Many different types of drinking vessels have been developed over the course of human history. Such include cups, bowls, bottles, cans, glasses, mugs as well as other types of drinking vessels. In all cases, there is a chamber suited for containment of a liquid, or beverage, and an opening through which the person using the drinking vessels is able to extract a portion of the beverage. Extraction is commonly accomplished by changing the vessel's orientation or changing the pressure around the fluid.
However, the opening or mouth can also allow the beverage in the drinking vessel to spill. This can happen for any of many reasons. When a beverage does spill, what is spilt is usually lost, and may also cause damage to the items it comes in contact with. Some beverages can stain various items, cause resident inks or dyes to run due to a solvent-like action thus rendering the item damaged. Examples are car upholster, car seat covers, home furniture, carpeting and many other things that can suffer damage or even deterioration due to the spillage and type of liquid that has been spilt.
In instances where the beverage is heated, there are additional risks associated with spilling thereof. When this type of drink is spilled, it has the potential to burn people or animals which have contact with the spilt liquid.
Other problems arise when a drinking container is invaded by insects such as bees, wasps, or other pests which are small enough to enter through the container discharge. Many people have received stings and bites from drink invaders when enjoying a beverage outdoors. The invader is attracted to the beverage and are often able to enter the container without the user knowing. Stings and bites are likely to cause pain to the user and can also present serious harm to people who have allergic reactions to such. The shock from such an attack can also cause choking and instills fear in using such drink containers outdoors, especially in the case of people who already fear such invaders.
Also, it is a well known problem, and has been for many years, that open beverages in motor vehicles commonly spill. Cars are now typically fitted with drink holders and the increasing popularity of drive-thru fast food increases the use of drinking containers in cars. Even prior to the inclusion of the cup holders as a standard feature in most vehicles, many people had aftermarket holders of various types and approaches to hold the containers at a convenient location and in a manner that was hoped to prevent spillage. Unfortunately many of these devices and the containers used with them don't prevent spillage, especially when the vehicle undergoes acceleration in various directions or deceleration.
When a spill occurs in a vehicle which is in motion, this typically distracts the vehicle operator. This is especially exemplified in the case of hot beverages burning the vehicle operator, but any spilling may equally affect concerned vehicle owners just the same. Such distractions may result in a collision with another vehicle or a pedestrian, either of which often result in the death of, or serious injury to, people involved.
Children and individuals with impaired motor skills, may more often lose their grip on drinking vessels, and, even if the vessel is not dropped, the contents may be spilt. People who are multitasking while drinking, such as car operators often do, are also more likely to accidentally drop a drinking vessel. Also, such people do not benefit from overly complex and difficult to operate lid devices.
Although many attempts have been made to provide an easy to use, effective container and container top that prevents spillage, most or all suffer from continuing problems which proves this problem is not easily solved and thus advancements are sought after.
Some or all of the problems explained above and other problems may be helped or solved by the inventions shown and described herein. Such inventions may also be used to address other problems not set out above or which are only understood or appreciated at a later time. The future may also bring to light currently unknown or unrecognized benefits which may be appreciated or more fully appreciated in the future associated with the novel inventions shown and described herein.
Preferred forms, configurations, embodiments and/or diagrams relating to and helping to describe preferred aspects and versions of the inventions are explained and characterized herein, often with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and all features shown therein also serve as part of the disclosure of the inventions of the current document, whether described in text or merely by graphical disclosure alone. Such drawings are briefly described below.
A table of subsections for the detailed description is set out below.
The readers of this document should understand that the embodiments described herein may rely on terminology used in any section of this document and other terms readily apparent from the drawings and the language common therefor as may be known in a particular art and such as known or indicated and provided by dictionaries. Dictionaries were used in the preparation of this document. Widely known and used in the preparation hereof are Webster's Third New International Dictionary (© 1993), The Oxford English Dictionary (Second Edition, ©1989), and The New Century Dictionary (©2001-2005), all of which are hereby incorporated by reference for interpretation of terms used herein and for application and use of words defined in such references to more adequately or aptly describe various features, aspects and concepts shown or otherwise described herein using more appropriate words having meanings applicable to such features, aspects and concepts.
This document is premised upon using one or more terms with one embodiment that may also apply to other embodiments for similar structures, functions, features and aspects of the inventions. Wording used in the claims is also descriptive of the inventions, and the text of both claims and abstract are incorporated by reference into the description entirely in the form as originally filed. Terminology used with one, some or all embodiments may be used for describing and defining the technology and exclusive rights associated herewith.
The readers of this document should further understand that the embodiments described herein may rely on terminology and features used in any section or embodiment shown in this document and other terms readily apparent from the drawings and language common or proper therefor. This document is premised upon using one or more terms or features shown in one embodiment that may also apply to or be combined with other embodiments for similar structures, functions, features and aspects of the inventions and provide additional embodiments of the inventions.
Each embodiment has been assigned unique 100 series reference numerals. Embodiments that share like features will use the same 10 series identifier with their unique 100 series embodiment identifier. For example, a feature may be identified as 112 for a first embodiment and 212 for a second embodiment. Such allows for easy recognition of like features and prevents redundancy in the description since like features will not be re-described for each embodiment unless otherwise needed.
To facilitate an understanding of the inventions, a general overview of an apparatus 101 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the inventions is first provided. Reference is given to
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At least one linear actuator may be present. Such is shown as linear actuator 120, which acts to provide control over the egress of a container's contents. The apparatus may contain at least one gate valve. Such is shown as gate valve 140, which acts to occlude an opening 149 in the wall 110. At least one outer, or first, portion, or button, may also be present. Such is shown as outer portion 122, which may extend beyond the apparatus's periphery through a passage in the collar 114. Outer portion 122 is an exterior portion of linear actuator 120. As is shown, outer portion 122 may include a bent segment 121. Such extends generally perpendicular to the linear actuator 120, advantageously providing a surface for the application of pressure thereto, during operation thereof. When the apparatus is engaged with a drink container, a user may apply force to outer portion 122 via bent segment 121 with a digit of their hand, or by some other convenient means. Such would cause the linear actuator to slidably rotate the gate valve 140 with respect to opening 149, thus allowing passage of the beverage, or other contents present in the container, through opening 149.
At least one removal feature may be present. Such is shown as removal feature 160. The removal feature provides a gripping surface which may aid disengagement when prying the apparatus from a drinking container.
At least one straw feature may be present. This optional feature is shown as straw feature 147 in wall 110. Such advantageously facilitates insertion of a straw, or similar device, through wall 110, where it can then access the drinking container's contents. Straw feature 147 comprises weakened portions of wall 110, which can be separated and thus provide an opening through wall 110 for passage of a straw therethrough.
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Linear actuator 120 extends through, and slidably moves within, a passage in collar 114. Such has a similar cross sectional shape to that of linear actuator 120 and is sufficiently small so that it may prevent escape of container contents therethrough. Additional means may also be used to prevent egress of contents therethrough.
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In the situation of
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It may be advantageous to relocate the components attached to surface 112 (
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The entirety of the linear actuator 120 is shown as being formed from one unitary body. However, it may also be advantageous to form such from several bodies which would be sufficiently attached to one another. Such may also allow for use of differing materials for each part if such is found to be desirable.
At least one clip may be present. In
The apparatus may comprise at least one biasing mechanism. As shown in
The apparatus 101 may comprise at least one pivot. A pivot, or pivot pin, 143, which is shown attached to the wall 110, secures gate valve 140 thereto. Such prevents translation of gate valve 140 while allowing rotation thereof. As shown in
In
It will be appreciated from the discussion above that the outer portion 122 protrudes outward from the collar 114 periphery when the gate valve 140 is in the closed position as depicted in
The apparatus may comprise at least one gate stopper. In
One form of an engagement feature 116 (
It proves advantageous to have a multitude of different engagement configurations for securing a container to the apparatus for use. Such would allow the apparatus use with a broader assortment of containers. One such an engagement may be achieved with at least one thread on the upper outer periphery of the container. In such a case, the apparatus would need at least one thread 116 which effectively engage with the container's periphery threads through a screwing action.
Another option is to have a container with at least one sufficiently large lip around the upper periphery. At least one matching lip could be placed around the outer periphery of collar 114 and a clasping band, with at least one sufficiently large channel, shaped for receiving the present lips, could be secured there around, engaging the apparatus to the container.
Yet another option is to use at least one screw which would pass through a threaded, or non-threaded, hole in the collar 114. Such would be directed from the outside of the collar inward toward the container. To engage the container, the screws could be tightened until a sufficient frictional force is created to prevent disengagement of the apparatus. This engagement option may also prove advantageous with the presence of an uneven surface on the container. Such may reduce the needed friction if the at least one screw is tightened such that it cannot pass over, or from, the uneven surface. Additional methods and means for securing the apparatus 101 to an upper portion of a container, not shown or described herein, may also prove advantageous in securing the apparatus to a container. In certain embodiments no specific feature is required on the container for engagement of the apparatus therewith. For example, when rib 216 is replaced by, or supplemented with, a compressible sealing member, such as a rubber o-ring, then friction between the compressible sealing member and the container can be sufficient to maintain the apparatus in position on the container. In yet another variation the apparatus 101 can be engaged with a container using clips or the like located at the periphery of the upper portion 110, and configured to engage a feature at the upper portion of the container. In this latter example the apparatus 101 can exclude the collar 114.
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The apparatus may comprise at least one projection. As the linear actuator 120 is pressed inward, springs 125 bend against projections 118 creating the biasing forces which will return the linear actuator to it's default position with the gate valve 140 closed, as depicted in
The apparatus may comprise at least one linear actuator stopper. In
In one variation, the apparatus 101 includes a sealing member disposed between the inner surface 112 of wall 110 and the outward-facing surface of the gate valve 140. Such can facilitate in further reducing leakage of fluids or contents from the container through the opening 149 when the gate valve 140 is in the closed position. The sealing member can be a raised surface area, or an applied sealant, disposed around either the periphery of opening 149 near surface 112, and/or around the periphery of the gate valve 140 on a side thereof facing the surface 112. The sealing member can also be a tongue-and-groove configuration formed of complimentary features disposed around the opening 149 and the gate valve. In this latter example the tongue and groove can each be tapered at the edges to facilitate separation thereof when a force is applied to the gate valve 140 by the linear actuator 120 in direction 161 (
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Narrow portion 223 is shown as having teeth 274 for applying tangential force to the gate valve 240 about pivot 243. Such teeth 274 are shaped to effectively match teeth 272 present on the gate valve 240. Teeth 274 may take other shapes that are found to be advantageous. Such may also be present in quantities of at least one to accommodate various degrees of rotation of the gate valve 240.
Gate valve 240 has teeth 272 along part of it's periphery near pivot 243. Such can take various shapes if it is found advantageous. Teeth 272 engage with teeth 274 to effect movement of gate valve 140 in direction 262. It may be advantageous to place teeth along more or less of the periphery 276 of the portion of the gate valve 240 proximate the pivot 243 than is depicted in
In
After choosing a suitable container with means for engagement or coupling to the apparatus, the container is then filled with the desired beverage, fluid or possibly other foodstuff.
To engage the container with the apparatus, a method suitable to the chosen container and apparatus, and their engagement features, is used to engage the apparatus and the container. Such may be by placing the apparatus onto the container mouth, then applying downward pressure to the wall 110 and collar 114, along the central axis of the container. Such would be the method if a rib is present on the apparatus and the container has a rib or uneven surface such that it allows similar engagement therewith as engagement means.
Another possible method of engagement would by placing the apparatus onto the container mouth, then screwing the lid onto the container. Such would be the method if suitable threads are present on the apparatus and the container as engagement means.
Another possible method of engagement would be by placing the apparatus onto the container mouth, then adjusting the at least one screw, present around the periphery of the collar, until the friction force created thereby is sufficient to retain the apparatus. Such would be the method if such screws are present on the apparatus. Additionally, other methods suitable to other engagement features may be used.
Once the apparatus is engaged with the container, a user may take a drink therefrom. Such would be accomplished by first opening the gate valve 140. By depressing the outer portion 122 the linear actuator 120 and narrowed portion 123 will create a moment about pivot 143, causing the gate valve 140 to rotate into an open position. Further depressing linear actuator 120 may expose more of opening 149. Additionally, releasing pressure from the outer portion 122 of linear actuator 120 will cause the at least one spring 125 to drive linear actuator 120 outward from the collar 114, rotating the gate valve 140 into a position which occludes more of opening 149.
After an open position is chosen, the user can take a drink, as they would normally from the container, by placing their lips adjacent opening 149 along collar 114, then tipping the container to dispense the fluids therein. Controlling the dispensing rate is accomplished by either changing the container's angle to gravity, or by changing the position of gate valve 140 relative to opening 149, thus changing the area of opening 149 occluded thereby.
After the user is finished drinking, fully releasing the linear actuator 120 will cause springs 125 to drive the linear actuator outward from the collar 114 and thus cause rotation of gate valve 140 into a closed position, fully occluding opening 149 and helping prevent unwanted spilling therefrom.
A container, which can sufficiently engage with the apparatus, is first selected and filled with the desired contents, most likely fluids. The apparatus is then engaged to the container through a method described above, which may be by pressing or screwing the two together or by other means. Once engaged, the user can apply force to the outer portion of linear actuator 120. Such causes the rotation of gate valve 140 from the closed position to an open position. The container can then be tipped to bring the fluid, or other, contents to the opening 149. The user can then drink from the apparatus with their lips adjacent opening 149 against collar 114. Further tipping and/or depression of the linear actuator 120 will increase the content's rate of flow from the mouth 149. Doing the opposite will impede the rate of flow therefrom. After the user is finished, fully releasing the linear actuator 120 will cause the gate valve 140 to close, helping to prevent unwanted spillage from opening 149.
The inventions hereof may be useful for controlling the dispensing of fluid contents from a drinking container. Such may also be useful with dispensing other foodstuffs as well.
Various portions and components of apparatus within the scope of the inventions, including for example, structural components, can be formed by one or more various suitable manufacturing processes known to those in the art of container lids. Similarly, various portions and components of apparatus within the scope of the inventions can be made from suitable materials known to those in the art of container lids.
The above description has set out various features, functions, methods and other aspects of the inventions. This has been done with regard to the currently preferred embodiments thereof. Time and further development may change the manner in which the various aspects are implemented. Such aspects may further be added to by the language of the claims which are incorporated by reference hereinto as originally filed.
The scope of protection accorded the inventions as defined by the claims is not intended to be necessarily limited to the specific sizes, shapes, features or other aspects of the currently preferred embodiments shown and described. The claimed inventions may be implemented or embodied in other forms while still being within the concepts shown, described and claimed herein. Also included are equivalents of the inventions which can be made without departing from the scope of concepts properly protected hereby.