Child-proof drink bottle

Abstract

A container that provides a child-resistant cap or lid to prevent unwanted opening and subsequent spillage of the contents. The container is designed to dispense a beverage and can be used as a “sippy bottle” for small children. The lid and rim are outfitted with an interlocking mechanism, which functions to childproof the container by requiring the user to first apply a downward force before rotating and removing the lid. The interface between the container and the lid forms a watertight seal to minimize spills and leaks, even when the bottle is tipped over.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure is for a container that provides a child-resistant cap or lid to prevent unwanted opening and subsequent spillage of the contents. More particularly, the container is designed to dispense a beverage and can be used as a “sippy bottle” for small children. The lid and rim are outfitted with an interlocking mechanism, which functions to childproof the container by requiring the user to first apply a downward force before rotating and removing the lid. The interface between the container and the lid forms a watertight seal to minimize spills and leaks, even when the bottle is tipped over.

2. Background

In bringing up small children, it is often a challenge to provide cups or bottles to meet their special requirements. There are many spill proof “sippy bottles” available which effectively retain the beverage after being tipped over, or even dropped on the ground. To this end, the traditional sippy bottle has performed well. However, it is common to find that a child is able to open these bottles, particularly as the child develops curiosity and learns to twist and to pull apart objects. Therefore, what is needed is a childproof container that may be conveniently opened by adults. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a container that is safe for children to use, particularly in the absence of adult supervision.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,020 issued to Featherston on Aug. 31, 2004, entitled “Toddler Drinking Cup,” illustrates a container that is designed for use by children. Typically, these types of cups and containers have a conventional twist-on cap that may be detached by small children. In this instance, FIG. 2 of Featherston illustrates “a spiral or thread” as the fastening structure that is used to attach the lid to the cup. Obviously, this would not pose much of a problem to a curious toddler who wished to open the container. What is needed is a child proof fastening structure or mechanism that prevents the child from unnecessarily opening the container, yet allows adults to conveniently open. It is also an object of the invention to provide a container that is economical and easy to manufacture. Furthermore, it is another object of the invention to provide a container that is simple and easy to clean.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the top portion of the reservoir body of one embodiment of the container.

FIG. 2a is a close up view showing the locking mechanism of the embodiment of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing the bottom portion of the lid body of one embodiment of the container.

FIG. 3a shows a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing the attachment of the lid body of one embodiment of the container.

FIG. 4a shows the embodiment of FIG. 4 in an engaged but unlocked position.

FIG. 4b shows the embodiment of FIG. 4 in a locked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of the container 10. A reservoir body 100 is preferably cylindrical in shape but may be of any shape or size that serves as a container suitable to be used by small children. In alternate embodiments, a cup handle may be attached to reservoir body 100. The inner volume of reservoir body 100 should be sufficient to accommodate a beverage and have a surface that is smooth and easy to clean.

Lid body 300 is fastenable to reservoir body 100 and is illustrated as being attached thereto as shown in FIG. 1. Base 102 is accordingly shaped to support the container in a vertical position if placed on a substantially flat surface. In the preferred embodiment, the main components of container 10 are depicted as cylindrical featuring distal ends that exhibit a circular perimeter such that they are more easily engageable. The main components of container 10 may be constructed from the same material or from different materials. For example, a preferred material may be a thermoplastic polymer such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or mixtures or combinations thereof. For safety, the preferred embodiment features no sharp edges or corners. In alternate embodiments, the outer surfaces and edges of container 10 may be additionally formed or coated with a softer material to further increase safety while being used by small children.

In FIG. 2, container 10 is displayed with the top lid body 300 removed. Top rim 200 is located along the upper distal end of the reservoir body 100, which may be formed together as a single component, or fused together as such. It is important to note that top rim 200 may require a stronger, more durable material than reservoir body 100 because of the engaging function, thereby requiring a different material or coating. Also, the upper boundary of top rim 200 should have a smooth, uniform surface to aid in achieving a proper seal.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the outer surface of top rim 200 includes a plurality of alignment stubs 210 that may be formed integrally with top rim 200. Alignment stubs 210 are symmetrically disposed along the side surface of top rim 200 to permit engagement with corresponding lock tabs 310 (see below) of lid body 300. It is understood that alignment stubs 210 may be of any shape or size, and the number of alignment stubs 210 should be sufficient enough to tightly secure lid body 300 thereto. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2a, a ramped or angled leading edge 220 features an end slot 222 to incorporate a push down, lock-and-release mechanism engaging lid body 300 with top rim 200. In alternate embodiments, different alignment stub shapes and configurations may be used to provide a child proof lock-and-release mechanism.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of lid body 300, which features a drink spout 304 on the top surface. Drink spout 304 may be formed from a different material or integrated as one piece with lid body 300. A plurality of lock tabs 310 are symmetrically disposed at the lower portion of lid body 300 and facilitate a lock and release mechanism when engaged with alignment stubs 210 located on top rim 200. The lock tabs 310 may be formed integrally in one piece with lid body 300, or fused together as such. Lock tabs 310 may be constructed or coated with a stronger, more durable material due to the nature of their interlocking function. In preferred embodiments, the tabs are geometrically conformed to fit alignment stubs 210 and have the corresponding width and height of end slot 222, as shown in FIG. 2a. The lock tabs and alignment stubs used may be of any shape, size or height, as long as the tabs and stubs form a matching lock-and-release combination.

The bottom view of the top lid body 300 as depicted in FIG. 3a reveals the configuration of lock tabs 310 along the interior surface of sealable groove 350. In preferred embodiments, a sealing ring 330 is contained within the top boundary of sealable groove 350 to assist in forming a watertight seal with top rim 200 of reservoir body 100. Any soft or compressible watertight material such as rubber or soft plastic may be used to form sealing ring 330. The extent of compressibility must accommodate alignment stubs 210, particularly the distance from an end slot 222 with respect to top rim 200.

FIG. 4 illustrates the attachment of lid body 300 to reservoir body 100. Locking tabs 310 engage alignment stubs 210 such that lid body 300 is positioned with the exterior surface of top rim 200. By pushing down and rotating lid body 300 as shown in FIG. 4a, sealable groove 350 will become integral with top rim 200, forming a watertight seal. Once lid body 300 is rotated into the fully locked position as shown in FIG. 4b, locking tabs 310 will click into end slots 222, thereby assuring a proper seal. To remove lid body 300, the operation is similar in that lid body 300 must first be pushed down in order to disengage locking tabs 310 from end slots 222, and then and rotated in a counter direction.

In preferred embodiments, a clockwise rotation of lid body 300 with respect to reservoir body 100 follows the conventional manner of sealing a container. In alternate embodiments, a counter-clockwise sealing rotation may be implemented instead, which may be more childproof if the child is accustomed to twisting open lids in the conventional counter-clockwise direction.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention as described and hereinafter claimed is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A child resistant container, comprising:

a reservoir body, said reservoir body comprising a neck connected to said body defining a mouth at one end;

a top rim comprising at least one alignment stub that is engageable with a lid body;

a lid body comprising a sealable groove, wherein at least one of locking tab is engageable with said at least one alignment stub.

2. The container according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of alignment stubs and a same number of alignment tabs.

3. The container according to claim 2, wherein said alignment stubs are disposed along the exterior surface of said top rim.

4. The container according to claim 2, wherein said alignment stubs have an interlockable shape or pattern that interlocks with said alignment tabs.

5. The container according to claim 2, wherein said locking tabs are disposed along the interior surface of said sealable groove.

6. The container according to claim 3, wherein said locking tabs have a shape or pattern that is interlockable with said alignment stubs.

7. The container according to claim 1, wherein said lid body is engageable with said reservoir body by applying a downward force and rotating said lid body.

8. The container according to claim 1, wherein the top surface of said lid body further comprises a drinking channel such as a spout or nipple.

9. The container according to claim 1, wherein said sealable groove is further comprised of a sealing ring or gasket constructed from a soft and compressible material to form a uniform, watertight seal.

10. The container according to claim 1, wherein the exterior of said reservoir body further comprises a holding structure such as a cup handle.

11. The container according to claim 1, wherein the outer surfaces of said reservoir body and lid body are further comprised of a different material such as rubber or insulation.