WO2000010434A1

WO2000010434A1 - No-spill drinking cup apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2000010434A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/019238
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nouri E. Hakim
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-08-21
Filing date: 1999-08-20
Publication date: 2000-03-02
Anticipated expiration: 2001-02-21
Also published as: JP2003530271A; DE69931264D1; CA2341418C; EP1104252A1; ES2264825T3; JP4455761B2; BR9906710A; DE69931264T2; EP1714592A1; EP1104252A4; EP1104252B1; WO2000010434A9; CN1332860C; AU5687499A; ATE325565T1; CN1515467A; CN1324226A; AR022980A1; CA2341418A1

Abstract

A no-spill cup (22) and valve assembly (31) which provides an seal against accidental liquid flow. The sucking action at the cup spout creates negative pressure against a valve member (37, 39) near the spout (14) having an opening therein, causing the valve member (37, 39) and opening to move off of a protruding member, thereby unblocking the opening in the valve. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve and spout. When not in use, the valve sits in a closed position, with the opening in the valve sitting on a protruding member and pressed against the protruding member's base, sealing off the opening in the valve assembly (31). The closed position provides a seal against fluid leakage during inadvertent spills. The cup assembly allows variable liquid flow rates by rotating the position of the valve assembly in the cover (11) of the cup.

Description

No-Spill Drinking Cup Apparatus

Inventors: Nouri E. Hakim Monroe, Louisiana

Related Applications

The present application claims all rights of priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial

No. 09/138,588, filed August 21, 1998, and to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09/271,779

filed March 18, 1999, the disclosures of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. The

disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60,056,218, filed August 21, 1997 is

fully incorporated herein by reference, as well.

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 liquid 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.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cup assembly which prevents

liquid from flowing out of the cup when the user is not drinking.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a cup assembly which minimizes

and/or eliminates accidental or undesirable liquid flow or spillage out of the cup.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a cup assembly which provides the

ability to regulate the flow rate of liquid out of the cup.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a cup assembly which can be used by

young children, to avoid accidental spilling of liquid therefrom.

Further objects of the invention will become apparent in conjunction with the

disclosure herein.

In accordance with the invention, an improved cup construction and valve assembly

is provided which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the 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. 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). 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 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 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 atop 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). 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

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 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 i 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 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. 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 ll(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. 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 i 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 the underside of the cap. Valve assembly carrier or tapered hole 18 leads 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 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 predetermined 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 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, 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. 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 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. 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. By varying the size and/or 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 (180°), 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 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). 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 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 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 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 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.

Claims

ClaimsWe claim:

1. An apparatus for preventing spilling during drinking, said apparatus comprising:

a valve, said valve comprising a protruding member and an opening, said valve having

a closed position and in an open position,

said closed position being a configuration in which said protruding member extends

through said opening to block the passage of liquid through said opening,

said open position being a configuration in which said protruding member and said

opening are further separated than in said closed position to allow the passage of liquid

through said opening.

2. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said protruding member is at least

partially tapered, said opening is located within a flexible valve member, and said valve

member begins to invert upon the application of negative pressure to said valve

member, to rise off of said tapered protruding member.

3. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises a cap for a cup.

4. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises a drinking cup.

5. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises a valve

assembly.

6. An apparatus for preventing spilling during drinking, said apparatus comprising:

a valve, said valve comprising a protruding member and a valve member, said valve

member comprising an opening, said valve having a closed position and in an open position,

through said opening of said valve member to block the passage of liquid through said

opening,

said valve further being movable into an open position in which said valve member is

pulled away from said protruding member for the passage of liquid through said opening,

said valve moving from said closed position to said open position upon the application

of negative pressure to said valve member.

7. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said apparatus comprises a cap for a cup.

8. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said apparatus comprises a drinking cup.

9. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said apparatus comprises a valve

assembly.

10. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said apparatus comprises a valve assembly

and a cap, said valve being a part of said valve assembly, said valve assembly and cap

being configured such that said valve assembly can be attached to said cap.

11. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 6, further comprising a sealing member, said sealing

member comprising said protruding member and a base, said protruding member

being attached to said base.

12. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, wherein said base is approximately flat.

13. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, wherein said protruding member is a post.

14. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, wherein said protruding member is conical.

15. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, wherein at least a portion of said post is tapered.

16. A no spill drinking apparatus, comprising:

a valve, said valve comprising a sealing member and a flexible valve member, said

sealing member comprising a protruding member and a base, said valve member comprising

an opening therein; said valve having a closed position and in an open position, said closed position being

a configuration in which said valve member rests proximal to said base with said protruding

member extending through said opening to block the passage of liquid through said opening;

said valve further being movable into an open position, said open position being a

position in which said valve member is distal to said base, with said opening at least partially

unblocked, to allow the passage of liquid through said valve.

17. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, wherein said valve rests in said closed position,

and begins to invert upon the application of negative pressure to said valve member,

to move from said closed position to said open position.

18. A no spill drinking apparatus, comprising:

a valve, said valve comprising a sealing member and a valve member, said sealing

member comprising a protruding member and a base, said valve member comprising a

substantially circular opening therein, said protruding member having an upper portion and

a lower portion, said upper portion being of smaller diameter than said lower portion;

said valve having a closed position and in an open position, said closed position being

said valve moving into an open position upon the application of negative pressure to

said opening by the mouth of a user for the purpose of drinking out of said apparatus, said

open position being a position in which said valve member moves distal to said base to

separate away from said opening, such that said opening is at least partially unblocked to allow

the passage of liquid through said opening and said valve.

19. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 18, wherein said apparatus comprises a cap for a cup.

20. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 18, wherein said apparatus comprises a drinking cup.

21. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 18, wherein said apparatus comprises a valve assembly.

22. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 18, wherein said protruding member is tapered.

23. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 18, wherein at least a portion of said protruding

member is tapered at an angle of seven (7) degrees.

24. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 18, wherein at least a portion of said protruding

member is tapered at an angle of nine (9) degrees.

25. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 18, wherein said protruding member extends

through and beyond said opening in said closed position.

26. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 18, wherein said apparatus further comprises an anti-

inversion member, said anti-inversion member being placed at a sufficiently close

distance to such valve member such that such valve member will hit said anti-inversion

member and be blocked from further inversion before said valve member fully inverts.

27. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 18, wherein said valve member comprises a flexible

material.