MXPA98000521A - Cubie drink cup - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a drinking cup, characterized in that it comprises: a cup-shaped container having a leak-proof, removable cover, the cover comprises an upper wall having on one side a spout for drinking which extends upwards and spaced from it a ventilation hole, the upper wall is formed on its bottom side with a pair of spaced elements, one of the pair of spaced elements communicating with and extending downward from the bottom of the peak and the other of the pair of the elements communicating with and extending downwardly from the vent hole, and a flow control element comprising a flat piece of flexible elastomeric material having a pair of cavities spaced on one side, each of the pair of cavities has a floor at the bottom thereof, each of the pair of cavities receives respectively the lower ends of the elements in frictional engagement or sufficient to support the flow control element with the floors in sealed relation with respect to the respective elements, each of the floors has a passageway between them which is normally closed but opens during the presentation of a pressure difference on the opposite sides of the pi

Description

COFFEE DRINK COFFEE MUG FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a covered drinking cup of the type frequently used by infants and children as a training cup because it protects against spills and provides liquid flow through a nipple-like nozzle. More specifically, this invention relates to cups for drinking covers that provide a leak-proof flow of the liquid and ventilation of the upper space when the liquid is extracted.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the past, bottles and cups to distribute milk for infants and children have often been in the form of ventilated covered containers. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,372,281 of Jordan, which was issued on March 27, 1945, has a cover that provides a pacifier on one side having flow regulating means and a vent on the other side which also has flow regulating means. By adjusting the flow regulating means, the user can extract REF: 26729 comfortably the liquid of the pacifier. When the liquid is extracted, the air moves through the ventilation hole to replace the extracted liquid and to prevent the accumulation of a negative pressure which in the extreme case can stop the flow of the liquid. Another cup for drinking cover is described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,608,841 from Rice which issued on September 2, 1952. As the means of ventilation, the Rice cup provides an adjustable valve which controls the ease with which air is admitted into the cup for ventilation. It controls by this the flow of the liquid. With respect to the admission of air into bottles and the like, check valves have often been used and are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,401,224 of Alonso which was issued on August 30, 1983; 4,545,491 of Bisgaard, et al, which was issued on October 8, 1985; 4,723,668 of Cheng which was issued on February 9, 1988; and 4,828,126 from Vincinguerra which was issued on May 6, 1989. Other means of ventilation are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,865,207 to Joyner, et al, which was issued on September 12, 1989, in which a hydrophobic woven filter passes air to the bottle. The U.S. Patent No. 4,135,513 to Arisland, which issued on January 23, 1979, discloses a drinking nozzle, for a baby bottle, which incorporates ventilation means, opening a valve when the pressure inside the container is substantially less than atmospheric pressure. to ventilate through this the upper space. The U.S. Patent No. 5,079,013 to Belanger, which issued on January 7, 1992, discloses a non-drip liquid training / feeding vessel in which the cover is provided with two spring-loaded check valves. A check valve is a spring-loaded spherical stop that allows inward flow of the air flow for ventilation and another check valve is a spring-loaded outlet valve that is opened by the suction action of the infant and closed elastically when the suction action gives way. The container is described as "no drip". One of the disadvantages of some devices of the prior art is that the valves involved have metal parts. In addition, the number of parties involved makes such containers difficult to manufacture, assemble and clean. There is, therefore, a need for a less complicated structure that removes metal parts, and that is easily washable. It is to such a need that the present invention is directed. In a preferred embodiment, the control element has additional means for retention in place in the cup during impact.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a control element of a drinking cup, and the drinking cup in which the cover has a spout or nozzle to drink on one side and a vent on the other. The tubular elements extended downwardly from below the peak and the vent hole. The flow control element of the elastomeric material is provided having a pair of cavities spaced on one side, each cavity having a floor at the bottom thereof. In the assembly, the cavities receive in frictional engagement the lower ends of the tubular elements. This coupling supports the flow control element with the floor of each cavity in sealed relation with respect to its tubular element. Each floor has a passageway that is normally closed but opens during the presentation of a difference in pressure on opposite sides of the floor. In a preferred embodiment, the control element includes a pair of projections that help keep the control element in place even during impact.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The objects and additional features of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a study of the following specification and the appended drawings, all of which describe a non-limiting embodiment of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an assembled drinking cup in which the invention takes shape; Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a first embodiment of the flow control element of the invention; Figure 3 is a top plan view of the flow control element of Figure 2; Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Figure 1; Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a second embodiment of the flow control element of the invention; and Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Figure 1 of the flow control element of the second embodiment of Figure 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Referring to the drawings and, in particular, to Figure 1, a drinking cup in which the invention takes shape is generally represented by the reference numeral 10. The drinking cup 10 comprises a cup-shaped container 12 having a cup. cover 14 that can be screwed onto the upper part of the container by complementary or cooperating threads shown in Figure 4. The cover 14 comprises an upper wall 16 and a dependent lateral or descending wall 18 formed with internal threads engaging the outer threads around from the mouth of the container 12 as described. Just inside the descending wall 18, the cover 14 can be provided with a short annular wall 20. Also, an O-ring (not shown) can be placed between the annular wall 20 and the side wall 18 of the cover 14. O-ring can be compressed to form a liquid sealing gasket between the cover 14 and the container 12. One side of the upper part 16 is provided with a drinking spout 22 which has dispensing openings 24 at its far end. Unnaturally formed with the cover 14 and extending downwardly from the nozzle 22 within the cover, there is an element 26. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the peak 22 and the element 26 are tubular elements, however these elements They can be of any geometric shape. It is important that the peak 22 and the element 26 are communicated in liquid-tight coupling. Therefore, peak 22 and element 26 preferably have through holes of the same shape. On the opposite side of the upper wall 16, the cover 14 is provided with a vent hole 28. Shaped not naturally with the cover 14 is a downward element 30 which communicates with the vent hole 28. In a preferred embodiment, the element 30 is tubular in shape, however it can also be of any shape. It is also preferable that, since the ventilation hole 28 and the element 30 have an air-tight communication with each other, they have through-holes of the same shape. Both elements 26 and 30 terminate descending to the same level in the openings facing downwards. In the preferred embodiment, both elements 26 and 30 are tubular or cylindrical. Since the element 26 communicates with the spout 22, while the element 30 communicates with the vent hole 28, the diameter of the element 26 is preferably larger than the diameter of the element 30. However, it is to be understood that the diameter of the elements Holes of each element 26, 30 may be of any size and shape depending on the size and shape of the spout 22 and the vent hole 28, respectively. As shown in Figure 2, a flow control element 40 is provided. It is preferably a single piece of elastomeric material., such as, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer, silicone, or a rubber or soft rubber. The elastomeric material is elastic and flexible and has no separate part, such as balls or springs. The control element 40 has a pair of spaced cavities 42, 44 formed on one side. The pair of spaced cavities 42, 44 are formed near the opposite ends 41 of the control element 40. The cavities 42, 44 can have any shape, however they must have a shape that complements the shapes of the elements 26, 30. , respectively. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the cavities 42, 44 must have a tubular or circular shape. Each cavity 42, 44 has one or a greater number of ridges 50, 52, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, each cavity 42, 44 has two ridges or ridges. These ridges 50, 52 act to seal the cavity 42, 44 to the respective element 26, 30.

Also, the cavity 42 complements the element 26 that communicates with the peak 22, and the cavity 44 complements the element 30 communicating with the ventilation hole 28. Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment, the cavities 42, 44 are cylindrical. Further, the diameter of the cavity 42 is larger than the diameter of the cavity 44 due to differences in the diameters of the peak 22 and the vent hole 28. For example, in a mode in which the elements 26, 30 are cylindrical and with different, conventional diameters, the cavity 42 has a flange diameter of approximately 1.45 cm (0.57 inches) and a flat diameter (the area between the ridges or ridges) of approximately 1.60 cm (0.63 inches), while the cavity 44 has a flange diameter of approximately 1.27 cm (0.50 inches) and a flat diameter of approximately 1.397 cm (0.55 inches). In the preferred embodiment, the peak 22 is closer to the side wall 18 than the ventilation hole 28. Consequently, as shown in Figure 4, the cavity 42 is closer to the edge 41 than the cavity 44 does. It will be with respect to the edge 41. It should be understood, however, that if the ratio of the peak 22 and the ventilation hole 28 with respect to the side wall 18 varies, so does the ratio of the cavities 42, 44 with with respect to the edge 41. Accordingly, the cavities 42, 44 may be equidistant from the respective edges 41, or the cavity 44 may be closer than the cavity 42 to the respective edge 41. The control element 40 is formed with the floors 46, 48 at the bottom of each cavity 42, 44, respectively. As stated above, extending inward from the sides of each cavity 42, 44 are, in a preferred embodiment, a pair of circumferential, inner, horizontal, spaced ridges or ridges 50, 52, respectively. In particular, the cavity 44 has a pair of ridges 50, and the cavity 44 has a pair of ridges 52. As also stated above, each cavity can have any number of ridges or ridges. The ridges 50, 52 fix or secure the control element 40 on the elements 26, 30, respectively, by the frictional engagement of the outer walls of the elements. It is preferred that one of the lower edges or projections of the pair of ridges 50 in the cavity 46 does not contact the floor 46, and similarly the lower edge or projection of the pair of ridges 52 in the cavity 44 does not make contact with the floor 48. By this feature, the smaller amount of tension is placed on the control element 40 during use.

By minimizing this tension, the sealing characteristics of the slot are optimized. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the floors 46, 48 are formed with the slots 54, 56, respectively. The slots 54, 56 can have any shape, two of which are "Y" or "X" shaped slots for the passage of the fluid. Preferably, a slot 54, 56 in each floor 46, 48, respectively, is sufficient to facilitate the passage of the liquid in the element 26 and the passage of air towards the element 30. However, the multiple slots in each floor can be designed to provide the same function. In the assembly shown in Figure 4, the two cavities 42, 44 are aligned with two preferably tubular elements 26, 30 and the control element 40 is raised. The elastomeric nature of the control element 40 is sufficient for it to flex when the control element is affected. The control element 40 is then pushed to its base position in each element 26, 30 so that the lower ends of the elements make butt contact against the floors 46, 48, respectively and carry out with them a tight contact that means a frictional contact sealant, especially in view of the ridges or projections 50, 52 over elements 26, 30, respectively. A slight inaccuracy in the dimensions of the cavities 42, 44 or of the control element 40 can be tolerated due to the soft elastic nature of the control element and, perhaps, the ridges 50, 52. After the container 12 is filled with liquid, the cover 14 is screwed onto the container. When the infant tilts the container and sucks the liquid through the openings 24, the slots 54 yield and take part in the center of the slots. When the suction pressure gives way, the elasticity of the cavity 42 causes the slot 54 to close once more so that the cup 10 could be overturned or dropped on the floor, an appreciable amount of the liquid could pass outside of the floor. the openings 24. When the liquid is removed by suction on the peak 22, a negative pressure accumulates in the upper space above the liquid. To prevent this pressure - the pressure difference across the floor 48 - from becoming too large, the grooves 56 flex or give way, the centers move downward to allow passage of the atmosphere through the opening 28. and through the slots. When the difference in pressure is substantially returned to zero, the elasticity of the control element 40 causes the slots 56 to close so that in the event of a rollover occurring, no liquid could escape outwardly therethrough. of the vent opening 28, and a leak through this way is avoided. Referring to the second embodiment of Figures 5 and 6, the same elements recited above will carry the same numerical reference except with an apostrophe. As shown in Figure 5, the control element 40 'includes a pair of projections 62, 64 adjacent the opposite ends or edges 41' of the control element, and extending in a direction opposite the opening of each cavity 42 '. , 44 '. Each projection 62, 64 has a surface configuration analogous to that of the ends 41 '. As shown in Figure 6, in the most preferred embodiment, each projection 62, 64 has a portion 66 that can be either straight or beveled and an internally angled or beveled portion 67. The beveled portion 67 is adapted to fit or match the internal surface of the side walls 18 'of the container to prevent the control element from uncoupling or disengaging the elements 26' and 30 '. In a preferred embodiment, the beveled portion 67 may be at an angle of approximately seventy-seven degrees with respect to the straight, vertical portion.

In the most preferred embodiment shown in Figure 6, each projection 62, 64 has a vertical extension of the valve and the projection of approximately 1.37 cm (0.54 inches). The vertical extension of each projection 62, 64 is effected by its distance from the edge 41, which as stated above is dictated by the position of the nozzle 22 'and the vent hole 28' from the side wall 18 'of the container . It is understood that the projections 62, 64 may consist only of a straight portion, an externally angled portion, an internally angled portion or any combination thereof depending on the angle of the walls of the container 12. In addition, the projections 62, 64 may have any way. The only criterion is that they correspond to the internal part of the side walls 18 'of the container to help prevent the control element 40 from uncoupling or disengaging from the elements 26', 30 '. The pressure of the control element 40 'for the dislodging or disengagement occurs particularly when the control element 40' is forced away from the spout and the ventilation hole of the cover during impact. In any of the embodiments, after use, the cup 10 of the invention can be easily disassembled. Referring to Figure 1, the cover 14 can be removed and the control element 40 simply removed from the elements 26, 30. All of the components are easily washable. It will be noted that the invention provides a simple three-piece training cup, which is inexpensive and is easily assembled and made and works effectively to prevent spills and drips. The invention described herein can take a number of forms. It is not limited to the described modality but is of a scope defined by the following claim language which can be extended by an extension of the right to exclude others from manufacturing, using or selling the invention when appropriate under the doctrine of the equivalents.

It is noted that in relation to this date the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following

Claims (21)

1. A drinking cup, characterized in that it comprises: a cup-shaped container having a leak-proof, removable cover, the cover comprises an upper wall having on one side a drinking spout extending upwards and spaced therefrom a ventilation hole, the upper wall is formed on its bottom side with a pair of spaced elements, one of the pair of spaced elements communicating with and extending downward from below the peak and the other of the pair of elements communicating with and extending downwardly from the vent hole; and a flow control element comprising a flat piece of flexible elastomeric material having a pair of cavities spaced on one side, each of the pair of cavities having a floor at the bottom thereof, each of the pair of cavities receiving respectively the lower ends of the elements in frictional engagement sufficient to support the flow control element with the floors in sealed relation with respect to the respective elements, each of the floors has a passageway between them which is normally closed but is opens during the presentation of a difference of pressure on opposite sides of the floor.

2. The drinking cup according to claim 1, characterized in that the elements are cylindrical.

3. The drinking cup according to claim 2, characterized in that the elements are of different diameters.

4. The drinking cup according to claim 1, characterized in that the element connected to the spout is of a diameter larger than the element connected to the ventilation hole.

5. The drinking cup according to claim 2, characterized in that each of the pair of cavities is also cylindrical and is sized in its diameter to match or correspond to the respective element,

6. The drinking cup according to claim 1, characterized in that the floor associated with the element connected to the peak is formed with a plurality of opening passages.

7. The drinking cup according to claim 6, characterized in that each of the plurality of passages comprises a plurality of grooves extending radially outwards from a point so that during the difference in pressure the adjacent grooves define fins with a shape of slice of cake.

8. The drinking cup according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the pair of the cavities has surfaces of the side wall formed with internal ridges or projections.

9. A flow control element removably positioned on a pair of spaced fluid conductor elements, the flow control element comprises a flat elongated piece of material having a pair of cavities spaced on a first side thereof, each of the pair of cavities has a floor in the lower part thereof, each of the pair of cavities receives respectively the ends of the fluid conducting elements in frictional engagement sufficient to support the flow control element with the floors in sealed relation respectively with respect to the conductive elements of the fluid, each of the floors has a passageway between them that is normally closed but that opens when there is a difference in pressure on the opposite sides of the floor.

10. The flow control element according to claim 9, characterized in that each of the pair of cavities has different diameters.

11. The flow control element according to claim 9, characterized in that each of the pair of cavities is cylindrical and sized in its diameter to correspond with the conductive element of the respective fluid.

12. The flow control element according to claim 9, characterized in that the floor associated with the conductive element of the fluid connected to the drinking spout is formed with a plurality of opening passages.

13. The flow control element according to claim 12, characterized in that the plurality of the openable passages each comprise a plurality of grooves extending radially outwards from a point so that during the difference of the adjacent pressure the slots define fins with a slice of cake.

14. The flow control element according to claim 9, characterized in that each cavity has wall surfaces formed with projections or internal ridges.

15. The flow control element according to claim 9, characterized in that it also comprises a pair of projections.

16. The flow control element according to claim 15, characterized in that each of the pair of the projections extends in a direction opposite to the first side.

17. The flow control element according to claim 16, characterized in that each pair of projections has a straight portion and a beveled portion.

18. The flow control element according to claim 17, characterized in that the beveled portion forms an angle of approximately seventy-seven degrees.

19. A drinking cup, characterized in that it comprises: a cup-shaped container having a leak-proof, removable cover, the cover comprises an upper wall having on one side a drinking spout extending upwards and on the side opposite a vent hole, the top wall is formed unnaturally on its down side with spaced ducts extending downwardly from the peak and vent hole respectively and communicating therewith respectively, and a flow controller flat of elastic material having a pair of cavities spaced on one side, each of the pair of cavities has a diaphragm at the bottom thereof, each of the pair of cavities respectively receiving the lower ends of the conduits in sufficient frictional engagement to support the flow controller with the diaphragms in sealed relation with the respective elements, each of the diaphragms has a passageway through it, which is normally closed but opens during the presentation of a difference in pressure on the opposite sides of the diaphragm.

20. The drinking cup according to claim 19, characterized in that the flow controller further comprises a pair of projections.

21. A method for controlling the flow of fluid in a closed vessel containing the liquid, having a wall formed with an outlet spout through which the liquid can be aspirated and a vent hole spaced from the peak, the peak and the orifice of ventilation have parallel elements that extend towards the container, the method is characterized in that it comprises the step of: (a) providing a flat element of flexible elastomeric material having a pair of cavities spaced on one side, each cavity has a floor in the bottom of it; and (b) installing the flat element with the receiving cavities and respectively frictionally coupling the elements so that they are in sealing relation with the floors respectively, the floors each have passages therein that can be opened during the presentation of a difference of pressure on opposite sides of the floor.