Patent Application
20250051084
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright or trade dress protection. This patent document may show and/or describe matter that is or may become trade dress of the owner. The copyright and trade dress owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright and trade dress rights whatsoever.
The present invention relates generally to drinkware, and more specifically, to a leak-proof vessel for storing fluid for outdoor use.
This background information is intended to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art and may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art that is not to be construed as limiting the disclosure of the present application.
Many people use a drinking bottle or tumbler daily, especially for staying hydrated while on the go, such as during sports or other outdoor activities. Drink containers come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, however the primary function of a drink container is to provide a convenient and portable way to carry a drink such as water. Various drink containers often include features such as screw-on or flip-top lids to prevent spills, and some may have insulating properties to keep the liquid cold or hot for extended periods.
A leak-proof bottle is a type of drink container specifically designed to prevent any liquid from spilling or leaking out, even when the bottle is tipped or placed in different positions. Leak-proof bottles are particularly useful for individuals who lead active lifestyles, travel frequently, or carry beverages in bags or backpacks, as they ensure that liquids remain securely contained without causing messes or damage to belongings.
A key feature of a leak-proof bottle is a well-designed cap or lid, which forms a tight seal when closed. There are several common types of leak-proof bottle lids, including screw-on lids with rubber or silicone gaskets, flip-top lids with hinged caps, locking lids for added security, push-pull lids with convenient spouts, and straw lids for easy sipping. Available in stainless steel, plastic, or glass, leak-proof bottles come in various sizes and designs to cater to individual preferences and needs.
Although leak-proof bottles are designed with features intended to prevent leakage, various factors still lead to unexpected spills or leaks. One common issue is the use of low-quality materials or subpar construction, resulting in manufacturing defects such as misaligned threads or faulty gaskets that compromise the bottle's leak-proof capabilities. Additionally, wear and tear over time can cause sealing components like gaskets or O-rings to degrade, leading to potential leakage. Furthermore, improper usage, such as not securely tightening the lid or closing the bottle correctly, also results in leaks even with a well-designed lid. Moreover, exposure to extreme temperatures, pressure changes, or rough handling may impact the bottle's ability to remain leak-proof.
A tumbler is a common drink container that is typically made of insulated stainless steel. Many tumblers incorporate different types of lids such as a leak-proof lid or a sippable lid. As discussed above, leak-proof lids are advantageous to prevent leaks and spills, particularly where tumblers are commonly used outdoors and on the go. Sippable lids are advantageous for providing a convenient way for the user to drink from the tumbler while minimizing spills.
However, leak-proof lids and sippable lids both have disadvantages respectively. For example, tumblers with leak-proof lids often do not have a convenient sippable option for users to minimize spills while drinking. Conversely, tumblers with sippable lids often are not leak-proof.
Furthermore, available leak-proof tumblers are often designed to come with the leak-proof lid attached to the vessel. In theory, this is an advantage because it prevents the user from losing the leak-proof lid after removing. However, in practice, it has many drawbacks because the leak-proof lid often gets in the way of the user's mouth or hand position, makes the tumbler more difficult to wash, or can be easily broken or snapped off accidentally rendering the leak-proof tumbler useless.
Accordingly, although great advances have been made in the area of drinkware, some deficiencies remain. There is a need for a leak-proof vessel for storing fluid that addresses the above issues.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simple manner, which is further described in the detailed description of the disclosure. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the subject matter nor to determine the scope of the disclosure.
The disclosure of the present application addresses the above stated deficiencies with drinkware. The leak-proof vessel for storing fluid of the present application is unique when compared with other known drinkware because it provides, among other advantages, the benefits of both a leak-proof lid and a sippable lid without the drawbacks.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a leak-proof vessel for storing fluid is disclosed. The leak-proof vessel for storing fluid for drinking such as water, juice, tea, or coffee, and the like, comprises a substantially cylindrical body for storing a fluid. The cylindrical body includes a neck portion. The neck portion includes a threaded interior surface that enables seamless sealing with a threaded exterior surface of an inner lid. The inner lid comprises a disk plate with an orifice and an air vent, wherein one or more grooves are formed on an interior surface of the inner lid. Further the leak-proof vessel comprises an outer lid comprising one or more locking elements secured on an exterior surface of the outer lid, wherein the one or more locking elements interlock with the one or more grooves to firmly engage the inner lid with the outer lid. Further, a base aperture formed on a bottom portion of the vessel which accommodates a magnetic element that securely holds the outer lid within the base aperture, for providing a hands-free experience to a user and protecting the bottom portion of the vessel and the outer lid from damage, loss and potential exposure to undesirable substances like dirt and other contaminants.
To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.
The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
While the apparatus of the present application is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail. It should be understood that the description of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but rather to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated apparatus, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
In the present document, the word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
The terms “comprise”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, additional sub-modules. Appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to
Referring initially to
The cylindrical body 102 is utilized for storing fluid for drinking and may be insulated to maintain a temperature of the contained fluid. The cylindrical body 102 allows the user to engage in outdoor activities, travel and allows the user to enjoy the preferred beverage at the desired temperature while on the go. In addition to this, the cylindrical body 102 allows for efficient storage and provides a comfortable grip for the user. The cylindrical body 102 allows for better insulation throughout the leak-proof vessel 100, reducing heat transfer between an inner and an outer surface of the cylindrical body 102. As a result, the cylindrical body 102 minimizes condensation on the outer surface when the user holds the leak-proof vessel stored with cold fluid and prevents excessive heat transfer to the exterior when handling hot fluid, reducing the risk of discomfort and potential accidents.
According to an alternative embodiment, the cylindrical body 102 may have a double construction wall i.e., an inner wall and an outer wall which are separated by a vacuum or insulating material, creating a barrier that inhibits a heat exchange between the fluid stored and the external environment. Due to the double construction wall, a risk of external condensation is reduced, ensuring that the surface remains dry and free from moisture, especially when the leak-proof vessel is placed on delicate surfaces or within bags or backpacks, as the double construction wall prevents potential damage to belongings caused by fluid seepage.
The elevated portion of the neck may have a height ranging from approximately 4 mm to approximately 5 mm. The height measurement is intentional to achieve an optimal balance between practicality and convenience. The elevated portion allows for a comfortable and precise grip while holding the vessel, making it easy for users to control the flow of fluid during pouring or drinking.
Additionally, the neck portion 104 includes a threaded interior surface 202 that enables seamless sealing with a threaded exterior surface of an inner lid (shown in
Additionally, the threaded sealing mechanism offers convenience and ease of use and allows for quick and effortless opening and closing of the vessel, enabling the user to access the stored fluid with minimal effort. The threaded interior surface ensures that the inner lid remains in place during transportation, eliminating any potential leakage even when the leak proof vessel is placed in bags, backpacks, or other containers.
Further to ensure optimal functionality, the inner lid 106 also incorporates the air vent 306. The air vent 306 acts as a vital component in regulating pressure inside the cylindrical body when pouring or consuming the fluid, which prevents any vacuum from forming within the vessel during pouring, thereby ensuring an effortless way to dispense the fluid smoothly without any resistance. The presence of the air vent 306 also facilitates a controlled flow of fluid, reducing the risk of splashing or spilling when pouring or drinking.
Furthermore, the interior surface 310 of the inner lid 106 is configured with one or more grooves 308. The one or more grooves 308 are formed in strategic locations to enhance the performance of the inner lid 106. When the inner lid 106 is firmly placed onto the neck portion 104, the one or more grooves 308 create a secure and reliable connection. The one or more grooves 308 interlock with the threaded interior surface 202 of the neck portion 104, ensuring a snug fit and effectively preventing any accidental loosening of the inner lid 106.
In addition to this, the one or more grooves 308 provide an extra layer of protection against potential spills or leaks and maintains the integrity of the vessel during the transport or when the vessel is positioned in various different orientations. The combination of the disk plate 300, the orifice 302, and the air vent 306 along with one or more grooves 308 results in a highly functional and reliable inner lid 106.
Further, the outer lid 108 has a pivotal role in sealing the vessel, thereby preventing any unwanted leaks or spills. The outer lid 108 is precisely manufactured to match one or more dimensions of the cylindrical body 102 for fitting snugly over the opening and creating a reliable barrier to keep the fluid safely contained within. The outer lid may be circular in shape which not only complements the overall aesthetics of the cylindrical body but also facilitates effortless alignment and attachment to the cylindrical body.
In addition to this, when the outer lid 108 is securely attached to the magnetic element 702, there is a formation of a tight sealing which effectively prevents dirt, dust, or other pollutants over the bottom portion of the cylindrical body as well as the outer lid 108, which is particularly advantageous for outdoor adventures or travel, where the leak-proof vessel 100 may come into contact with various environmental elements. Further, the base aperture 110 holds the outer lid 108 which may serve as a coaster allowing the user to place the leak-proof vessel 100 on a surface.
The first gasket 800 is configured to fill the space between the threaded interior surface of the neck portion and the threaded exterior surface of the inner lid 106. The first gasket 800 may be made from a high-quality, flexible material that effectively seals any gaps or irregularities between the two threaded surfaces. When the inner lid 106 is firmly attached to the neck portion of the cylindrical body, the first gasket 800 creates a watertight seal, preventing the fluid from escaping or seeping, hence providing user with the confidence to carry the leak proof vessel in one or more orientations without worrying about leaks or spills.
In addition, a second gasket 900 is configured to fill the space between the interior surface of the inner lid and the exterior surface of the outer lid 108. The second gasket 900 acts as an additional layer of protection, ensuring a secure and airtight seal between the two lids. When the outer lid 108 is firmly engaged with the inner lid 106, the second gasket 900 forms a tight barrier that reinforces the leak-proof properties of the cylindrical body. The double gasket arrangement i.e., arrangement of first and second gasket guarantees enhanced leak prevention, making the leak proof vessel suitable for any situation, from everyday use to rugged outdoor adventures.
In addition to this, the selection of high-quality materials for both gaskets ensures the durability and resilience over time. The first and second gaskets are structured to withstand repeated use and maintain the sealing effectiveness even with frequent lid application and removal. The ability to endure a wide range of temperatures, from scalding hot to freezing cold, further enhances the leak-proof performance in various conditions.
Furthermore, the flexible nature of the gasket allows for easy cleaning and maintenance, ensuring that the user keeps the cylindrical body 102 hygienic and pristine with minimal effort. Regular cleaning of the first and second gaskets helps maintain the sealing capabilities, ensuring that the leak proof vessel continues to deliver a leak-proof experience with each use.
Thus, various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a leak-proof vessel for storing fluid that comprises a cylindrical body with a neck portion having a threaded interior surface for seamless sealing with an inner lid. The inner lid comprises a disk plate with an orifice, air vent, and grooves on its interior surface. The outer lid has locking elements that interlock with the grooves, ensuring a secure engagement with the inner lid. Additionally, the magnetic element in the base opening holds the outer lid, providing a hands-free experience to users. The leak proof vessel provides a user-friendly solution for fluid storage, offering reliability, convenience, and an enjoyable experience for users across various settings and activities.
The written description describes the subject matter herein to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments. The scope of the subject matter embodiments is defined by the claims and may include other modifications that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have similar elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims or if they include equivalent elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
The illustrated steps are set out to explain the exemplary embodiments shown, and it should be anticipated that ongoing technological development will change the manner in which particular functions are performed. These examples are presented herein for purposes of illustration, and not limitation. Further, the boundaries of the functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. Alternatives (including equivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc., of those described herein) will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Such alternatives fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments. Also, the words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other similar forms are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
