Cup With Repositionable Insert

Abstract

An infant cup includes a container, a lid removably coupled to the container and having an opening, and an insert removably coupled to the lid. The insert is capable of providing various types of fluid flow outlets that control the amount of fluid that flow out of the infant cup. At least two types of outlets are disposed on the insert. Furthermore, the insert is capable of being repositioned with respect to the lid so the desired outlet is used on the infant cup. Each outlet may be designed to be used by children of certain ages, allowing continuing use of the infant cup as the child grows. Finally, the container of the cup may include an insulation layer and the lid may include a cover to sealingly engage the outlet on the insert.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM TO PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/698,864, entitled “Cup with Repositionable Insert”, filed Sep. 10, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to infant beverage container. More specifically, the present invention is a lid to an infant's beverage container that includes a repositionable insert that enables different types modes of operation of the beverage container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of beverage containers exist for growing children. Depending on a child's development and age, a child generally uses a specific type of beverage container. For example, infants usually drink out of a container with a sippy spout attached to the lid. When the child grows and becomes a toddler, the toddler has honed its drinking skills to be able to consume a beverage out of a container without a sippy spout. However, the toddler is still not skilled enough to drink regularly out of a normal cup or glass, so a parent must discard the sippy cup and purchase a toddler's cup, which has a lid and various small drinking openings. As the toddler grows, they continue to gain experience drinking out of the toddler's cup and are eventually ready to drink out of a regular cup. However, children may still be prone to accidents, so a parent typically purchases another cup that allows a child to simulate drinking out of a regular cup, but one that minimizes spills, leaks, and breakage. The problem currently exists that parents must purchase a variety of beverage containers during the first years of a child's growth. Because children grow and learn so quickly, a single style of beverage container may only last a year or even just a few months. The early years of the growth of their children are costly to parents because they are forced to purchase numerous differing beverage containers that get minimal use.

Therefore, what is needed is a beverage container that is capable of being used throughout the growth of a child. What is needed is a beverage container that is capable of being used during all of the early growth stages of a child, including infant and toddler. Furthermore, what is needed is a beverage container that accomplishes these tasks while being insulated to prevent the child from sudden reactions to touching a beverage container that is too hot or too cold and maintaining the temperature of the container's contents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an infant's cup includes a container, a lid removably coupled to the container; and an insert removably coupled to the lid. The lid includes an opening for delivering fluid from within the container to a user. Furthermore, the insert has at least two different types of outlets. In addition, the insert is configured to be repositionably coupleable to the lid to enable one of the at least two outlets to be in fluid communication with the container and the opening in the lid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of two exemplary embodiments of an infant's cup according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of one of the exemplary embodiments of the infant's cup illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the lid of the exemplary embodiment of the infant's cup illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the sealing plate of the exemplary embodiment of the infant cup illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of a container of an embodiment of an infant's cup according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a close up view of the cross section illustrated in FIG. 5.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of two embodiments of the infant cup 10 in accordance with the present invention are illustrated. The infant cup 10 on the left of FIG. 1 does not contain a handle attachment 500. Conversely, the infant cup 10 on the right of FIG. 1 does contain a handle attachment 500. Furthermore, both embodiments illustrated include a container 600, a lid or cap 100, a flip cover 200, and an insert 300 (illustrated in FIG. 2). As illustrated, the container 600 may be of various sizes. No matter the size or shape, the container 600 is configured to contain and hold various types of fluids. Furthermore, the container 600 may be insulated, as later described and illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. The lid 100 may attach to the container 600 via a snap fit, friction fit, threads, or other similar means. In this embodiment, the lid 100 contains internal threads 190 (illustrated FIG. 3) that mate with the threads 622 (see FIG. 5) of the container 600 to enable the lid 100 to be screwed onto the container 600.

In addition, repositionably attached to the cap 100 is a flip cover 200. In the embodiment illustrated, the flip cover 200 has an open position A and a closed position B. When the flip cover 200 is oriented in the open position A, fluid within the container 600 is capable of flowing out of the consumption aperture 110 (see FIG. 2) of the lid 100. When the flip cover 200 is oriented in the closed position B, the flip cover 200 seals the consumption aperture 110, preventing fluid within the container 600 from flowing out of the consumption aperture 110. Additionally, the flip cover seals the air vent 160 (see FIG. 2) when in the closed position B. In the embodiment illustrated, the flip cover 200 remains in its open position A and its closed position B via friction. The closure projection 252 (illustrated in FIG. 2) extending from the bottom of the flip cover 200 is frictionally received by the consumption aperture 110 of the lid 100 to hold the flip cover 200 in the closed position B. Furthermore, the flip cover 200 remains in the open position A by the cover cavity 250 (illustrated in FIG. 2) being frictionally received into the receiving cavity 120 of the lid 100.

Referring to FIG. 2, illustrated is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention of the infant cup. As illustrated, the lid 100 is configured in a circular shape, enabling the lid 100 to be screwed onto the container 600, as explained previously. Proximate to the edge of the lid 100 is a consumption aperture 110. Positioned on the lid 100, opposite the consumption aperture 110 is a receiving cavity 120, which is configured to receive the cover cavity 250 of the flip cover 200 when the flip cover 200 is in the open position A. In addition, the lid 100 contains a first sidewall 140 and a second side wall 150, where the first and second sidewalls 140, 150 extend vertically from the edge of the lid 100. Furthermore, the first and second sidewalls 140, 150 are positioned on the lid 100 so the first sidewall 140 and the second sidewall 150 are positioned opposite of each other. In addition, the first sidewall 140 and the second sidewall 150 are positioned on the lid 100 so that neither sidewall 140, 150 is proximate to the consumption aperture 110 and receiving cavity 120. Moreover, the first sidewall 140 contains an alignment opening 142, and the second sidewall 150 contains an alignment opening 152. According to the embodiment illustrated, the lid 100 further includes an air vent 160 located proximate to the consumption aperture 110. In other embodiments, the lid 100 may include an air vent 160 located at another position on the lid 100, or may not include an air vent 160 at all. Finally, a skirt 170 extends downward from the top edges of the lid 100. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the skirt 170 includes internal threads 190 that are configured to slideably engage the outside threads 622 (illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6) on the rim 620 of the container 600. Further illustrated in FIG. 3, the interior of the lid 100 includes alignment projections 180 that extend downwardly from the interior of the lid 100.

Continuing with FIG. 2, the flip cover 200 contains a first protuberance 210 and a second protuberance 220. The first protuberance 210 is configured to be received by the alignment opening 142 of the first sidewall 140. The second protuberance 220 is configured to be received by the alignment opening 152 of the second sidewall 150. As stated previously, the flip cover 200 is configured to be oriented in an open position A and a closed position B. The interaction of the protuberances 210, 220 with the alignment openings 142, 152 acts as a hinge to allow the flip cover 200 to be rotated from the open position A to the closed position B and vice versa. In addition, an embodiment of the flip cover 200 further includes a lift tab 230 that is configured to be grasped or engaged by a user to rotate the flip cover 200 between positions A, B. In addition, the flip cover 200 contains an air vent protrusion 240 that sealingly engages the air vent 160 of the lid 100 when the flip cover 200 is in the closed position B. Finally, as stated previously, the flip cover 200 contains a cover cavity 250 that extends from one side of the flip cover 200 and a closure projection 252 that extends from the opposite side of the flip cover 200, around the opening 254 of the cover cavity 250. The closure projection 252 is frictionally received by the consumption aperture 110 of the lid 100 to hold the flip cover 200 in the closed position B. The cover cavity 250 is frictionally received into the receiving cavity 120 of the lid 100 to hold the flip cover 200 in the open position A.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the illustrated embodiment of the infant cup includes a container 600 and a handle attachment 500. As stated previously with regards to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the infant cup 10 includes the handle attachment 500 and another embodiment of the infant cup 10 does not include the handle attachment 500. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle attachment 500 includes a rim 510 with an central opening 520, where the rim 510 and opening 520 are configured to allow the handle attachment 500 slide on an off the container 600, allowing the user to decide on whether or not to use the handle attachment 500. The rim 510 and opening 520 of the handle attachment 500 align with the rim 620 of the inner cup 610 (illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6) of the container 600 to allow the handle attachment 500 to slide on and off the container 600. This relationship between the rim 620 of the container 600 and the rim 510 of the handle attachment 500 allows users to easily attach or remove the handle attachment 500 based on the user's preference. When the lid 100 is coupled to the container 600, the handle attachment 500 is held into place by being squeezed by the edge 630 (illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6) of the container 600 and the skirt 170 of the lid 100.

Moreover, the handle attachment 500 illustrated includes a first handle 530 and a second handle 540 coupled to the rim 510. In this embodiment, the handles 530, 540 are positioned along the outer portion of the rim 510 and are positioned opposite to each other. In another embodiment, the handle attachment 500 may include more or less than two handles. Furthermore, the handle attachment 500 may include handles 530, 540 that are repositionable along the rim 510 of the handle attachment 500. This allows a user to reposition the handles 530, 540 to positions that are comfortable for the user.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 further includes a sealing plate 400. Sealing plate 400 engages the top part of rim 620 of the container 600. In one embodiment, the sealing plate 400 may rest upon the top part of rim 620 of container 600 until the lid 100 is coupled to the container 600, where the lid 100 provides downward pressure on the sealing plate 400 and onto the rim 620 of container 600, frictionally, holding the sealing plate 400 in place. In the embodiment illustrated, the sealing plate 400 includes a sealing edge 440 that frictionally engages the top of rim 620 of container 600 via a mechanism similar to a tongue and groove mechanism. In another embodiment, the sealing plate 400 may also frictionally engage the lid 100 by frictionally engaging the interior of the skirt 170. In yet another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sealing plate 400 includes alignment tabs 450, while the bottom of the lid 100 includes alignment projections 180. The alignment tabs 450 extend upwardly from the sealing plate 400. As explained previously, the alignment projections 180 extend downwardly from the interior of the lid 100. When the sealing plate 400 is seated within the lid 100, the alignment tabs 450 of the sealing plate 400 are configured to mate within the alignment projections 180 of the lid 100, which results in the alignment of the outlet 430 of the sealing plate 400 with the consumption aperture 110 of the lid 100.

The embodiment of the sealing plate 400 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 includes an outlet 430, an air vent 420, and a basin 410. The outlet 430 is positioned proximate to the sealing edge 440. Furthermore, the outlet 430 is shaped and sized to be similar or identical to the consumption aperture 110 of the lid 100. In addition, the air vent 420 is positioned proximate to the outlet 430, similar to the position of the air vent 160 in relation to the consumption aperture 110 of the lid 100. This placement of the air vent 420 places the air vent 420 in alignment with the air vent 160 on the lid 100. Furthermore, the outlet 430 is in alignment with the consumption aperture 110 when the alignment tabs 450 mate with the alignment projections 180. According to this embodiment, the basin 410 extends downward from the sealing plate 400 into the container 600 when the sealing plate 400 is connected to the container 600. Furthermore, as illustrated, the basin 410 is located proximate to the air vent 420 and outlet 430 and extends across the sealing plate 400 to the portion of the sealing edge 440 opposite portion of the sealing edge 440 that is proximate to the outlet 430.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 additionally includes an insert 300 which contains three distinct drinking orifices 320, 330, 340. In other embodiments, the insert 300 may include more or less than three drinking orifices. The insert 300 contains a platform which has a first drinking orifice 320, a second drinking orifice 330, and a third drinking orifice 340. Each drinking orifice 320, 330, 340 differs from the other drinking orifices 320, 330, 340, and each drinking orifice 320, 330, 340 regulates flow of fluid out of the container 600 differently. Each drinking orifice 320, 330, 340 is designed to selectively interact with the consumption aperture 110 of the lid 100 to provide various types of fluid flow through the consumption aperture 110. With the embodiment illustrated, only one drinking orifice 320, 330, 340 may interact with the consumption aperture 110 at a time. Therefore, the insert 300 has three different positions C, D, E when coupled to the lid 100. In the first position C of the insert 300, which is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first drinking orifice 320 interacts with the consumption aperture 110. In the second position D of the insert 300, the second drinking orifice 330 interacts with the consumption aperture 110. Finally, in the third position E of the insert 300, the third drinking orifice 340 interacts with the consumption aperture 110. The insert 300 includes an air vent 312 located centrally on the platform of the insert 300. In each of the three positions C, D, E of the insert 300, the air vent 312 is aligned with, and in fluid communication with, the air vent 160 of the lid 100 and the air vent 420 of the sealing plate 400.

The first drinking orifice 320 resembles a sippy cup spout and includes a spout 322 that contains a valve 324. The valve 324 is constructed from a flexible membrane that contains a slit 326. When pressure is applied to the spout 322, the valve 324 deforms, causing the slit 326 to transform into an opening, allowing fluid to flow through the spout 322. The spout 322 of the first drinking orifice 320 is configured to frictionally engage the consumption aperture 110 of the lid 100 by being inserted into and through the consumption aperture 110 from the bottom of the lid 100. This interaction of the first drinking orifice 320 with the consumption apertures 110 results in the spout 322 of the first drinking orifice 320 extending vertically from the top of consumption aperture 110 and the top of the lid 100. Furthermore, the cover cavity 250 of the flip cover 200 is configured and shaped to enclose the spout 322 of the first drinking orifice 320 when the flip cover 200 is in the closed position B. The first drinking orifice 320 is designed for use by an infant in a manner similar to that of a sippy cup. The valve 324 and slit 326 regulate the flow of fluid from within the container 600, preventing leaks and spills from the infant cup 10. Furthermore, when the insert 300 is oriented in the second and third positions D, E, the insert must be inverted and rotated by a user because the size of the spout 322 would cause the spout to interfere with the lid 100 if the insert was not inverted. Therefore, when the insert is placed in the second and third positions D, E, the spout 322 of the insert extends downwardly into the basin 410 of the sealing plate 400.

The second drinking orifice 330 has a frictional projection 332 extending from the platform 310 that is shaped similar to that of the consumption aperture 110 of the lid 100 and the outlet 430 of the sealing plate 400. The frictional projection 332 is shaped and configured to frictionally engage the consumption aperture 110 from beneath the lid 100. Furthermore, placed within the frictional projection 332 are a plurality of openings 334. In the embodiment illustrated, the plurality of openings 334 include three circular openings. In other embodiments, the number of openings may vary, being more or less than three. The second drinking orifice 330 is designed for fluid flow greater than that of the first drinking orifice 320 but less than full fluid flow, like that of the third drinking orifice 340. The second drinking orifice 330 is designed to be used by children who have outgrown the need for a sippy cup or sippy spout, but are not yet ready for drinking out of a regular glass or cup without a lid.

The third drinking orifice 340, as best illustrated in the insert 300 to the right of FIG. 2, includes a frictional projection 342 extending from the platform 310, similar to that of the second drinking orifice 330. The frictional projection 342 of the third drinking orifice 340 is shaped and configured to frictionally engage consumption aperture 110 from beneath the lid 100. Within the perimeter created by the frictional projection 342 is a mouth 344 of the same shape and size of the consumption aperture 110 and the outlet 430 of the sealing plate 400. The third drinking orifice 340 is configured to allow full fluid flow from the container 600 of the infant cup 10. The third drinking orifice 340 is designed to be used by children who are nearly ready to begin drinking out of a regular glass or cup without a lid, as it provides a similar amount of fluid flow. The third drinking orifice 340 prevents the consequences of tipping the cup or glass too far because the infant cup 10 has a lid. In addition, the mouth 344 of the third drinking orifice 340 is large enough to accept a straw, should the user want to consume the contents of the infant cup 10 via a straw.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, illustrated is an embodiment of the present invention of the container 600 of the infant cup 10. The illustrated embodiment of the container 600 is an insulated container. The container 600 includes an inner cup 610 and an outer cup 640. The inner cup 610, according to the present embodiment, contains a rim 620 that extends vertically from the top of an edge 630. The rim 620 contains external threads 622, which, as explained previously, mate with the internal threads 190 (illustrated in FIG. 3) of the lid 100 to enable the lid 100 to be screwed onto the container 600. As best illustrated in FIG. 6, the edge 630 has an outer lip 632 and an inner lip 634. Both the outer and inner lips 632, 634 extend downwardly from the edge 630. As illustrated, the outer and inner lips 632, 634 extend downwardly from the same point on the edge 630 and their cross section forms a V-shape, forming a groove 636 between the outer lip 632 and the inner lip 634. The outer cup 640 contains a tongue 642 that is shaped to be received by the groove 636 formed by the outer and inner lips 632, 634 of the inner cup 610. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the tongue 642 of the outer cup 640 fits snuggly within the groove 636 of the inner cup 610. Furthermore, an air gap 650 is formed between the inner cup 610 and the outer cup 640. The air gap 650 can be of varying thicknesses, and is used to provide insulation to the contents of the inner cup 610.

The assembly of the inner cup 610 to the outer cup 640 may be accomplished through a spin welding operation or a molding operation. The tongue 642 and groove 636 traps any flash or melted material during the welding operation, and provides for a permanent water-proof joint. In order to make the container 600 pass dishwasher and microwave tests, it is recommended that the edge 630 and the tongue 642, when interconnected with each other, be heated prior to assembly. This will create a vacuum within the air gap 650 of the container 600 and help to equalize pressures created in the heated environments mentioned above.

It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, the term “exemplary” is used herein to describe an example or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary is not to be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as one example or illustration of a possible embodiment of the invention.

Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An infant's cup comprising:

a container with an opening;

a lid removably coupled to the container, the lid having an aperture in fluid communication with the opening of the container; and

an insert removably coupled to the lid, the insert including at least two outlets and repositionably coupleable to the lid enabling one of the at least two outlets to be in fluid communication with the opening of the container and the aperture of the lid.

2. The infant's cup as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a cover pivotally coupleable to the lid, wherein the cover pivots between a first position where the cover is positioned to block the aperture and a second position where the cover is positioned away from the aperture.

3. The infant's cup as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a plate sized larger than the opening of the container, the plate being removably coupled to the lid and the container, the plate configured to be seated within the lid when the lid and the plate are removably coupled to the container.

4. The infant's cup as set forth in claim 3, wherein the plate further includes an opening that is in fluid communication with the container and the aperture of the lid when the plate and the lid are coupled to the container.

5. The infant's cup as set forth in claim 3, wherein the plate secures the insert against the lid when the plate is removably coupled to the lid.

6. The infant's cup as set forth in claim 1, wherein the insert includes a first outlet, a second outlet, and a third outlet.

7. The infant's cup as set forth in claim 6, wherein the insert is configurable in three positions, the first outlet being in fluid communication with the container and aperture when the insert is in the first position, the second outlet being in fluid communication with the container and aperture when the insert is in the second position, and the third outlet being in fluid communication with the container and aperture when the insert is in the third position.

8. The infant's cup as set forth in claim 6, wherein the first outlet is a sippy spout, the second outlet includes at least two equally sized openings, and the third outlet includes one opening larger than each of the three openings of the second outlet.

9. An infant's cup comprising:

a container;

a lid removably coupled to the container, the lid having an aperture; and

an insert including at least two outlets, a first of the at least two outlets having a first rate of flow, a second of the at least two outlets having a second rate of flow different from the first rate of flow, the insert being repositionably coupleable to the lid enabling one of the at least two outlets to be in fluid communication with the container and the aperture of the lid.

10. The infant's cup as set forth in claim 9, wherein the insert includes a first outlet, a second outlet, and a third outlet.

11. The infant's cup as set forth in claim 10, wherein the insert is configurable in three positions, where the first outlet is in fluid communication with the container and aperture when the insert is in the first position, the second outlet is in fluid communication with the container and aperture when the insert is in the second position, and the third outlet is in fluid communication with the container and aperture when the insert is in the third position.

12. The infant's cup as set forth in claim 10, wherein the first outlet is a sippy spout, the second outlet includes at least two equally sized openings, and the third outlet includes one opening larger than each of the three openings of the second outlet.

13. The infant's cup as set forth in claim 12, wherein the first outlet includes a valve within the sippy spout.

14. The infant's cup as set forth in claim 13, wherein the valve is constructed from a flexible membrane that contains a slit, the flexible membrane deforming when a pressure is applied to the valve.

15. An infant's cup comprising:

a container;

a lid removably coupled to the container, the lid having an interior surface, an exterior surface, and an aperture extending through the exterior surface and the interior surface to be in fluid communication with the container; and

an insert with a first side, a second side, and at least two outlets, the insert being repositionably coupleable to the lid in at least two configurations, wherein the first side of the insert is disposed proximate the interior of the surface in a first of the at least two configurations, the second side of the insert is disposed proximate the interior of the surface in a second of the at least two configurations, and one of the at least two outlets being in fluid communication with the container and the aperture of the lid in any of the at least two configurations.

16. The infant's cup as set forth in claim 15, wherein the lid further comprises an opening spaced from the aperture, the opening being in fluid communication with the container.

17. The infant's cup as set forth in claim 16, wherein the insert further comprises a hole spaced from the at least two outlets, the hole being in fluid communication with the opening of the lid when the insert is in any of the at least two configurations.

18. The infant's cup as set forth in claim 15, wherein the insert includes a first outlet of a sippy spout, a second outlet of at least two equally sized openings, and a third outlet of one opening that is sized larger than each of the three openings of the second outlet.

19. The infant's cup as set forth in claim 18, wherein the insert has three configurations including a first configuration where the first outlet is in fluid communication with the container and aperture and the first side of the insert is disposed proximate the interior of the lid, a second configuration where the second outlet is in fluid communication with the container and aperture and the second side of the insert is disposed proximate the interior of the lid, and a third configuration where the third outlet is in fluid communication with the container and aperture and the second side of the insert is disposed proximate the interior of the lid.

20. The infant's cup as set forth in claim 15, wherein each of the at least two outlets is configured to frictionally engage the aperture of the lid when each of the at least two outlets is in fluid communication with the aperture.