BOTTLE CLOSURE AND METHOD
A removable bottle closure is set forth. The bottle closure is adapted and constructed to removably seal a container. The bottle closure includes at least one air valve. The air valve is formed to control both liquid and air flow within a container sealed by the bottle closure.
The present disclosure relates to a bottle closure and method. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a self-venting bottle closure and method for forming the self-venting bottle closure.
BACKGROUNDMuseums containing ancient artifacts invariably include one or several drinking vessels. The ancient drinking vessels were formed from a variety of materials and for a number of different purposes. Early canteens were used to convey liquids for quenching thirst while preventing the liquids stored in the canteens from evaporating.
Many years forward, plastics and other materials were developed into suitable disposable or otherwise improved drinking vessels. In recent years, a number of improvements to portable and/or disposable drinking containers and caps to seal the containers have improved the quality of the liquid contents of the containers, by reducing bacteria and eliminating cleaning and storage requirements for portable liquids. It is particularly desirable in recent times to provide improved caps or closures for modern drinking containers.
Consequently, numerous efforts to improve and expand the features of caps and closures for modern day drinking vessels are represented in the patent literature. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,347 to Freeman et al. discusses a spill-proof closure for containers including a spout having a thin membrane at or near the upper end.
To facilitate drinking using a straw, U.S. Pat. No. 7,134,570 to Heath et al includes an opening in a horizontal plane of a disposable lid. The opening also provides an air passage to prevent the creation of a vacuum in the cup.
Published U.S. Application No. 2006/0151426 provides a sip cap that uses a flexible rubber silicone gasket to create the seal without using threads. This allows the cap to fit a wide range of opening sizes. Through the center of the rubber gasket is a hole with a plastic tube that extends upward to a sipping nozzle which contains pinholes to regulate the flow of fluid.
Despite the advantages purported to be offered, known caps and closures exhibit numerous shortcomings. For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for improved drinking caps and closures that enhance the advantages of modern drinking vessels.
SUMMARYEmbodiments of the present disclosure relate to an improved, removable bottle closure and method for forming the improve bottle closure. A removable bottle closure configured for selective application to a bottle can include a bottle closure having an elevated surface. An air valve and a bite valve are formed in the elevated surface. The elevated surface extends upwardly from a top of the bottle closure. A gasket having an outer flexible surface and a smaller diameter than the overall width of the bottle closure is provided. The gasket is configured to removably seal a container opening.
A method in accordance with the principles herein is also provided. The method includes the step of forming a bottle closure including a bite valve on an upper surface of the bottle closure. An air valve is formed in proximity to the bite valve. The air valve is configured to permit liquid to flow when the bite valve is engaged, and prevents liquid from flowing while allowing air to flow in response to a pressure differential created in a container.
One embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles herein relates to a closure having a single bite valve and a single air valve.
Another embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles herein relates to a closure having a single bite valve and symmetric air valves.
Yet another embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles herein relates to a closure having multiple bite valves and multiple air valves.
Still another embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles herein relates to a closure having multiple bite valves and multiple air valves, and an additional pin hole provided along a side of the closure and adapted and constructed to accommodate a one way air valve.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become further apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments constructed in accordance with the principles herein, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not to scale. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure rather than limiting, the scope of the present disclosure being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
Throughout the various figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONAs illustrated in
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Additional details of internal components of an exemplary bottle closure are shown generally at 90 in
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For example, in order to adjust for optimum flow of both air and liquid in the bottle closures shown generally at 1100 and 1300 in
Although any suitable method can be employed in fabricating the bottle closure in accordance with a method of the present disclosure, it is contemplated that particular advantage can be achieved through the use of manufacturing methods such as, for example, injection molding.
As illustrated in
The bottle closure is designed for durable and adaptable performance, and provides an economical, reusable drink top, while eliminating problems with spillage.
While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided herein, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents are intended to be embraced therein. For example, variations in the forming and/or any other features described in the present disclosure are within the spirit and meaning of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A removable bottle closure configured for selective application to a bottle comprising;
- a bottle closure including an elevated surface having an air valve and a bite valve formed therein, the elevated surface extending upwardly from a top of the bottle closure; and
- a gasket having an outer flexible surface and a smaller diameter than the overall width of the bottle closure, wherein the gasket is configured to removably seal a container opening.
2. A removable bottle closure as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a second air valve formed in proximity of the bite valve.
3. A removable bottle closure as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a second bite valve formed in the elevated surface.
4. A removable bottle closure as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an air hole formed in the side of the bottle closure.
5. A removable bottle closure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elevated surface forms a substantially perpendicular plane to a container sidewall to which the bottle closure is configured to seal.
6. A removable bottle closure, adapted and constructed to removably seal a container, the bottle closure comprising;
- at least one air valve, the air valve formed to control both liquid and air flow within a container sealed by the bottle closure.
7. A removable bottle closure as claimed in claim 6, further comprising at least one bite valve in proximity of the air valve.
8. A removable bottle closure as claimed in claim 6, wherein the bottle closure is formed of a rubber material.
9. A removable bottle closure as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a second air valve formed near the bite valve.
10. A method comprising the following steps:
- forming a bottle closure including a bite valve on an upper surface of the bottle closure; and
- forming an air valve in proximity to the bite valve;
- wherein the air valve is configured to permit liquid to flow when the bite valve is engaged, and prevents liquid from flowing while allowing air to flow in response to a pressure differential created in a container.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 15, 2013
Publication Date: Sep 18, 2014
Inventor: Jared H. Aller (Oakland, CA)
Application Number: 13/835,790
International Classification: B65D 51/16 (20060101);