With Valve Means Patents (Class 220/714)
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Patent number: 7988013Abstract: A flow control device includes a hood, a ball valve, a sealing ring, and a handle. The ball valve is movably received in an interior receiving space of the hood and the ball valve is set in sealing engagement with the sealing ring. The ball valve and the handle located outside the hood are coupled together and are thus movable in unison with each other. The ball valve defines a flow passage. The hood forms a discharge opening. When installed on an opening of any kind of container, such as a PET bottle or a glass bottle, or an outlet tube of a water tank, by rotating the handle to move the ball valve, the flow passage can be selectively set in fluid communication with the discharge opening.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2009Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Inventor: Jih-Liang Lin
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Publication number: 20110155750Abstract: A fluid container is disclosed for retaining and dispensing a fluid into the mouth of an individual. The fluid container comprises a deformable body and defining an exterior surface and an interior chamber. An output end has an output orifice for positioning the fluid exterior to the interior chamber. A valve engages the output orifice for controlling the fluid flowing through the output orifice.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: Relaj Inc.Inventors: Bruce Bernstein, Rebecca Bernstein, David McDonald, Jonathan Marks, Jon Dixon
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Patent number: 7959021Abstract: An air inlet is mounted in a baby bottle and has a valve and an air-inlet tube. The valve has a body, an outer ring and an inner ring. The body has a chamber, multiple separating blocks and multiple liquid channels. The separating blocks are formed on the body and each has a vent. The liquid channels are formed through the body between the separating blocks and communicate with the chamber. The outer ring is formed around the chamber to separate the chamber and the vents. The inner ring is formed on an inner end of the body around the vents and has multiple air inlets. The air-inlet tube is mounted detachably on the inner ring of the valve. Therefore, liquid flows through the liquid channels and the chamber, but air flows through the air inlets and the vents to the air-inlet tube to ensure smooth operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Inventor: Hsiao-Chen Liang
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Patent number: 7959028Abstract: An improved lid for beverage containers which facilitates access to the container's contents, enhances the user's sensory perception of the contents and boosts the overall drinking experience without being removed, is disclosed and claimed. The lid of the invention achieves its objectives by combining multiple sensory elements to simultaneously enhance the user's sensory responses. The sensory elements allow the passage of liquid and vapor, the conduction and convection of heat and the visual perception of color, level and movement of the beverage. The invention integrates multiple elements of a press and lock on a beverage container lid. The shape of the lid provides a thin rim simulating the thickness of a lidless cup or a non-disposable mug or cup. The lid provides a well deep enough to avoid contact between the nose and the lid in the drinking position, thereby allowing the user's head to remain more upright while drinking.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Inventor: Richard J. Leon
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Patent number: 7959045Abstract: A spout assembly for a packaging bag for improving the prevention of oxidation to an inner content and discharging such content at a desired amount. The spout assembly mounted to the bag body includes a spool to move along the axial direction of the spout assembly and an urging member having an outer peripheral surface fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the spout assembly and adapted to urge the spool toward the bag body side. A check valve allows the inner content to flow only from the bag body side toward the mouth portion side. The urging member has a seat surface for the spool and the urging member presses the spool against the seat surface to shut off the flow of the inner content, and when an inner pressure of the bag body or a suction force of the mouth reaches a predetermined value, the spool separates from the seat surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2005Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignees: Hosokawa Yoko Co., Ltd., Shirouma Saiensu Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Raizo Kuge, Hiroaki Takashima, Yuichiro Moriyama
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Patent number: 7950541Abstract: An apparatus for magnetically sealing a cover of a beverage container comprises a body having an opening, at least a first magnetic member of a first polarity disposed on at least a first portion of the body and a second magnetic member of a second polarity, substantially opposite the first polarity, disposed on at least a second portion of the body, the first magnetic member magnetically retaining the second magnetic member in first and second positions, independent of mechanical assistance, to expose at least a portion of the opening to allow fluid flow to and from the container when in the first position and sealingly occlude the opening to prevent spillage when in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2006Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Chef'n CorporationInventors: David A. Holcomb, Jason O. Germany
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Patent number: 7934620Abstract: A flexible check valve is introduced within a fluid path for leakage protection. The flexible check valve can be a duckbill/crossbill valve comprising multiple flexible members that restrict the flow of fluid in a tubular member. The flexible check valve is preferably used in conjunction with a drinking straw to prevent liquid from exiting a container such as a drink box. Preferably, the flexible check valve is a crossbill valve that is attached using an adapter. Liquid is designed to only flow through when an external compressive force (e.g. users fingers or lips) is applied to the valve. When force is no longer applied to the valve section, the valve returns to its normally closed position and fluid is wholly or substantially prevented from exiting.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2005Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: The Last Straw, LLCInventors: Robert Patton Stribling, Samuel Clifford Crosby
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Patent number: 7931166Abstract: A cap device for use with a container or bottle includes adjacent first and second portions, each portion including a structure different than the other for accessing the contents of a container. The first portion may include an opening, such as a straw opening or pour opening, and a cover pivotally movable between open and closed configurations. The second portion may define a trough and include a drinking implement, such as a sipper, that is pivotal between retracted and extended configurations. The drinking implement includes first and second sections, the first section being rotatable between retractable and locked configurations. Contents of the container may be accessed when the second section is in the locked configuration. The drinking implement may be moved to the retracted configuration only when the second section is in its retractable configuration.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Inventor: Joseph M. Cuocolo, Jr.
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Patent number: 7931253Abstract: A coupling assembly for joining two fluid conduits together, consisting of a female component and a male component. Female component integrally construction of resilient material has a portion for snugly mating with a male component on one end, another portion for attaching a conduit on the opposing end, and internal valve means. Male component, that snugly press fits into the female component, has a mating portion with internal valve means and a conduit attachment portion. Valve means of assembly permits fluid flow when both components are fully engaged and terminates fluid flow when they are disengaged. Both components can be effortlessly couple together with a relatively low compressive force and automatically separate with a relatively low tensile force.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Checkwater LLCInventor: Joseph Robert Paczonay
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Publication number: 20110079601Abstract: A fluid dispensing valve is described which includes a valve housing having a wall which defines an internal cavity, and wherein a passageway is formed through the wall of the valve housing; and a valve control element having a continuous and deformable sidewall is coaxially and rotatably received within the internal cavity of the valve housing, and wherein at least a portion of the sidewall of the valve control element deforms when a vacuum is created in the internal cavity of the valve housing so as facilitate the controllable delivery of a source of fluid into the valve housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2009Publication date: April 7, 2011Inventor: Jeff Steininger
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Patent number: 7913869Abstract: A cap device for use with a container or bottle includes a spout portion having a trough defining an access hole. The cap device includes a drinking implement coupled to the trough and pivotal between retracted and extended configurations, the drinking implement covering the access hole at the retracted configuration and being in communication therewith at the extended configuration. An upper surface of the cap device defines a cavity adjacent to and in communication with the trough that is configured to receive a person's finger to selectively urge the drinking implement between retracted and extended configurations. The cap device may include a pour portion adjacent the spout portion although the spout portion accounts for a relatively larger area than the pour portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Inventor: Joseph M. Cuocolo, Jr.
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Publication number: 20110056968Abstract: A sippy cup assembly including a valve insert having a sheath and a stabilizing core is disclosed. The sippy cup assembly generally includes a container, a lid releasably coupled to and enclosing the container, and an annular seal for preventing liquid from leaking out of the container. The valve insert maintains form while permitting repeated removal and insertion, in addition to washing and long-term use, by providing that the stabilizing core has a rigidity greater than that of the sheath formed over the stabilizing core. The valve insert may be installed in the lid to correspond with a spout and air exchange aperture to permit egress of liquid and ingress of air upon application of suction by a user. When no suction is applied to the spout, the valve insert prevents leakage of liquid from the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2009Publication date: March 10, 2011Inventors: Conor McNamara, Boris Kontorovich
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Publication number: 20110036852Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. An initially blocked opening in a flexible material moves up along a protruding member until the opening is unblocked, so as to allow fluid flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2010Publication date: February 17, 2011Inventor: Nouri E. HAKIM
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Patent number: 7874447Abstract: A reclosable cup lid thermoformed from a polymeric material includes a domed member and a closure panel. The thermoformed domed member is provided with a sidewall and a top wall, the top wall having upper and lower surfaces and a drinking aperture at a periphery of the top wall. The top wall further defines a pair of engagement tracks depending from the lower surface of the top wall and also defines a post aperture disposed inwardly with respect to the drinking aperture. The closure panel has opposed engagement edges, an upper surface provided with a post projecting upwardly therefrom, and a drinking aperture sealing area. As assembled, the domed member and closure panel are configured such that the opposed engagement edges of the closure panel are slidingly mounted in the engagement tracks for generally radial displacement.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2006Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLCInventors: Alois A. Schmidtner, Jonathan E. Rush
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Patent number: 7866495Abstract: A bottle, in particular a baby's bottle, having a bottle jacket that is open at both ends. A base cap that is equipped with an air intake valve is fixed in one base end region of the bottle jacket and a teat is fixed in the opposite teat end region. The teat has a shaft and a nipple connected to the shaft by a lip contact region. The bottle jacket has an essentially conical form that widens from the teat end region to the base end region and the wall thickness of the shaft of the teat is greater than the wall thickness of the teat in the lip contact region and of the nipple. The bottle jacket is injection-molded from a polyolefin, in particular polypropylene.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Bamed AGInventor: Peter Röhrig
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Publication number: 20110000910Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly. When not in use, an opening in the flexible material rests against a blocking element, sealing off the opening against the flow of liquid. The closed position provides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage, such that inadvertent spills, such as by turning the cup upside down, are ineffective. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against the flexible material, lifting the opening off of the blocking element, and unblocking that opening. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve and spout.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Inventor: Nouri E. Hakim
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Patent number: 7854336Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes a container defining a container volume, and a substantially spill-proof cap, having a suction portion and an aperture on top of the suction portion, coupled to the container. A valve with a slit is inserted between the container and cap so that the slit is placed beneath the aperture of the cap. A pressure sensitive seal is placed on top of the aperture of the cap, so that a vacuum is created between the cap and the beverage inside the container. The slit is formed so that the beverage will flow through the slit of the valve and thus out of the aperture of the cap only if a suction force is applied on the suction portion of the cap 20.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2005Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Inventors: Jordan Kerner, Mitchell Hershey
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Patent number: 7850037Abstract: A reclosable cup lid thermoformed from a polymeric material. The lid includes a closure panel and a lid member having a sidewall and a top wall. The top wall can have an upper and lower side and a drinking aperture at a periphery of the top wall. The top wall can define a pair of engagement tracks disposed on the lower side of the top wall. The engagement tracks can include a scalloped configuration and an undercut depth. The closure panel can be insertable into the scalloped engagement tracks by application of a bending force to the lid member suitable to widen the distance between the tracks.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLCInventors: Alois A. Schmidtner, Jonathan E. Rush
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Patent number: 7845510Abstract: A reclosable cup lid thermoformed from a polymeric material includes a domed member and an elongate closure panel. The thermoformed domed member is provided with a sidewall and a top wall, the top wall having upper and lower surfaces and a drinking aperture at a periphery of the top wall. The top wall further defines a pair of slide tracks depending from the lower surface of the top wall and also defines a post aperture disposed inwardly with respect to the drinking aperture. The elongate closure panel has opposed engagement edges, an upper surface provided with a post projecting upwardly therefrom, and a drinking aperture sealing area. As assembled, the domed member and elongate closure panel are configured such that the opposed engagement edges of the elongate closure panel are slidingly mounted in the slide tracks for generally radial displacement.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2005Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLCInventors: Alois A. Schmidtner, Jonathan E. Rush
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Publication number: 20100294764Abstract: A leak resistant drinking cup has a container with an open top and a lid assembly for removable attachment to the container for selectively closing the open top. The lid assembly includes a liquid discharge member for allowing liquid in the container to exit the cup. A closure member is adapted for placement adjacent the open top of the container when the lid assembly is attached to the container. A flexible diaphragm is moveable between a sealed position and an unsealed position. The diaphragm is moveable from the sealed position to the unsealed portion by a vacuum being applied to the diaphragm by a user sucking on the liquid discharge member. The vacuum causes the diaphragm to flex toward the container and at least in part away from the closure member and thereby move the diaphragm from the sealed position to the unsealed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2009Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: Handi-Craft CompanyInventors: Bernard J. Kemper, Charles H. Miller
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Publication number: 20100294765Abstract: A leak resistant drinking cup has a container for holding liquid and a lid assembly selectively attachable to the container. A diaphragm of the cup includes a liquid discharge member and a sealing member adapted for movement between a sealed position in which the sealing member blocks the flow of liquid from the container to the liquid discharge member, and an unsealed position in which liquid is permitted to flow from the container to the liquid discharge member. The liquid discharge member and sealing member are formed as one-piece.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2009Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: Handi-Craft CompanyInventors: Bernard J. Kemper, Charles H. Miller
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Patent number: 7837056Abstract: A flexible check valve is introduced within a fluid path for leakage protection. The flexible check valve is preferably a crossbill used in conjunction with a drinking straw to prevent undesired liquid leakage from a container such as a drink box. A transition section is used to mate the dissimilar materials of the straw and flexible check valve. The transition section retains an internal bayonet section of the flexible check valve within a snap-fit ring.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2005Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: The Last Straw LLCInventors: Robert Stribling, Samuel Clifford Crosby
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Publication number: 20100270322Abstract: There is provided a flow control element for use with a drinking cup cap having a first mating member in fluid communication with a spout aperture. The flow control element has a first stack and a first valve. The first stack has an upper portion that can be positioned to be removably sealed in or with the cap. The first valve is defined in a sidewall of the first stack and is configured to provide selective fluid communication with the spout aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2010Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: Playtex Products, Inc.Inventors: Joshua S. Lieberman, Frank Manganiello, Michael Maloney
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Patent number: 7819276Abstract: A method and device for controlling the flow of liquid from drinking containers, wherein a membrane is movably connected to a valve to form a valve, controlled by negative pressure, for liquid from a drinking container, the force resulting from the pressure difference (P1?P2) across the membrane, opening the valve, even by positive pressure (P3) within the drinking container, caused by a carbonated refreshing drink, for example.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2009Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Inventor: Kjetil Naesje
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Patent number: 7819274Abstract: A device facilitating consumption of a liquid during athletic activities or the like is presented. The invention includes a closed reservoir disposed between a base plate and a rigid outer tube having a flexible inner tube therein. The base plate is flexible, bendable, or deformable in a resilient fashion so as to allow the invention to tilt with use. The flexible inner tube allows a user to drink from the closed reservoir. The rigid outer tube supports the smaller flexible inner tube and allows a user to easily grasp the invention during use. The combination of rigid outer and flexible inner tubes allows a user to drink from the present invention in an upright or nearly upright position. In some embodiments, the base plate may include a peripheral region which is upwardly disposed. The height of the peripheral region may be sufficient so as to form an open reservoir capable of holding cold or heat packs so as to thermally condition liquid within the closed reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2007Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Inventor: Anthony Fripps
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Publication number: 20100252563Abstract: An advanced transitional cup (ATC) for training developing children and developmentally-challenged individuals to drink from a cup. The ATC includes a lid with a small fluid aperture and an electric air valve. A microcontroller located in the base of the ATC converts a user-defined “flow rate” into a PWM voltage signal that successively opens and closes the air valve. A higher flow rate results in a PWM signal that opens the air valve for longer spans of time and closes the air valve for shorter spans of time as compared to a lower flow rate, thereby allowing more air to enter the ATC and fluid to be expressed from the fluid aperture more readily. A touch sensor on the sidewall of the ATC prevents the air valve from being opened, and thus fluid from exiting the fluid aperture, unless a drinker is touching the touch sensor, thereby preventing accidental spills.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: MIAMI UNIVERSITYInventors: Michael Bailey-VanKuren, Donna R. Scarborough
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Patent number: 7789263Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly. When not in use, an opening in the flexible material rests against a blocking element, sealing off the opening against the flow of liquid. The closed position provides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage, such that inadvertent spills, such as by turning the cup upside down, are ineffective. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against the flexible material, lifting the opening off of the blocking element, and unblocking that opening. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve and spout.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Luv n' care, Ltd.Inventor: Nouri Edward Hakim
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Patent number: 7789264Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. An initially blocked opening in a flexible material moves up along a protruding member until the opening is unblocked, so as to allow fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Luv n' care, Ltd.Inventor: Nouri E. Hakim
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Patent number: 7775394Abstract: An opening-force-maximizing device of an underpressure-activated valve for a drinking container (2). The device includes a partition wall (6, 106, 206) enclosing an outlet opening (4) and being provided with a wall opening (8, 108, 208) in pressure-sealing contact with an axially movable valve sealing member (22, 122, 222) being in position of rest. It also includes a continuous membrane (12, 112, 212) being arranged to the container (2) and about a valve axis (14) through the wall opening (8, 108, 208). The membrane (12, 112, 212) has an axial extent and consists of an attachment end (12a, 112a, 212a) fixedly connected to the partition wall (6, 106, 206), and a movable maneuvering end (12b, 112b, 212b) placed at an axial distance from the attachment end (12a, 112a, 212a). The maneuvering end (12b, 112b, 212b) is arranged in a tensile-force-transmitting manner to said sealing member (22, 122, 222).Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2003Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: SmartSeal ASInventor: Kjetil Naesje
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Publication number: 20100200602Abstract: The present invention provides a travel mug that is easy to clean and allows a user to drink from any side of the mug.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventor: David Chan
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Patent number: 7762423Abstract: There is provided a flow control element for use with a drinking cup cap having a first mating member in fluid communication with a spout aperture. The flow control element has a first stack and a first valve. The first stack has an upper portion that can be positioned to be removably sealed in or with the cap. The first valve is defined in a sidewall of the first stack and is configured to provide selective fluid communication with the spout aperture.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2006Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.Inventors: Joshua S. Lieberman, Frank Manganiello, Michael Maloney
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Patent number: 7762437Abstract: A container for liquids and a lid for the same are shown and described. The disclosed embodiments incorporate a container and a lid, the lid having: a base removably, sealably coupled to the container; a mouth adapted to facilitate drinking and/or pouring liquid out of the container; and a valve member positioned therebetween. The valve member is rotatable between an open orientation in which an aperture in the valve member aligns with openings in the base and mouth, and a closed orientation in which the aperture does not align with one or both of the openings. A handle/actuator can be used to manipulate the valve member, and can be oriented to function as a handle for the container when the valve member is in the closed configuration, and to be moved out of the user's way when the valve member is in the open orientation.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2006Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Chef'n CorporationInventors: David A. Holcomb, Jason O. Germany, Adam A. Jossem
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Patent number: 7753226Abstract: An oral medicine dispenser for administering liquid medicine to a child includes: a cup having a cap and nozzle with a medicine compartment located therein. When a child sucks the nozzle, the medicine flows from the medicine container into the nozzle. The nozzle has two separate chambers. One chamber of the nozzle delivers the medicine from the medicine compartment to the back of the child's mouth. The other chamber delivers a fluid such as juice from the cup to the front of the child's mouth so as to taste more appealing to the child.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2005Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Inventor: Marc Chauvin
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Patent number: 7753225Abstract: A valve assembly for an elastic mouthpiece for drinking from a liquid container. The valve assembly comprises a flexible membrane, having at least one valve opening, and a rigid membrane supporting element, which has at least one valve opening. The invention also relates to a mouthpiece for drinking from a liquid container that is provided with an inventive valve assembly, which is placed on a cap with an opening for the passage of liquid.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: BAMED AGInventor: Peter Röhrig
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Publication number: 20100147862Abstract: A no-spill drinking vessel includes a cup, lid, spout and valve assembly. The valve assembly includes: a liquid-out valve with hinged flap, air vent check valve, air and liquid inlets, air and liquid outlets, and a mechanism for retention to the lid. The valve assembly is constructed from one or two inexpensive molded elastomeric components. In usage mode these components cleave sealingly together by the resilient returning forces they exert on each other's complementary interlocked geometries. The fluid and air passageways, inlet and outlet port openings, mouthpiece channels and openings, and the interior volumes of the valve bodies are defined by spaces between the two abutted elastomeric components. When manually separated into a cleaning configuration, the interior liquid-contacting surfaces become exposed, external surfaces for ready cleaning. Clearly indicated baby-proof closure and the tethering of small parts also contribute to the readily cleanable, spill-resistant attributes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: GRANOLA BEBE, LLC A CALIFORNIA CORPORATIONInventors: Gwendolyn H. Keefe, Jeffery L. Harlan, John J. Keefe
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Publication number: 20100127006Abstract: A container including a main body and a removable lid. The main body defines an interior cavity accessible through an opening at an upper end of the main body, and the main body has a rim about the opening. The removable lid secures to the rim of the main body to enclose the interior cavity. The removable lid includes an upper portion having a convex surface and comprises a soft, flexible material. The removable lid also includes a spout integrally molded with the upper portion and extending from the upper portion at an off-center location. The spout is shaped and sized to be received inside a child's mouth. The spout includes a wall and a flexible membrane supported by the wall. The membrane has a convex surface facing a distal end of the spout and forming a cavity within the distal end of the spout, and a valve configured to provide fluid communication between the interior cavity and the child's mouth when sufficient pressure is applied to the distal end of the spout.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2008Publication date: May 27, 2010Inventors: John Krammes, James J. Britto
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Patent number: 7717291Abstract: A bottle adapter is disclosed for accurate squirt dispensing of a drink. The bottle adapter comprises a coupler for removable attachment to a squeezable bottle. The coupler has a valve that is configured to remain closed until a predefined pressure difference is present across the valve, so that when the valve is opened, the liquid inside the container emerges in a stream and maintains a substantially straight trajectory for at least a predefined distance. A targeting orifice is positioned at the predefined distance from the valve so that the stream trajectory extends through the targeting orifice.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Inventor: Wilco Stuhmer
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Publication number: 20100102060Abstract: A lid for controlled drinking from a drinking container having a mouth includes a central portion defining an edge. The lid includes a linear actuator having an outer portion extending beyond the edge and a inner portion extending within the edge. The lid further includes a gate valve having a pivot positioned proximate a center of the central portion, about which the gate valve can pivot between a closed position wherein the gate valve essentially occludes an opening defined in the central portion, and an open position wherein the gate valve does not essentially occlude the opening. The gate valve is engaged with the linear actuator and responsive to motion thereof to move the gate valve between the closed and open positions. A biasing mechanism biases the gate valve towards the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2008Publication date: April 29, 2010Inventor: Everett L. Ruse, JR.
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Patent number: 7703634Abstract: An air valve for the cap of a liquid container comprising an annular membrane. The cap has at least one air passage opening. A holding element having an encircling groove that is open toward the inside of the cap is fixed to the inside of the cap. This holding element has at least one air inlet opening connected to the air passage opening of the cap and which leads into the groove. A ring can be placed or is placed inside the groove. Also provided is a mouthpiece for drinking from a liquid container, which is made, in essence, of elastic material and placed on a cap provided with the inventive air valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Bamed AGInventor: Peter Röhrig
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Patent number: 7703633Abstract: A mouthpiece assembly includes a base connected with a hose and the base has a base tube in which a spring is received and a seal member is inserted in the base tube. The base tube has two symmetrical outlet notches defined in a top edge thereof and the seal member has two outlet holes which can be in alignment with the outlet notches when the seal member is moved to compress the spring. A mouthpiece is mounted on the base tube and has an outlet which is sealed by the seal piece on the seal member so that when the user squeezes the mouthpiece to move the seal member, the outlet is opened. A cap is removably mounted on the mouthpiece and can be positioned on two lugs on the base when being removed from the mouthpiece.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Taiwan Vertex Production Corp.Inventor: Han Min Chen
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Patent number: 7690524Abstract: A bottle includes a container and a closure device. The closure device includes a threaded cap for closing up the container, a slidable spout for opening and closing the fluid flow path from the container by means of two sealing elements on the spout, a vent check valve for permitting air to rapidly enter the container without passing through the spout and a multi-fold protective cover and, more particularly, to a two-fold protective cover for achieving the leak-proof by forcing the spout to a close position and closing up the vent check valve by a projection extended from the protective cover.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Inventor: Yiu Chau Chau
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Patent number: 7681754Abstract: A thermos (with or without a vacuum) with an improved beverage consumption apparatus which enables a liquid to be consumed directly from the thermos when a valve is pushed to the opened condition so that liquid can exit the interior of the thermos. Thermos also contains an improved larger easily locatable circumferential closing ring which facilitates closure of the container when the user is in a darkened area or driving a moving vehicle so that the consumer must have one hand on the steering wheel and is not necessarily looking at the thermos. The thermos also comprises an improved sealing cap to facilitate valve closure. The thermos also contains an improved valve sealing means to assure that even a tiny amount of liquid will not seep out of the thermos when the thermos is placed into a container such as a briefcase which contains written material and valuable electronic objects.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2005Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Inventor: Gary Ross
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Publication number: 20100059535Abstract: A liquid dispensing cover for a container has a dispensing recess extending into a cover top thereof. The dispensing recess is resiliently openable and closable to enable placement of cover into a closed configuration, in which the dispensing recess is closed, and an open configuration in which the dispensing recess is open to allow flow of liquid through the dispensing recess for drinking.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2009Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventor: Yves SYRKOS
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Publication number: 20100051630Abstract: A disposable cap is removably attachable to a prefabricated conventional beverage container. One embodiment of the cap can be fabricated from various materials. Male or female threads (connection means) can be used to connect the cap to the desired liquid beverage container—standard or non standard. A check valve within the cap allows liquid to communicate with a mouth piece defined within the cap, which also can be made from various materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventor: Jeffrey Dale Ellenbecker
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Publication number: 20100044386Abstract: A cap is described for closing a liquid beverage container for allowing the beverage to be sucked out of the container through a spout, while preventing spillage when no suction takes place. A demand valve is incorporated into the cap, which has an inlet port communicating with the interior of the container, a discharge port communicating with the spout and a control port communicating with the ambient atmosphere through a hole in the cap. The valve has a valve seat and a closure element controlling the flow from the inlet port to the discharge port urged to move into an opening position in dependence on the excess of the control pressures over that in the discharge ports, this movement being in the direction opposed to the flow and urged by the pressure in the container in a direction to seal against the valve seat. In the invention, the demand valve is formed by two members that are mounted on the inner surface of the cap. The first member is rigid and defines the valve inlet port and the valve seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2008Publication date: February 25, 2010Inventor: Ilan Samson
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Patent number: 7651003Abstract: A closure used on a beverage container has an outlet neck centered on an axis. The closure has a mount secured to the neck and a valve body formed with an outwardly open passage extending along a passage axis generally coaxial with the outlet-neck axis. This body is pivotally displaceable in the mount about a valve-body axis generally coaxial with the passage axis and outlet-neck axis between an open position and a closed position and through an intermediate position. Structure on the valve body and mount block flow through the passage in the closed position, allow free flow through the passage in the open position, and limit flow through the passage in the intermediate position.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2006Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Georg Menshen GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Martin Albers, Frank Römer
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Patent number: 7637400Abstract: A container and valve assembly for storing and dispensing substances including edible substances. The container is a tubular body that defines a storage chamber for storing the substance and a head portion for supports the valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a valve body and a valve seat surrounded by a flexible outer cover that includes a valve portion. A seem between the valve portion and valve seat form a one-way release valve wherein a portion of the seam remains closed when the substance is dispensed. To dispense the substance, pressure is applied to the body forcing the substance into the valve assembly, which in turn, controls the flow and release of the substance without exposing the remaining substance to the external atmosphere; thus, the sterility of the storage chamber and remaining substance is maintained, and the shelf life of the substance is increased.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Py, Julian V. Chan
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Publication number: 20090314789Abstract: A mouth piece assembly includes a mouth piece unit having a pivot which is pivotably connected to a first connector so that the mouth piece unit is pivotable about an axis of the pivot relative to the first connector. The first connector is pivotably inserted into a second connector so that the first connector is pivotable about an axis of the second connector. The two respective axes are perpendicular to each other. A locking key is connected to the second connector and engaged with the first connector inserted into the second connector. The mouth piece unit can be pivoted in two different directions and the volume of liquid sucked from the container is not changed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventor: Chien-Ping Lien
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Patent number: 7611029Abstract: A disposable lid for a drinking cup includes a cover portion having a generally circular periphery and a sliding member that is configured to slidably fit into a trench in the cover portion. The trench extends downwardly from and longitudinally along a top surface of the cover portion, and has an open end at the periphery of the cover portion. The cover portion includes a drink opening on a bottom surface of the trench and adjacent to the periphery and a guide slot on the bottom surface of the trench. The sliding member includes a guide extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the sliding member so that the guide slidably fits into the guide slot on the bottom surface of the trench. The guide slot allows the sliding member to move between a first closed position and a second open position via the guide.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2006Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Double Team Inc.Inventor: Joseph Cheuk Mau Wong
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Patent number: 7594584Abstract: A cup lid comprising a base cup lid having a drink-through opening formed therein in a planar top portion thereof, and a rotatable stopper associated therewith so as to selectively provide a sealed and unsealed relationship between said drink-through opening and a opening in said rotatable stopper. The base cup lid and the rotatable stopper are mated to one another by the use of convoluted portions on each part which form a sliding tongue and groove relationship. The rotatable stopper has an actuator that can be used to move the rotatable stopper from a closed position wherein the opening in the rotatable stopper and the drink-through opening in the base cup lid, are not aligned, to an open position where the opening in the rotatable stopper and the drink-through opening in the base cup lid, are aligned. An easily operated resealable cup lid is provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2006Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Amhil EnterprisesInventors: Terrance N. Durdon, Valentin Augustin Buzan, Pieter W. Lubbe