BACKGROUND
As consumers continue to become more environmentally-conscious, there is a continued need for reusable containers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the invention provides a cap comprising: a plane defining an opening and a slidable closure adapted and configured to seal the opening. The slidable closure includes: a projection extending above an external surface of the plane and a flexible seal coupled to the projection and located on an internal surface of the plane opposite the projection. The flexible seal includes: a connection portion coupled to the projection; a sealing portion having a profile that is complementary to a shape of the opening; and a flexible hinge adapted and configured to bias the sealing portion against the internal surface.
This aspect of the invention can have a variety of embodiments. The flexible seal can be fabricated from silicone.
The flexible hinge can be an arc, an underside of which faces the internal surface. The arc can have a radius of about 180°.
The opening can have a profile selected from the group consisting of: a circle, an oval, and an ellipse.
The plane can define a linear slot adapted and configured to receive the slidable closure and permit sliding in a single dimension.
The sealing portion can include one or more support ribs.
The sealing portion can include a peripheral ring having a stiffness that is less than a remainder of the sealing portion.
Another aspect of the invention provides a container assembly including: a container and the cap as described herein coupled to the container.
This aspect of the invention can have a variety of embodiments. The container can be a single-walled container. The container can be a double-walled container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the nature and desired objects of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference characters denote corresponding parts throughout the several views and wherein:
FIG. 1A provides a perspective view of a container assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 1B provides a top view of a cap according to another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 1C provides a cross-sectional view of a container assembly according to another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 1D provides a cross-sectional view of a cap in a closed position according to another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 1E provides a cross-sectional view of a slidable closure according to another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 1F provides a perspective view of a flexible seal according to another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 1G provides a top view of a flexible seal according to another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 1H provides a side view of a flexible seal according to another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 1I provides a bottom view of a flexible seal according to another embodiment of the invention; and
FIG. 1J provides a side view of a cap in an open or drinking position according to another embodiment of the invention.
DEFINITIONS
The instant invention is most clearly understood with reference to the following definitions:
As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1C, a container assembly 100 includes a container 102 and a cap 104 coupled to the container 102 (e.g., by a threaded, twist-lock, or snap-fit connection). Cap 104 includes a plane 106 defining an opening 108.
Referring now to FIG. 1C, a cross-section of container assembly 100 is provided. As seen in the cross-sectional view, container 102 can, in some embodiments, be a double-walled container having an outer wall 110 and an inner wall 112 defining a volume 114 therebetween. This volume 114 can facilitate formation of a vacuum or other low-pressure region in order to reduce thermal conductivity across the container 102. Additional or alternatively, insulative materials can be introduced into volume 114. For example, foams and/or films such as metallic foams or biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET) films can be utilized. In some embodiments, the container assembly 100 may be able to maintain a cold beverage at a temperature less than about 40° F. for between about 9 hours and about 12 hours.
FIG. 1C also depicts the structure and operation of slidable closure 116 that includes a projection 118 extending above an external surface of the plane 106 and a flexible seal 120 coupled to the projection 118 and located on an internal surface of the plane 106 opposite the projection 118.
Referring now to FIG. 1D, the structure and operation of slidable closure 116 can be visualized in greater detail in a cross section of the cap 104. The flexible seal 120 includes a connection portion 122 coupled to the projection 118 (e.g., by an interference fitting, press fitting, adhesive, welding, and the like), a sealing portion 124 having a profile that is complementary to a shape of the opening 108, and a flexible hinge 126 adapted and configured to bias the sealing portion 124 against the internal surface.
In some embodiments, the flexible seal 120 is a single piece formed from a flexible and preferably food-safe material such as silicone. In other embodiments, multiple materials can be utilized to selectively promote stiffness in some regions and flexibility in other regions. For example, as more clearly seen in the cross-section of slidable closure 116 depicted in FIG. 1E, a peripheral ring 127 can be formed from a more flexible material than the remainder of the sealing portion 124 so that peripheral ring 127 will form a good seal while being pressed tightly against opening 108.
Still referring to FIG. 1E and also referring to FIGS. 1F-1H, projection 118 can optionally include a post 128 that facilitates sliding of the projection 118 within a groove in cap 104 as well as coupling with flexible seal 120 (e.g., through a complementary recess 130 in connection portion 122). Projection 118 can also optionally include an O-ring 132 or other elastomeric material that can minimize leaks around slidable closure 116 and/or allow for easier sliding of projection 118. Sealing portion 124 can, in some embodiments, have rounded edges in order to facilitate sealing contact with opening 108.
Referring now to FIG. 1I, flexible seal 120 can include one or more supporting ribs 134a-134c that are adapted and configured to resist deformation of the sealing portion 124 when pressed against the opening 108. Supporting ribs 134 can be made from the same material as the sealing portion 124 or can be made from a different material (e.g., a stiffer material than the sealing portion 124).
Referring now to FIG. 1J, another view of cap 104 is provided in which the slidable closure 116 is moved laterally to an open or drinking position.
EQUIVALENTS
Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
The entire contents of all patents, published patent applications, and other references cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.
Patent Application
20160001933
