Receptacle Device

Abstract

As one implementation example, a device is described which comprises a body portion, the body portion being configured to retain fluid, the body portion comprising a reception end, the reception end being configured to receive the fluid, the reception end comprising an aperture, the aperture being configured to enable the fluid to at least partially enter the body portion. The device comprises an inner reception portion, the inner reception portion being disposed inside the body portion, the inner reception portion comprising a wide end and a narrow end. The device comprises a cover portion, the cover portion being disposed to engage with the reception end, the cover portion being operable to be positioned in an open position and in a closed position, the closed position being configured to restrict access to the aperture, the open position being configured to restrict visual access to an object in proximity to the device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present Utility patent application claims priority benefit of the U.S. provisional application for patent Ser. No. 61/745,634 titled “Automatic Flip Cover Portable Spittoon,” filed on Dec. 23, 2012 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e), and U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 14/103,860, entitled “Receptacle Device”, filed on Dec. 12, 2013 under 35 USC 111(a). The contents of this related provisional application and utility application are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes to the extent that such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith or limiting hereof.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to receptacle devices. More particularly, the invention relates to receptacles that allow for discrete spitting, and securely stores the saliva inside.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that a spittoon is a receptacle made for spitting into, especially by users of chewing and dipping tobacco. It is also a type of spitting sink used in dentistry.

Typically, saliva is a watery substance located in the mouths of organisms, secreted by the salivary glands. Human saliva is composed of 99.5% water, while the other 0.5% consists of electrolytes, mucus, glycoproteins, enzymes, and antibacterial compounds.

Typically, saliva serves a lubrication for the mouth and digestive system, wetting food and permitting the initiation of swallowing, and protecting the mucosal surfaces of the oral cavity from desiccation. The enzymes found in saliva are essential in beginning the process of digestion of dietary starches and fats. These enzymes also play a role in breaking down food particles entrapped within dental crevices, protecting teeth from bacterial decay.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary receptacle device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary receptacle device in a closed position with an exemplary buffer, FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary receptacle device in a closed position with an exemplary handle, and FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary receptacle device in an open position;

FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed perspective view of a user discharging a fluid into an exemplary receptacle device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary receptacle device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of an exemplary receptacle device in an open position, and FIG. 3B illustrates a frontal view of an exemplary receptacle device in an open position;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate sectioned side views of an exemplary receptacle device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary receptacle device in an open position, and FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary receptacle device in a closed position;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate sectioned side views of an exemplary inner reception portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary inner reception portion with a receptacle device in a vertical position, and FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary inner reception portion with a receptacle device in a horizontal position; and

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate detailed perspective views of exemplary receptacle devices with various shapes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary body portion in a hexagonal shape, and FIG. 6B6A illustrates an exemplary body portion in a rectangular shape.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

Headings provided herein are for convenience and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

Devices that are in communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices that are in communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Some embodiments of the present invention may provide various types of receptacles for receiving fluids. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a receptacle device may be operable to discretely receive a fluid and/or securely retainae fluid inside the receptacle device. In some embodiments, the receptacle device may provide a cover which may extend from the device to restrict visual access of an object. In a non-limiting example, a cover of a receptacle device may restrict visual access of a user's mouth which may be in a proximity to the receptacle device. In many embodiments, the cover may also function to help retain a fluid inside the receptacle device. In some embodiments, a fluid inside a closed receptacle device may remain trapped inside, regardless of movement and/or orientation of the receptacle device. In some of these embodiments, an inner retention portion may carry fluid to a receptacle end of a body portion and/or a gravity driven valve.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the receptacle device may include a body portion which may retain a fluid. The body portion may be operable to allow a user to grasp the receptacle device. In a non-limiting example, a user may grasp a body portion to transport a receptacle device and/or to discharge fluid from the receptacle device. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that spitting in public may not be a slightly function. An aesthetic, portable body portion may provide a more acceptable device for discretionary spitting. Suitable shapes for the body portion may include, without limitation, a cylinder, a hexagon, a rectangle, and a cube. In some embodiments, the body portion may include, without limitation, a reception end which may be configured to receive a fluid. In some of these embodiments, an aperture may be situated on the reception end, whereby a fluid may at least partially pass through. In many embodiments, the aperture may be disposed to form an incline which may allow for enhanced mating with a user's mouth. In some of these embodiments, the body portion may remain substantially vertical while a user's mouth may engage the aperture. In some embodiments, the aperture may be shaped and dimensioned to mate with a user's mouth. In some of these embodiments, suitable aperture shapes may include, without limitation, a half-moon shape, a semi-circular shape, an oval shape, and a slit. In one embodiment, a handle may join with the body portion which may allow for improved holding and transporting of a receptacle device.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the body portion may include an inner reception portion which may be situated inside the body portion. In some of these embodiments, the inner reception portion may be concentric to the aperture. In some embodiments, the inner reception portion may include, without limitation, a funnel shape which may join with the aperture and may direct fluid towards a terminal end of the inner reception portion. In many embodiments, the funnel shape of the inner reception portion may include, without limitation, a wide end which may join with the aperture and a narrow end which may direct fluid towards the terminal end of the body portion. In some of these embodiments, the inner reception portion may serve to carry fluid from the aperture, through the body portion, and/or to the terminal end of the body portion. In some embodiments, a valve portion may join with a narrow end of the inner reception portion. In some of these embodiments, the valve portion may be operable to help restrict fluid from flowing out of the aperture. In a non-limiting example, a valve portion may prevent fluid from flowing out of an aperture when a receptacle device orients in positions other than an upright position with areception end above a terminal end. In the present non-limiting example, the receptacle device may lay substantially horizontally and/or with the reception end below the terminal end. Further, in the present non-limiting example, gravity may urge the fluid back towards the aperture, and the fluid may possibly flow out of a body container. In some embodiments, the valve portion may include a gravity driven valve which may be configured to provide a barrier to fluid regardless of orientation and/or positioning of the receptacle device. In some of these embodiments, the gravity driven valve may include a weight which may join with a barrier. In many of these embodiments, the barrier may join with the narrow end of the inner retention portion. In one or more embodiments, gravity may force weight to fall to a lowest point, thereby pulling the barrier over an open narrow end of the inner retention portion. In some embodiments, when the receptacle device lies horizontally and/or with a terminal end up, the barrier may be positioned to restrict flow of fluid towards the aperture.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the receptacle device may include a cover portion which may provide a barrier which may restrict visual access to a user's mouth when in proximity to the receptacle device. In many embodiments, the cover portion may further function to restrict access to the aperture and may prevent fluid from flowing out of the body portion. In some embodiments, the cover portion may hingedly join with the reception end of the body portion. In some of these embodiments, the cover portion may elevate to restrict a view of a user's mouth when in proximity to the aperture. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that spitting into the aperture may require a user's mouth to position a proximal distance above the reception end, whereby mouth and face of user may only be partially screened from view. In many embodiments, to hinged rotation of the cover portion above the reception end may provide additional surface area to help block viewing access to a user's face while spitting. In some embodiments, the cover portion may include an outer surface and an inner surface. In some of these embodiments, the inner surface may engage the reception end. In many embodiments, a seal portion may engage the aperture to provide a tight seal which may help restrict flow of fluid out of the body portion. In some embodiments, the seal portion may include, without limitation, a cork which may be shaped and/or dimensioned to at least partially pass through the aperture, which may thereby seal peripheral edges of the aperture. In some of these embodiments, the seal portion may further include, without limitation, a rubber seal, a magnet, and an adhesive. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the cover portion may include a buffer portion. In some of these embodiments, the buffer portion may include a soft material which may be configured to protrude from the outer surface. In many of these embodiments, when the cover portion hingedly opens, the outer surface of the cover portion may engage a sidewall of the body portion with minimal noise. In some embodiments, suitable materials for the buffer portion may include, without limitation, foam, rubber, cork, and plastic. In at least one embodiment, a release portion may function to release the cover portion to an open position by triggering a fastener. In some embodiments, the cover portion may then be positioned back into a closed position, whereby the fastener may secure the cover portion into the closed position. In some of these embodiments, the release portion may be operable with one hand, and may be manipulated with a thumb, or other suitable means, to operate.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary receptacle device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary receptacle device in a closed position with an exemplary buffer, FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary receptacle device in a closed position with an exemplary handle, and FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary receptacle device in an open position. In the present embodiment, the receptacle device may provide a receptacle which may be operable to discretely receive a fluid from a user's mouth and/or securely retain fluid inside the receptacle device. The receptacle device may be any suitable device, including, without limitation, a thermostat, a spittoon, a tobacco juice can, and a dentist spit sink. In yet additional embodiments, the receptacle device may be utilized for collecting fluid samples for laboratory analysis and/or environmental samples. In some embodiments, the cover portion of the receptacle portion may provide a cover portion which may serve as a visual barrier. In a non-limiting example, a cover portion may restrict a view of a user's mouth when in proximity to the receptacle device. In the present non-limiting example, a user may discretely discharge fluids from user's mouth in an efficient, respectful way. In some embodiments, fluid discharged into the receptacle device may be corked shut inside the receptacle device by means of the cover portion. In some of these embodiments, fluid inside the receptacle device may remain inside, regardless of movement and/or orientation of the receptacle device due to an inner retention portion which may carry fluid to a receptacle end of the body portion and/or to a valve.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the receptacle device may include a body portion 102 which may retain fluid. In some embodiments, suitable materials for the body portion may include, without limitation, plastic, brass, metal, fiberglass, high density polymers, cork plant, clay, ceramic, China, and wood. In many embodiments, the body portion may be operable to allow a user to grasp the receptacle device during transport and/or while discharging fluid. In some embodiments, suitable shapes for the body portion may include, without limitation, a cylinder, a hexagon, a rectangle, and a cube. In some embodiments, the body portion may include a reception end which may receive fluid. In the present embodiment, an aperture 104 may be situated on the reception end, whereby fluid may at least partially pass through. In some embodiments, the aperture may be disposed to form an incline for enhanced mating with a user's mouth. In some of these embodiments, the body portion may remain substantially vertical while a user's mouth may engage an inclined aperture. In many embodiments, the aperture may be shaped and/or dimensioned to mate with a user's mouth. In some embodiments, the shape of the aperture may include, without limitation, a half-moon shape, a semi-circular shape, an oval shape, and a slit. In at least one embodiment, a handle 106 may join with the body portion, which handle may assist in holding and/or transporting the receptacle device. In some of these embodiments, the handle may include, without limitation, a strap, a loop, and a bar.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the receptacle device may include, without limitation, a cover portion 108 for providing a barrier which may restrict a view of a user's mouth when in proximity to the receptacle device. In some embodiments, the cover portion may further function to restrict access to the aperture and/or prevent fluid from flowing out of the body container. In some embodiments, the cover portion may hingedly join with the reception end of the body portion. However, in other embodiments, the cover portion may retract and extend from the body portion. In some of these embodiments, the cover portion may elevate to restrict a view of a user's mouth, when in proximity to the aperture. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that spitting into the aperture may require the mouth to position a proximal distance above the reception end, whereby a user's mouth and/or face may only be partially screened from view. In some embodiments, a hinged rotation of the cover portion above the reception end may provide additional surface area to help block viewing access to a user's face while spitting. In some embodiments, the cover portion may include, without limitation, an outer surface 110 and an inner surface 112. In some of these embodiments, the inner surface may engage the reception end with a seal portion 114. In many of these embodiments, the seal portion may engage the aperture to provide a substantially tight seal which may help restrict flow of fluid out of the body portion. In some embodiments, the seal portion may include, without limitation, a cork that may be shaped and/or dimensioned to at least partially pass through the aperture, thereby sealing one or more peripheral edges of the aperture. In many embodiments, the seal portion may further include, without limitation, a rubber seal, a magnet, and an adhesive. In yet another embodiment, the seal portion may form a seal with the aperture using, without limitation, pressure and/or friction. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the cover portion may include, without limitation, a buffer portion 116. In some of these embodiments, the buffer portion may include, without limitation, a soft material which may be configured to protrude from the outer surface. In many of these embodiments, when the cover portion hingedly opens, the outer surface of the cover portion may engage a sidewall of the body portion with minimal noise. In some embodiments, suitable materials for the buffer portion may include, without limitation, foam, rubber, cork, and plastic. In at least one embodiment, a release portion 118 may function to release the cover portion to an open position by triggering a fastener. In some of these embodiments, the cover portion may then be positioned back into a closed position, whereby the fastener may secure the cover portion into the closed position. In many embodiments, the release portion may be operable with one hand, and may be manipulated with a thumb, or other suitable means, to operate. In some embodiments, the release portion may include, without limitation, a button, a switch, a trigger, and a screw.

FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed perspective view of a user discharging a fluid into an exemplary receptacle device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the body portion may be operable to allow a user to grasp the receptacle device during, without limitation, transport and/or while discharging fluid. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that spitting in public may not be a slightly function. An aesthetic, portable body portion may provide a more acceptable device for discretionary spitting. In some embodiments, spitting into the aperture of the receptacle device may require a user's mouth to position a proximal distance above the reception end, whereby a user's mouth and/or face may only be partially screened from view. In some of these embodiments, the cover portion may extend from the reception end of the body portion to provide additional screening for a user's face.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary receptacle device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of an exemplary receptacle device in an open position, and FIG. 3B illustrates a frontal view of an exemplary receptacle device in an open position. In the present embodiment, the body portion may include a reception end 302 which may be configured to receive fluid. In some embodiments, an aperture may be situated on the reception end, whereby fluid may at least partially pass through. In many embodiments, the aperture may be disposed to form an incline for enhanced mating with a user's mouth. In some of these embodiments, the body portion may remain substantially vertical while a user's mouth may engage the inclined aperture. In many embodiments, the aperture may be shaped and/or dimensioned to mate with a user's mouth. In some embodiments, shape of the aperture may include, without limitation, a half-moon shape, a semi-circular shape, an oval shape, and a slit. In the present embodiment, the body portion may further include, without limitation, a terminal end 304, where fluid may rest while the receptacle device may be in a substantially vertical position.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate sectioned side views of an exemplary receptacle device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary receptacle device in an open position, and FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary receptacle device in a closed position. In the present embodiment, the cover may be hingedly joined with the body portion. In some embodiments, the cover portion may be spring loaded and/or opened by sliding arelease portion. In some of these embodiments, the release portion may include, without limitation, a button, a switch, a trigger, and a screw. In at least one embodiment, the cover portion may close by pushing down until it may lock by means of a locking portion 402. In some of these embodiments, the cover portion may be opened and closed with one hand, and/or other suitable means for opening. In some embodiments, the seal portion may include a cylindrical shaped cork and/or the seal portion may be dimensioned to at least partially pass through the aperture. However, in other embodiments, the seal portion may include a semi-circular cork for forming a tighter fit for securing fluid inside the body portion. In some embodiments, the cork may provide a tight fit for securing fluid inside the body portion.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate sectioned side views of an exemplary inner reception portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary inner reception portion with a receptacle device in a vertical position, and FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary inner reception portion with a receptacle device in a horizontal position. In the present embodiment, the body portion may include an inner reception portion 502 which may be positioned inside the body portion and/or may be concentric to the aperture. In some embodiments, the inner reception portion may include, without limitation, a funnel shape which may join with the aperture and/or may direct fluid towards a terminal end of the inner reception portion. In many embodiments, the funnel shape of the inner reception portion may include, without limitation, a wide end 504 which may join with the aperture, and a narrow end 506 which may direct fluid towards the terminal end of the body portion. In one or more embodiments, the inner reception portion may serve to carry fluid from the aperture, through the body portion, and finally terminate at the terminal end of the body portion. In some embodiments a valve portion 508 may join with the narrow end of the inner reception portion. In some of these embodiments, the valve portion may be operable to help restrict fluid from flowing out the aperture when the receptacle device may orient in positions other than an upright position with the reception end above the terminal end. For example, without limitation, the receptacle device may lay substantially horizontally and/or with the reception end below the terminal end. In the present non-limiting example, gravity may urge fluid back towards the aperture, possibly flowing out of the body container. In some embodiments, the valve portion may include a gravity-driven valve which may be configured to provide a barrier to fluid regardless of orientation and/or positioning of the receptacle device. In the present embodiment, the gravity-driven valve may include a weight 510 which may join with a barrier 512. In some embodiments, the barrier may join with the narrow end of the inner retention portion. In at least one embodiment, gravity may force the weight to fall to a low point, thereby pulling the barrier over an open narrow end of the inner retention portion. In some of these embodiments, when the receptacle device lies horizontally and/or terminal end up, the barrier may be positioned to restrict flow of fluid towards the aperture. In at least one embodiment, the valve portion may include, without limitation, a flexible tube which may suspend a heavy ring. In some of these embodiments, the flexible tube may be made of any fluid proof material, including, without limitation, rubber, latex, and plastic. In some embodiments, the heavy ring may provide sufficient weight which may enable the valve portion to respond to gravity, thereby staying open when in an upright position, and closing when in a horizontal position.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate detailed perspective views of exemplary receptacle devices with various shapes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary body portion in a hexagonal shape, and FIG. 6B6A illustrates an exemplary body portion in a rectangular shape. In the present embodiment, the body portion may be configured to be operable to allow a user to grasp the receptacle device during transport, and/or while discharging fluid. In some embodiments, the body portion and/or the cover portion may have various shapes and sizes. In some of these embodiments, suitable shapes for the body portion may include, without limitation, a cylinder, a hexagon, a rectangle, and a cube. In another embodiment, the receptacle device may include, without limitation, artistic designs and/or colors.

In at least one alternative embodiment, the receptacle device may include an inner beverage container for containing a beverage for drinking. In some of these embodiments, the receptacle device may be utilized for receiving fluids while simultaneously dispersing fluid. In other alternative embodiments, the receptacle device may include, without limitation, a vacuum for sucking the fluid from a user's mouth. In yet another alternative embodiment, the receptacle device may include, without limitation, a discharge valve at the terminal end for releasing excess fluids. In yet another alternative embodiment, the receptacle device may be utilized in sports stadiums for both players and fans watching a game. In yet another alternative embodiment, the receptacle device may be used in areverse mode as a drinking can.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that any of the foregoing steps may be suitably replaced, reordered, removed and additional steps may be inserted depending upon the needs of the particular application. Moreover, the prescribed method steps of the foregoing embodiments may be implemented using any physical and/or hardware system that those skilled in the art will readily know is suitable in light of the foregoing teachings. For any method steps described in the present application that can be carried out on a computing machine, a typical computer system can, when appropriately configured or designed, serve as a computer system in which those aspects of the invention may be embodied. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any particular tangible means of implementation.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing a spittoon that allows for discreet spitting according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the spittoon that allows for discreet spitting may vary depending upon the particular context or application. By way of example, and not limitation, the spittoon that allows for discreet spitting described in the foregoing were principally directed to a fluid receptacle with a cover that extends to provide a visual barrier while spitting implementations; however, similar techniques may instead be applied to drinking receptacles that double as spittoons, which implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.

The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b) requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

1. A device comprising:

a body portion, said body portion being configured to retain a fluid, said body portion comprising a reception end, said reception end being configured to receive said fluid, said reception end comprising an aperture, said aperture being configured to enable said fluid to at least partially enter said body portion;

an inner reception portion, said inner reception portion being disposed inside said body portion, said inner reception portion comprising a wide end and a narrow end; and

a cover portion, said cover portion being disposed to engage with said reception end, said cover portion being operable to be positioned in an open position and in a closed position, said closed position being configured to be operable to restrict access to said aperture, said open position being configured to be operable to restrict visual access to an object in proximity to said device.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said body portion comprises a cylindrical shape, said cylindrical shape being configured to be operable to allow a user to grasp said device.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said aperture is disposed to form an incline, said incline being configured to be operable to engage with said object.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said object comprises a mouth.

5. The device of claim 1, in which said body portion comprises a terminal end, said terminal end being configured to allow said fluid to accumulate in said body portion.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said inner reception portion is concentric to said aperture.

7. The device of claim 1, in which said inner reception portion comprises a funnel shape.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein a valve portion is disposed to engage with said narrow end.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein said valve portion is operable to at least partially restrict movement of said fluid from flowing through said aperture.

10. The device of claim 9, in which said valve portion comprises a gravity driven valve.

11. The device of claim 10, in which said valve portion comprises a barrier, said barrier being disposed to engage with said narrow end.

12. The device of claim 11, in which said valve portion comprises a weight, said weight being disposed to engage with said barrier, said weight being operable to position said barrier over said narrow end.

13. The device of claim 1, in which said aperture comprises a terminal plug for at least partially restricting access to said inner reception portion.

14. The device of claim 1, further comprising a release portion, said release portion being operable to position said cover portion in said open position and in said closed position.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein said release portion comprises a spring loaded hinge.

16. The device of claim 14, wherein said release portion comprises a button for actuating said cover portion.

17. The device of claim 1, in which said cover portion comprises an inner surface and an outer surface.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein said inner surface comprises a seal portion, said seal portion being configured to seal a peripheral edge of said aperture when said cover portion is positioned to said closed position, said outer surface comprising a buffer portion, said buffer portion being configured to minimize sound when said cover portion is positioned to said open position.

19. A device comprising:

a body portion means for retaining a fluid, said body portion means comprising a reception end, said reception end being configured to receive said fluid, said reception end comprising an aperture, said aperture being configured to enable said fluid to at least partially enter said body portion means;

an inner reception portion means for directing said fluid, said inner reception portion means being disposed inside said body portion means, said inner reception portion means comprising a wide end and a narrow end; and

a cover portion means for covering said aperture, said cover portion means being disposed to engage with said reception end, said cover portion means being operable to be positioned in an open position and in a closed position, said closed position being configured to be operable to restrict access to said aperture, said open position being configured to be operable to restrict visual access to an object in proximity to said device.

20. A device comprising:

a body portion, said body portion being configured to retain a fluid, said body portion comprising a reception end, said reception end being configured to receive said fluid, said reception end comprising an aperture, said aperture being configured to enable said fluid to at least partially enter said body portion;

an inner reception portion, said inner reception portion being disposed inside said body portion, said inner reception portion comprising a wide end and a narrow end;

a cover portion, said cover portion being disposed to engage with said reception end, said cover portion being operable to be positioned in an open position and in a closed position, said closed position being configured to be operable to restrict access to said aperture, said open position being configured to be operable to restrict visual access to an object in proximity to said device, said cover portion further comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein said inner surface comprises a seal portion, said seal portion being configured to seal a peripheral edge of said aperture when said cover portion is positioned to said closed position, wherein said outer surface comprises a buffer portion, said buffer portion being configured to minimize sound when said cover portion is positioned to said open position; and

a release portion, said release portion being operable to position said cover portion in said open position and in said closed position.