DRINKING VESSEL WITH SPILL-PROOF LID

Abstract

Described herein are embodiments of an apparatus that include and/or consist of a spill-proof lid for a drinking container. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a lid, where the lid is configured to include a straw having a leak-proof engagement with the lid and a one-way valve disposed in a portion of the straw that only allows liquid to exit the container (through the straw) when the pressure inside the container is sufficiently greater than the pressure outside the container.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure generally relates to drinking vessels and, more specifically, to a drinking vessel with a spill-proof lid.

BACKGROUND

Drinking vessels, such as cups, insulated beverage containers, canteens, and the like are used to contain fluids for drinking. Fluids tend to spill if left in an open container, so many drinking vessels include a lid. Some lids include openings for allowing controlled passage of the fluid to a user of the vessel. In some cases, the opening is a hole or slot for receiving a drinking straw. While a drinking straw enables a user to withdraw liquid from the container, it leaves the container/lid combination susceptible to spills. Liquid can leak out from around the straw-lid interface as well as through the straw itself if the container/lid combination is knocked over or shaken to an extent that liquid is able escape to the dismay of the user. Preventing (or at least reducing) such spills from a container having a lid with a straw opening is an object of the present invention.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is discussed later.

Described herein are embodiments of an apparatus that include and/or consist of a spill-proof lid for a drinking container. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a lid, where the lid is configured to include a straw having a leak-proof engagement with the lid and a one-way valve disposed in a portion of the straw that only allows liquid to exit the container (through the straw) when the pressure inside the container is sufficiently greater than the pressure outside the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front-side perspective view of one embodiment of a drinking vessel with a spill-proof lid.

FIG. 2 is an exploded, front-side perspective view of one embodiment of a drinking vessel with a spill-proof lid.

FIG. 3 is a topside perspective view of a portion of one embodiment of a drinking vessel with a spill-proof lid.

FIG. 4 is an underside perspective view of one embodiment of a spill-proof lid.

FIG. 5 is a front-side view of one embodiment of a drinking vessel with a spill-proof lid.

FIG. 6 is a front-side view of one embodiment of a drinking vessel with a spill-proof lid, including cross-section line 9-9.

FIG. 7 is a top view of one embodiment of a drinking vessel with a spill-proof lid.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a drinking vessel with a spill-proof lid.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section taken along cross-section line 9-9 in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a topside perspective view of one embodiment of a spill-proof lid.

FIG. 11 is an exploded, front-side perspective view of one embodiment of a spill-proof lid.

FIG. 12 is a top view of one embodiment of a spill-proof lid.

FIG. 13 is a side view of one embodiment of a spill-proof lid, including cross-section line 15-15.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a spill-proof lid.

FIG. 15 is a cross-section taken along cross-section line 15-15 in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a front-side perspective view of one embodiment of a portion of a straw for a spill-proof lid.

FIG. 17 is a side view of one embodiment of a portion of a straw for a spill-proof lid, including cross-section line 20-20.

FIG. 18 is a top view of one embodiment of a portion of a straw for a spill-proof lid.

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a portion of a straw for a spill-proof lid.

FIG. 20 is a cross-section taken along cross-section line 20-20 in FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 is a more detailed view of a portion of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a more detailed view of a portion of FIG. 20.

While the subject matter disclosed herein is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various features and advantageous details are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known starting materials, processing techniques, components, and equipment are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the invention. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, and not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions, and/or rearrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying inventive concept will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

The words and phrases used herein should be understood and interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the understanding of those words and phrases by those skilled in the relevant art. No special definition of a term or phrase, i.e., a definition that is different from the ordinary and customary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art, is implied by consistent usage of the term or phrase herein. To the extent that a term or phrase is intended to have a special meeting, i.e., a meaning other than that understood by skilled artisans, such a special definition will be expressly set forth in the specification in a definitional manner that directly and unequivocally provides the special definition for the term or phrase.

The present embodiments describe a drinking vessel with a spill-proof lid. FIG. 1 is a front-side perspective view of one embodiment of a drinking vessel with a spill-proof lid. The vessel combination 10 includes container 11 and lid 12. Lid 12 preferably is attached to container 11 via a threaded connection (see FIG. 2), but also can be attached in other ways known to those skilled in the art, such as snap-on or other substantially leak-proof manners. Container 11 can be made from any suitable material, including vacuum-sealed layers to preserve the temperature of the container's contents.

Lid 12 may include straw 14 protruding there-through, which can be used by a user to withdraw liquid housed by container 11. Lid 12 may further include straw receptacle area 18, which preferably is sized at least to receive/house the illustrated portion of straw 14. Straw receptacle are 18 may also include a recessed area in lid 12, such that in one embodiment it is surrounded by raised edges of lid 12 as shown in FIG. 1. Lid 12 may further include seal 13, which assists in sealing the straw-lid interface from allowing liquid contained in container 11 from spilling or otherwise exiting the container via the straw-lid interface. Seal 13 can be made from an elastomeric material, as well as other materials capable of and/or known in the art for sealing an interface. Seal 13 likewise can have the affect of more securely holding straw 14 in lid 12.

FIG. 2 is an exploded, front-side perspective view of one embodiment of a drinking vessel with a spill-proof lid. FIG. 2 better illustrates the manner in which lid 12 connects to container 11 via threaded connection 20. As indicated above, other connection methods are known and within the scope of the present invention. FIG. 2 also illustrates straw 19 as a portion of the straw that extends below lid 12 and into container 11. It should be understood that straw 14 and straw 19 can be the same component (i.e., one continuous straw) or separate components that combine to function as one continuous straw. Nor is the disclosed invention limited to a single or a double component straw. In other words, the straw that operates to allow a user to withdraw liquid from container 11 can be a single or a multiple piece straw.

FIG. 3 is a topside perspective view of a portion of one embodiment of a drinking vessel with a spill-proof lid.

FIG. 4 is an underside perspective view of one embodiment of a spill-proof lid.

FIG. 4 better illustrates one exemplary embodiment of the above-mentioned straw combination 14/19. In this particular embodiment (of which there are others within the scope of the present invention), the straw consists of two components, straw 14 and straw 19. The two components are coupled together on the underside of lid 12. In this particular embodiment, the coupling is accomplished by the lower portion of straw 14 including insert region 22 that receives one end of straw 19. Insert region 22 has an inside diameter sized so that the outside diameter of straw 19 fits snuggly therein, i.e., so that the two components can be pushed together and pulled apart but not so easily that they separate without user interaction to separate them. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are other methods of connecting straw portions 14 and 19. Likewise, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other embodiments of the invention may include a single-piece straw as well as straws consisting of more than two pieces. Finally, FIG. 4 also shows seal/retainer 21, which can be part of straw 14, straw 19, or a separate component altogether. Retainer 21 operates to hold the straw combination more firmly and in a sealing relationship with lid 12. The sealing effect is intended to assist in preventing the container contents from leaking through the straw-lid interface.

FIG. 5 is a front-side view of one embodiment of a drinking vessel with a spill-proof lid. Once again illustrated are container 11, lid 12, and straw 14. FIG. 6 is the same view as FIG. 5, including cross-section line 9-9 that will be used in connection with FIG. 9 to illustrate certain additional aspects of this particular embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a top view of one embodiment of a drinking vessel with a spill-proof lid. Given the relative dimensions of the various components of the combination of lid 12 and container 11, this view shows only features of lid 12. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a drinking vessel with a spill-proof lid. Given the relative dimensions of the various components of the combination of lid 12 and container 11, this view shows only features of container 11.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section taken along cross-section line 9-9 in FIG. 6. As shown, FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the combination of straw 14 and straw 19, wherein the combination is made by straw 19 being inserted into insert region 22 on a lower portion of straw 14. FIG. 9 also better illustrates the orientation and operation of retainer 21. Specifically, in this embodiment retainer 21 extends from a lower portion of straw 14 so that a surface thereof seats against the underside of lid 12 in the region of straw receptacle area 18. Finally, FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment wherein seal 13 encircles straw 14 and has a cylindrical lower portion that extends down straw 14 so as to reside between the inside diameter of the straw-hole in lid 12 and the outside diameter of straw 14. The inside diameter of seal 13 (including its cylindrical lower portion) is measured so that it fits snuggly around the outside diameter of straw 14. Likewise, the outside diameter of at least the cylindrical lower portion of seal 13 is measured so that it fits snugly between the inside diameter of the straw-hole and the outside diameter of straw 14. The object of the measurements of these portions of these components of the design is to create a substantially leak proof interface between the straw and the lid.

FIG. 10 is a topside perspective view of one embodiment of a spill-proof lid. Like the prior Figures, FIG. 10 illustrates lid 12, seal 13, straw 14, straw receptacle area 18, straw 19, and threads 20. FIG. 11 is an exploded, front-side perspective view of one embodiment of a spill-proof lid. FIG. 11 better illustrates an embodiment of straw 14. In particular, this embodiment of straw 14 includes retainer 21 positioned on a lower portion of straw 14. This embodiment of retainer 21 (of which there can be others) consists of a circular structure that has in inside diameter substantially equal to the outside diameter of the lower portion of straw 14 and an outside diameter sufficiently large to form a seal and/or support for straw 14 when it is inserted into the lid at straw receptacle area 18. Straw 14 and retainer 21 can be two separate pieces or they can be formed as a single, unitary piece. An additional feature of this embodiment of straw 14 is lip 25. Lip 25 is as its name implies. It is a lip that encircles the lower portion of straw 14 so that it has a slightly greater outside diameter than straw 14. Lip 25 is oriented on the lower portion of straw 14 so that seal 13 snuggly sits there-between (i.e., between lip 25 and the bottom of lid 12), as shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 also illustrates an embodiment of lid 12 that includes a plurality of seal retainer grooves 23. These grooves receive corresponding/matching extensions (or tabs) on the underside of seal 13 so as to better hold seal 13 in place on lid 12. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are other known mechanisms for holding seal 13 in place. The seal retainer grooves 23 better maintain seal 13 in place so as to better seal the lid/straw interface against spills. Seal retainer grooves 23 are also illustrated as being placed in a recessed area of lid 12 generally corresponding to straw receptacle area 18. In this embodiment, the recessed area is recessed in lid 12 at a depth that is substantially the same as a height of seal 13, so (in this particular embodiment) that the top of seal 13 is substantially flush with a surface of lid 12. Finally, FIG. 11 illustrates gasket seal 24, which fits around an outside diameter of lid 12 so as to create substantially airtight connection with container 11 when the two are connected for use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that gasket seal 24 can be made of an elastomeric material or other known materials for providing a substantially airtight and/or leak-proof seal.

FIG. 12 is a top view of one embodiment of a spill-proof lid. As before, FIG. 12 illustrates seal 13, straw 14 (inserted through seal 13), and straw receptacle area 18. FIG. 13 is a side view of one embodiment of a spill-proof lid, including cross-section line 15-15. As before, FIG. 13 illustrates straw 14 (inserted through lid 12), straw 19 coupled to straw 14, and threads 20.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a spill-proof lid. As before, FIG. 14 illustrates straw 19 coupled to straw 14. Specifically, this is shown by way of illustrating the bottom of straw 19 and the outside diameter of straw 14 at insert region 22. The designation 14/22 in FIG. 14 is intended to represent just that, i.e., straw 14 at insert region 22. FIG. 14 also shows the various underside portions of seal/retainer 21. Again, however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that retainer 21 can assume different configurations for supporting and/or sealing the combination of straws 14 and 19 in lid 12, including embodiments that do not include retainer 21.

FIG. 15 is a cross-section taken along cross-section line 15-15 in FIG. 13. As shown, FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the combination of straw 14 and straw 19, wherein the combination is made by straw 19 being inserted into insert region 22 on a lower portion of straw 14. FIG. 15 also better illustrates the orientation and operation of retainer 21. Specifically, in this embodiment retainer 21 extends from a lower portion of straw 14 so that a surface thereof seats against the underside of lid 12 in the region of straw receptacle area 18. Finally, FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment wherein seal 13 encircles straw 14 and has a cylindrical lower portion that extends down straw 14 so as to reside between the inside diameter of the straw-hole in lid 12 and the outside diameter of straw 14. The inside diameter of seal 13 (including its cylindrical lower portion) is measured so that it fits snuggly around straw 14. Likewise, the outside diameter of at least the cylindrical lower portion of seal 13 is measured so that it fits snugly between the inside diameter of the straw-hole and the outside diameter of straw 14. The object of the measurements of these portions of these components of the design is to create a substantially leak proof interface between the straw and the lid.

FIG. 16 is a front-side perspective view of one embodiment of a portion of a straw for a spill-proof lid. Specifically, FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of straw 14, wherein as indicated above may include seal/retainer 21, insert region 22, and lip 25. Also illustrated by FIG. 16 is drinking end 26 of straw 14. As its name implies, this is the end of straw 14 that a user would use to withdraw liquid from container 11 using straw 14. Also shown in FIG. 16 is buttress 27, which may be included in embodiments of straw 14, either as a pre-molded portion of straw 14 or a separate piece mounted on straw 14. Buttress 27 is spaced apart from lip 25 so that, when straw 14 is mounted in lid 12, buttress 27 abuts the underside of lid 12 while seal 13 fits snuggly between the top of lid 12 and lip 25. The tolerances/sizing/spacing between lip 25, seal 13, and buttress 27 are preferably selected so that create a substantially leak proof interface between the straw and the lid.

As will be more apparent from FIG. 22, the top surface of buttress 27 and the top, outer surface of retainer 21 are level (or in the same plane) such both the top surface of buttress 27 and the outer circumference/diameter of retainer 21 abut the underside of lid 12, which in combination with lip 25 and seal 13 operate to hold straw 14 in lid 12 and create a substantially leak proof interface between straw 14 and lid 12. Finally, FIG. 16 also shows insert region 22, which as described above for this particular embodiment forms a portion of straw 14 sized to securely receive the top end of straw 19.

FIG. 17 is a side view of one embodiment of a portion of a straw for a spill-proof lid, including cross-section line 20-20. Specifically, FIG. 17 illustrates the exemplary embodiment of straw 14, wherein as indicated above may include seal/retainer 21, insert region 22, lip 25, and drinking end 26. FIG. 17 also illustrates another optional feature of straw 14, namely span 28. In this particular embodiment, span 28 is the concave portion of seal/retainer 21 that extends from the bottom of buttress 27 to near the outside diameter of retainer 21. Span 28 is also illustrated in FIG. 16. While this embodiment of span 28 is illustrated as being a solid, concave member, other shapes and geometries are possible.

FIG. 18 is a top view of one embodiment of a portion of a straw for a spill-proof lid. Specifically, FIG. 18 illustrates the exemplary embodiment of straw 14, wherein as indicated above may include seal/retainer 21, lip 25, buttress 27, and span 28. Likewise, FIG. 19 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a portion of a straw for a spill-proof lid. Specifically, FIG. 19 illustrates the exemplary embodiment of straw 14, wherein as indicated above may include straw 19, seal/retainer 21, and span 28.

FIG. 20 is a cross-section taken along cross-section line 20-20 in FIG. 17. FIG. 20 includes call out areas emphasized in FIGS. 21 and 22. Specifically, FIG. 21 emphasizes an exemplary embodiment of the top portion of straw 14. As shown, the top portion of straw 14 includes drinking end 26 and valve 29. Valve 29 is also shown in FIGS. 7, 9, 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, and 20.

In an embodiment, valve 29 may be a one-way valve, such as an umbrella valve. In this particular embodiment, valve 29 is a piece of solid silicone that is molded near the top of straw 14, which can optionally be done while molding the straw itself. After molding, the solid piece of silicon is cut by a die to create a shape that allows it to open, thereby allowing liquid to flow from the container through the valve and out the tip of the straw (to a user). In effect, valve 29 acts as a “gate” for liquid to pass (in one direction only) only when pressure is applied. In other words, without such pressure applied below the valve (such that pressure below the valve is greater than pressure above the valve), liquid will not be able to pass valve 29 to flow from the container out through the tip of the straw. Such pressure can be applied in a number of ways, including a user sucking on drinking end 26 or squeezing container 11. In this manner, if vessel/lid combination 10 (see FIG. 1) is knocked over or otherwise disposed to inadvertently spill its contents, no liquid will exit the straw due to valve 29. Likewise, as described above, due to the sealed relationship between the straw and the lid, liquid will not exit the straw-lid interface, effectively making vessel/lid combination 10 spill-proof.

FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of valve 29 as being concave shaped and having a cross cut through its surface, while its outside circumference is attached to the inside surface of straw 14. See also FIGS. 7, 9, 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, and 20. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other materials, geometries, and cut patterns are possible, so long as the effect is to substantially create a one-way valve that only allows the flow of fluid from the container to the exit of the straw when the pressure within the container is sufficiently greater than the pressure outside the container (i.e., a sufficient pressure differential across the valve).

FIG. 22 is a more detailed view of a portion of FIG. 20. Specifically, FIG. 22 emphasizes an exemplary embodiment of the bottom portion of straw 14. As shown, FIG. 22 illustrates seal/retainer 21, insert region 22, lip 25, and buttress 27. As shown for this particular embodiment, the top surface of buttress 27 and the top, outer surface of retainer 21 are level (or in the same plane) such both the top surface of buttress 27 and the outer circumference/diameter of retainer 21 abut the underside of lid 12, which in combination with lip 25 and seal 13 operate to hold straw 14 in lid 12 and create a substantially leak proof interface between straw 14 and lid 12.

Although the invention(s) is/are described herein with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention(s), as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention(s). Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that are described herein with regard to specific embodiments are not intended to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims.

Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The terms “coupled” or “operably coupled” are defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless stated otherwise. The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Similarly, a method or process that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more operations possesses those one or more operations but is not limited to possessing only those one or more operations.

Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A lid for a container, comprising:

a straw-hole in the lid;

a straw mounted substantially leak-proof in the straw-hole such that a portion of the straw extends above the straw-hole and a portion of the straw extends below the straw-hole; and

a molded, one-way valve in the straw such that a liquid only flows through the valve when a pressure differential exists across the one-way valve, wherein the molded, one-way valve is located in the portion of the straw that extends above the straw-hole.

2. The lid of claim 1 wherein the straw includes a lip substantially around a circumference of the portion of the straw that extends above the straw-hole.

3. The lid of claim 2 wherein the straw further includes a buttress substantially around a circumference of the portion of the straw that extends below the straw-hole.

4. The lid of claim 3 further including a seal disposed substantially around a circumference of the straw between the lip and the buttress and through the straw-hole.

5. The lid of claim 4 wherein the straw further includes a rigid retainer substantially around a circumference of the portion of the straw that extends below the straw-hole.

6. The lid of claim 5 wherein the retainer includes a span substantially around a circumference of the portion of the straw that extends below the straw-hole.

7. The lid of claim 6 wherein the span connects an outside diameter of the retainer to a surface of the buttress.

8. The lid of claim 7 wherein the buttress abuts a lower surface of the seal.

9. The lid of claim 8 wherein the outside diameter of the retainer abuts a lower surface of the lid.

10. The lid of claim 9 wherein a top surface of the buttress forms a first plane, and a top surface of the outside diameter of the retainer forms a second plane.

11. The lid of claim 10 wherein the first plane and the second plane are the same plane.

12. The lid of claim 11 wherein the straw further includes an insert region for receiving another straw.

13. The lid of claim 12 including at least one seal retainer groove for receiving at least one tab on the seal.

14. The lid of claim 13 assembled on a container.

15. A drinking cup, comprising:

a container for containing a liquid;

a lid removably attached to the container;

the lid including a straw-hole and a plurality of seal retainer grooves around a perimeter of the straw-hole;

a seal having a plurality of tabs around a perimeter of the seal such that each one of the plurality of tabs is inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of seal retainer grooves to removably attach the seal to the lid, wherein the seal further includes a central bore that extends through the straw-hole;

a straw removably attached to the lid, where the straw extends through the central bore of the seal so as to assist in securely maintaining the straw in the lid and to seal liquid in the container from escaping an interface between the straw and the seal;

the straw including a lip around a perimeter of the straw wherein a bottom surface of the lip interfaces with a top surface of the seal to assist in securely maintaining the straw in the lid;

the straw further including a buttress around a perimeter of the straw wherein a top surface of the buttress interfaces with a bottom surface of the seal to assist in securely maintaining the straw in the lid;

the straw further including a retainer around a perimeter of the straw wherein a top surface of the retainer interfaces with a bottom surface of the lid to assist in securely maintaining the straw in the lid;

wherein the top surface of the buttress forms a first plane and the top surface of the retainer forms a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are the same plane;

the straw further including a span between a lower surface of the buttress and the retainer to maintain the retainer a distance from the buttress; and

a molded, one-way valve in the straw such that the liquid in the container only flows through the valve when a pressure differential exists across the one-way valve, wherein the molded, one-way valve is located in a portion of the straw that extends above the straw-hole.