DRINKING CONTAINER WITH ONE WAY VALVE

Abstract

A container movable between inverted and non-inverted configurations includes a dispenser body having an upper opening and a hollow interior. The container further includes an automatically opening and closing mechanism for controlling fluid flow disposed between the upper opening and the hollow interior, permitting fluid flow from the interior through the upper opening in the inverted configuration and preventing fluid flow from the interior through the upper opening in the non-inverted configuration. This fluid flow mechanism permits a user to drink while preventing backflow of fluid into the container.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to drinking containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to drinking containers with one way valves.

Drinking bottles are generally known in the art and typically comprise a cap adapted for mounting onto a bottle containing a water, a selected beverage or other product in liquid form. The cap includes an aperture through which the liquid passes from within the bottle. Bottles of this standard type are held in an inverted or substantially inverted position during use, to ensure fluid flow communication of the bottle contents to the aperture. It is generally known that the aperture may be part of a valve that allows a user to prevent liquid from evaporating or otherwise escaping the bottle.

Valves in drinking bottles are generally known in the art to prevent backwash of the liquid during use. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,073 discloses a valve for use with a baby bottle. However, this valve requires suction from the user to open the valve. In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,621 discloses a cup for young children with a cap valved for fluid control. However, the disclosed valve fails to prevent air and excess fluid from flowing back into the cup.

Accordingly, there is a need for a simple drinking container construction that permits a user to drink without having to open or close the container. There is a further need for a drinking container which permits a user to drink while preventing backflow of liquid into the container. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention resides in a container construction that permits a user to drink without having to open or close the container. The present invention further permits a user to drink while preventing backflow of liquid into the container.

The present invention discloses a container movable between inverted and non-inverted configurations includes a dispenser body having an upper opening and a hollow interior. The container further includes an automatically opening and closing mechanism for controlling fluid flow disposed between the upper opening and the hollow interior, permitting fluid flow from the interior through the upper opening in the inverted configuration and preventing fluid flow from the interior through the upper opening in the non-inverted configuration. This fluid flow mechanism permits a user to drink while preventing backflow of fluid into the container.

container of claim 1, wherein the fluid flow means comprises a valve having a first end disposed adjacent to the upper opening of the dispenser body.

The container includes an upper end of the dispenser body having a neck with the fluid flow mechanism disposed therein.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the fluid flow mechanism comprises a stopper adjacent the upper opening. The fluid passes around the stopper when the container is in the inverted configuration. The container also includes a plurality of grooves located on an interior of the dispenser adjacent the stopper. The fluid passes through the grooves in the inverted configuration.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the fluid flow mechanism comprises a membrane disposed between the interior of the dispenser and the upper opening. The membrane includes two sections flexible in only one direction.

The dispenser body includes a mouthpiece in fluid flow communication with fluid contained within the interior.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which, by way of example, illustrate the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is an orthogonal view of a drinking bottle embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the bottle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the top of the bottle of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional side elevational view of the bottle of FIG. 3 in an inverted position;

FIG. 5 is an orthogonal view of another drinking bottle embodying the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the bottle of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the top of the bottle of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional side elevational view of the bottle of FIG. 7 in an inverted position;

FIG. 9 is an orthogonal view of yet another drinking bottle embodying the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the bottle of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional orthogonal view of the top of the bottle of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is an orthogonal view of an additional drinking bottle embodying the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the bottle of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional orthogonal view of the top of the bottle of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a useful drinking container with a one-way valve that permits a user to drink without having to open or close the container. The present invention further provides a drinking container which permits a user to drink while preventing backflow of liquid into the container. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the present invention is concerned with several embodiments of drinking containers 20, 50, 70, 90 with one-way valves 22, 52, 72, 92, as seen in FIGS. 1-14. Depending on the particular embodiment of the present invention, the valves 22, 52, 72, 92 may be formed integrally as a unitary piece with the containers 20, 50, 70, 90 or the valves 22, 52, 72, 92 may be separated formed and connected to the containers 20, 50, 70, 90 using conventional methods.

As seen in FIGS. 1-4, the drinking container 20 includes, generally, a body 24 that has an upper body opening 26 to permit passage of a fluid to be consumed therethrough. The one-way valve 22 is located across the upper body opening 26. Fluid may be introduced into the body 24 via the upper opening 26. The body 24 has a hollow interior, a generally flat lower surface portion 28 for resting upon a surface, and an upper end 30 that includes a cylindrical neck 32.

The one-way valve 22 is located within the neck 32. The neck 32 includes an inner annular lip 34 with a plurality of grooves 36 located on the lower portion of the ring 34. The valve 22 includes a stopper 38 which, in conjunction with the grooves 36, regulates the amount and direction of fluid passing through the opening 26. A annular recess 40 around the circumference of the neck 32 is located immediately below the lip 34. A thickened portion 42 of the neck 32 is located immediately below the recess 40 when lower portion 28 of the container 20 is resting on a surface. The stopper 38 is sized and shaped to fit the contours of the recess 40 and thickened portion 42 of the neck 28. When the lower portion 28 is resting on a surface, gravity pulls the stopper 38 towards the lower portion 28 but the stopper 38 seals the container 20 as the stopper 38 is kept from falling towards the lower portion 28 of the body 24 by the contours of the recess 40 and thickened portion 42 of the neck 28. When the container 20 is inverted for drinking, the stopper 38 abuts against the lip 34, preventing the stopper 38 from passing out of the container 20, but the grooves 36 permit fluid to pass through the opening 26.

Another embodiment of the present invention, as seen in the drinking container 50 of FIGS. 5-8, includes, generally, a body 54 that has an upper body opening 56 to permit passage of a fluid to be consumed therethrough. The one-way valve 52 is located across the upper body opening 56. Fluid may be introduced into the body 54 via the upper opening 56. The body 54 has a hollow interior, a generally flat lower surface portion 58 for resting upon a surface, and an upper end 60 that includes a cylindrical neck 62.

The one-way valve 52 is located within the neck 62. The neck 62 includes a generally convex-shaped inner wall 64 that forms a first annular lip 66 towards the upper portion of the neck 62 and a second annular lip 68 towards the lower portion of the neck 62. The valve 52 includes a stopper 70 which, in conjunction with the inner wall 64 and lips 66, 68, regulates the amount and direction of fluid passing through the opening 56. The stopper 69 is generally spherical, being sized and shaped to fit the contours of the inner wall 64. When the lower portion 58 is resting on a surface, gravity pulls the stopper 70 towards the lower portion 58 but the stopper 69 seals the container 50 as the stopper 69 is kept from falling towards the lower portion 58 of the body 54 by the contours of the second annular lip 68; a portion of the stopper 69 effectively sealing the container 50. When the container 50 is inverted for drinking, the stopper 69 abuts against the first annular lip 66, preventing the stopper 69 from passing out of the container 50, but the shape of the wall 64 and diameter of the lip 66 permit fluid to pass through the opening 56.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate another embodiment of the container 70 which includes, generally, a body 74 that has an upper body opening 76 to permit passage of a fluid to be consumed therethrough. The one-way valve 72 is located across the upper body opening 76. Fluid may be introduced into the body 74 via the upper opening 76. The body 74 has a hollow interior, a generally flat lower surface portion 78 for resting upon a surface, and an upper end 80 that includes a cylindrical neck 82 of generally constant inner diameter.

The one-way valve 72, located within the neck 82 includes a membrane 84 having a three slits 86 through which fluid passes to the user. The slits 86 effectively divide the membrane 84 into three fingers, pedals or sections 88 that are flexible in only one direction (i.e., outwardly from the container) such that when the lower portion 78 is resting on a surface, the sections 88 are generally horizontal, sealing the container 70. When the container 70 is inverted for drinking, the sections 88 open outwardly to permit fluid to pass through the opening 76. The valve sections 88 cooperate to selectively allow fluid to flow out of the opening 76 and prevent air and excess fluid from flowing back into the container 70.

As seen in FIGS. 12-14, another embodiment of the container 90 which includes, generally, a body 94 that has an upper body opening 96 to permit passage of a fluid to be consumed therethrough. The one-way valve 92 is located across the upper body opening 96. Fluid may be introduced into the body 94 via the upper opening 96. The body 94 has a hollow interior, a generally flat lower surface portion 98 for resting upon a surface, and an upper end 100 that includes a cylindrical neck 102 of generally constant inner diameter.

The one-way valve 92, located within the neck 102 includes a membrane 104 having a single slit 106 through which fluid passes to the user. The slit 106 effectively divides the membrane 104 into two fingers, pedals or sections 108 that are flexible in only one direction (i.e., outwardly from the container) such that when the lower portion 98 is resting on a surface, the sections 108 are generally horizontal, sealing the container 90. When the container 90 is inverted for drinking, the sections 108 open outwardly to permit fluid to pass through the opening 96. The valve sections 108 cooperate to selectively allow fluid to flow out of the opening 96 and prevent air and excess fluid from flowing back into the container 90.

A mouthpiece 110 is provided in fluid-flow communication with fluid contained within the container 20. The mouthpiece 110 is only shown in conjunction with the container 20 of FIG. 1 (for purposes of clarity) but the mouthpiece 110 is also used in conjunction with the other containers 50, 70, 90. In use, the mouthpiece 110 comes in various forms including, without limitation, a shaped-spout cap, bottle cap having a spout or opening, drinking nipple or the like. Depending on the particular embodiment of the present invention, the mouthpiece 110 may be formed integrally as a unitary piece with the containers 20, 50, 70, 90 or the mouthpiece 110 may be separated formed and connected to the containers 20, 50, 70, 90 using conventional methods including, without limitation, snap-on engagement, press-fit engagement, threaded (i.e., screw-on) engagement or the like. Depending on the embodiment, the mouthpiece may be removed from the container 20, 50, 70, 90 to expose the body opening 26, 56, 76, 96. Fluid to be consumed is poured into the 20, 50, 70, 90 through the body opening 26, 56, 76, 96. When the desired amount of fluid to be consumed has been placed into the container 20, 50, 70, 90, the mouthpiece 110 is replaced atop the container 20, 50, 70, 90.

The containers may be made by any means known in the art, such as blow molding, injection molding, extrusion molding or glass forming. The containers and valves may be made of various materials including, but not limited to, rubber, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene napthalate, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, ethylene vinyl alcohol, glass, aluminum and various alloys thereof.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention are illustrative only and not limiting. It will thus be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects.

Claims

1. A container movable between inverted and non-inverted configurations, comprising: a dispenser body having an upper opening and a hollow interior; and automatically opening and closing means for controlling fluid flow disposed between the upper opening and the hollow interior, permitting fluid flow from the interior through the upper opening in the inverted configuration and preventing fluid flow from the interior through the upper opening in the non-inverted configuration; wherein the fluid flow means permits a user to drink while preventing backflow of fluid into the container.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the fluid flow means comprises a valve having a first end disposed adjacent to the upper opening of the dispenser body.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein an upper end of the dispenser body includes a neck, the fluid flow means disposed therein.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the fluid flow means comprises a stopper adjacent the upper opening.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein fluid passes around the stopper in the inverted configuration.

6. The container of claim 1, including a plurality of grooves located on an interior of the dispenser adjacent the stopper, fluid passing through the grooves in the inverted configuration.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein the fluid flow means comprises a membrane disposed between the interior of the dispenser and the opening.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the membrane includes two sections flexible in only one direction.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein the dispenser body includes a mouthpiece in fluid flow communication with fluid contained within the interior.

10. A container movable between inverted and non-inverted configurations, comprising: a dispenser body having a hollow interior, and an upper end having a neck with an upper opening; and an automatically opening and closing valve disposed within the neck and having a first end disposed adjacent to the upper opening of the neck, the valve controlling fluid flow disposed between the upper opening and the hollow interior, permitting fluid flow from the interior through the upper opening in the inverted configuration and preventing fluid flow from the interior through the upper opening in the non-inverted configuration; wherein the valve permits a user to drink while preventing backflow of fluid into the container.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein the fluid flow means comprises a stopper adjacent the upper opening.

12. The container of claim 11, wherein fluid passes around the stopper in the inverted configuration.

13. The container of claim 10, including a plurality of grooves located on an interior of the dispenser adjacent the stopper, fluid passing through the grooves in the inverted configuration.

14. The container of claim 10, wherein the fluid flow means comprises a membrane disposed between the interior of the dispenser and the upper opening.

15. The container of claim 10, wherein the membrane includes two sections flexible in only one direction.

16. The container of claim 10, wherein the dispenser body includes a mouthpiece in fluid flow communication with fluid contained within the interior.

17. A container movable between inverted and non-inverted configurations, comprising: a dispenser body having a hollow interior, and an upper end having a neck with an upper opening; and an automatically opening and closing valve disposed within the neck and having a first end disposed adjacent to the upper opening of the neck, the valve controlling fluid flow disposed between the upper opening and the hollow interior, permitting fluid flow from the interior through the upper opening in the inverted configuration and preventing fluid flow from the interior through the upper opening in the non-inverted configuration; wherein the valve includes a stopper adjacent to the upper opening that permits a user to drink while preventing backflow of fluid into the container, the neck includes a plurality of grooves located on an interior surface thereof adjacent the stopper, and fluid passes through the grooves and around the stopper in the inverted configuration.

18. The container of claim 17, wherein the dispenser body includes a mouthpiece in fluid flow communication with fluid contained within the interior.

19. A container movable between inverted and non-inverted configurations, comprising: a dispenser body having a hollow interior, and an upper end having a neck with an upper opening; and an automatically opening and closing valve disposed within the neck and having a first end disposed adjacent to the upper opening of the neck, the valve controlling fluid flow disposed between the upper opening and the hollow interior, permitting fluid flow from the interior through the upper opening in the inverted configuration and preventing fluid flow from the interior through the upper opening in the non-inverted configuration; wherein the valve includes a membrane disposed between the interior of the dispenser and the upper opening that permits a user to drink while preventing backflow of fluid into the container, the membrane including two sections flexible in only one direction.

20. The container of claim 19, wherein the dispenser body includes a mouthpiece in fluid flow communication with fluid contained within the interior.