generally circular aperture 641 in its center
and a
relatively larger generally oblong or elliptical opening 649 spaced from the
central
aperture. The peripheral skirt 635 of the cover 611 has internal threads 637
for
releasably mating with external threads 627 of the container 603.
[0079] As seen in Figure 27, the diaphragm 615 includes a disk-
shaped portion 642, an annular rim 644, and a spout 646 (broadly, a "liquid
discharge
member") projecting outward from the disk-shaped portion. The spout 646 is
sized
and shaped for projecting up through the elliptical opening 649 in the cover
611 when
the cover and diaphragm 615 are assembled. The spout 646 includes a passageway
647 and an opening 645 for allowing liquid to exit or discharge the drinking
cup 601.
[0080] The disk-shaped portion 642 of the diaphragm 615 has an
upper surface 650 and a lower surface 652. As seen in Figure 26, the lower
surface
652 includes a recessed center 660 that is in fluid communication with the
spout 646.
A tubular stem 662 has a generally mushroom shaped tip 664 that depends from
the
recessed center 660 of the disk-shaped portion 642 of the diaphragm 615. The
tubular
stem 662 and the tip 664 collectively defining a sealing member of the
diaphragm
615. The tip 664 includes a hollow dome 666 and is sized in cross-section
larger than
the stem 662 to form an annular shoulder 668 adjacent the stem. The hollow
dome
666 of the tip 664 include a slit 667 to provide a one-way valve to relieve
(e.g., vent)
excessive vacuum inside the container 603.
[0081] The closure member 613 of the lid assembly 609 comprises a
base member 680 having a central opening 688 therethrough. The base member 680
has a generally planar upper surface 688a and a sloped lower surface 688b. The
lower
surface 688b is sloped toward the central opening 688 in the closure member
613.
-19-
CA 02761952 2011-11-14
WO 2010/135619 PCT/US2010/035719
The base member 680 has a mounting band 685 extending about the circumference
of
the upper base member. The diaphragm 615 can be releasibly coupled to the
closure
member 613 by joining the mounting band 685 of the closure member to the
annular
rim 644 of the diaphragm and inserting the mushroom-shaped tip 664 through the
central opening 688 in the closure member. The annular rim 644 of the
diaphragm
615 sealing bears against an upper edge of the container 603 when then the
cover 611
is screwed onto the container. The spout 646 of the diaphragm 615 extends up
through the elliptical opening 649 in the cover 611. The cover 611 and
diaphragm
615 cooperatively define a first interior chamber 692 (broadly, a "vent
chamber") and
a second interior chamber 694 (broadly, a "vacuum chamber") is defined between
the
closure member 613 and the diaphragm 615.
[0082] It is easy for a small child to get a drink out of the drinking
cup 601 by placing her lips around the spout 646 so as to form a seal with the
spout,
tilting the cup (e.g., as seen in Figure 27) so that liquid in the container
603 flows into
contact with the lid assembly, and sucking on the spout. Sucking on the spout
646
removes some of the air from the second interior chamber 694 of the cup 601,
vacuum
is thus drawn on the second interior chamber 694, causing the diaphragm 615 to
move
from a sealed position to an unsealed position. In this embodiment, the sloped
lower
surface 668a of the base member 688 of the closure member 613 directs liquid
in the
container toward the central opening 688 as illustrated by arrows 691. As the
volume
of liquid within the container 603 is reduced, the sloped lower surface 688b
funnels
the remaining liquid toward the central opening 688 where it can pass through
the
closure member 613 and into the second interior chamber 694. From the second
interior chamber 694, the liquid can flow freely into the channel 647 in the
spout 646
and out the opening 645 therein for consumption by the child using the cup
601.
[0083] Figure 28 illustrates another embodiment of a leak resistant
drinking cup, indicated generally at 701, having a container 703 and a lid
assembly
709. The lid assembly 709 comprises a cover 711, a closure member 713, and a
diaphragm 715 disposed between the cover and the closure member. The
illustrated
cover 711 and diaphragm 715 are substantially the same as the cover 611 and
diaphragm 615 illustrated in Figure 27 and therefore will not be described in
detail.
-20-
CA 02761952 2011-11-14
WO 2010/135619 PCT/US2010/035719
[0084] The closure member 713 of the lid assembly 709 comprises a
base member 780 having a central opening 788 therethrough. The base member 780
has a mounting band 785 extending about its circumference. A first annular rib
786 is
spaced inward from the mounting band 785 and extends downward from the base
member 780. A second annular rib 793 is located between the first annular rib
786
and the central opening 788. In the illustrated embodiment, the second annular
rib
793 is disposed generally adjacent the central opening 788. A longitudinally
extending fluid guide tube 797 is frictionally attached to the second annular
rib 793.
During use of the cup 701, the fluid guide tube 797 directs fluid toward a
sealing
member of the diaphragm 715.
[0085] Figure 29 illustrates another embodiment of a leak resistant
drinking cup, indicated generally at 801, having a container 803 and a lid
assembly
809. The lid assembly 809 comprises a cover 811, a closure member 813, and a
diaphragm 815 disposed between the cover and the closure member. The
illustrated
cover 811, closure member 813, and diaphragm 815 are substantially the same as
the
cover 711, closure member 713, and diaphragm 715 illustrated in Figure 28 and
therefore will not be described in detail. This embodiment of the cup 801,
however,
has a transversely extending fluid guide tube 897 that is frictionally
attached to the
closure member 813. During use of the cup 801, the fluid guide tube 897
directs fluid
toward a sealing member of the diaphragm 815.
[0086] Figure 30 illustrates one embodiment of a leak resistant
drinking appliance, indicated generally at 901. The drinking appliance 901 has
a
container 903 and a lid assembly 909. The lid assembly 909 comprises a cover
911, a
closure member 913, and a diaphragm 915 disposed between the cover and the
closure member. The illustrated cover 911, closure member 913, and diaphragm
915
are substantially the same as the cover 711, closure member 713, and diaphragm
715
illustrated in Figure 28 and therefore will not be described in detail.
[0087] The container 903 of the drinking appliance 901 has a bottom
905, a top 907, and a generally cylindrical side wall 906 extending between
the
bottom and the top. The cylindrical side wall 906 has external threads 927
thereon for
-21-
CA 02761952 2011-11-14
WO 2010/135619 PCT/US2010/035719
mating with internal threads 937 on the cover 911. The bottom 905 includes a
flange
916 defining a port 922 in fluid communication with the interior space of the
container 903. In the illustrated embodiment, a flexible tubing 924 fluidly
connects a
source of liquid 926 to the container 903. The source of liquid 926 provides
liquid to
the drinking apparatus for consumption by the user. In one suitable
embodiment, the
drinking apparatus 901 can be used to supply hospital patients with water (or
other
drinkable liquids). In this embodiment, the source of liquid 926 can be a bag
of water
hanging from a conventional IV pole. In another embodiment, the drinking
apparatus
901 can be used in conjunction with a "beer helmet" or "beer hat" (i.e.,
headwear
adapted to hold one or more containers of beer or other beverage). Liquid can
be
provided to the drinking apparatus 901 from the source of liquid 926 via
gravity or by
pressurization of the source of liquid 926.
[0088] When introducing elements of the present invention or the
various versions, embodiment(s) or aspects thereof, the articles "a", "an",
"the" and
"said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The
terms
"comprising", "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean
that
there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. The use of
terms
indicating a particular orientation (e.g., "top", "bottom", "side", etc.) is
for
convenience of description and does not require any particular orientation of
the item
described.
[0089] As various changes could be made in the above without
departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter
contained in
the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as
illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
-22-
