Sippy cup valve

Abstract

A spill-proof beverage dispenser comprising: (a) a container adapted to at least partially define an interior volume available for occupation by a liquid; (b) a lid adapted to be mounted to the container, the lid including a vent and a dispensing opening, and a liquid conduit having a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the liquid within the container and selective fluid communication with the dispensing opening; and (c) a valve assembly mountable to the lid including a collapsible tower adapted to be received at least partially within the liquid conduit to selectively restrict liquid flow between the interior volume of the container and the dispensing opening, the collapsible tower being responsive to changes in pressure by collapsing at least one wall of the collapsible tower to selectively provide fluid communication between the passageway and the dispensing opening.

Description

BACKGROUND [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention is directed to a valve, and more specifically to an automatic valve for a spill-proof type beverage dispenser. [0003] 2. Background of the Invention [0004] Spill-proof beverage dispensers are known in the art and are utilized most notably for the purpose of preventing inadvertent spillage of liquid from a beverage dispenser, such as a cup. For example, if a spill-proof cup is dropped or knocked over, it is intended that a majority of the liquid be retained therein. The retention of liquid therein lessens the waste associated with spilled beverages, reduces the work associated with beverage spill cleanup, and reduces potential economic consequences of destruction caused by any such spillage. More specific applications of spill-proof beverage dispensers may be directed to children's cups where one or more valves are incorporated or mounted therein, allowing the child to remove liquid from the cup when in the act ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] The valve of the present invention comprises an elastomeric insert adapted to interface with features on the underneath surface of a beverage dispenser lid. The insert is mounted to the lid, at least in part, by a combination snap-fit and a friction fit. Orifices in the lid correspond with a spout for withdrawal of liquid from the dispenser and an air intake to facilitate the withdrawal through the spout. The elastomeric insert deforms under the siphoning conditions to provide direct fluid communication between the liquid within the dispenser and the opening in the spout. If the siphoning discontinues or the siphon is not strong enough, the insert will not substantially deform to provide such direct fluid communication, thereby inhibiting liquid from exiting the dispenser. An air intake, regulated at least in part by the insert, allows for gas to enter the dispenser to occupy the volume previously occupied by liquid that has exited the dispenser. In this manner, the siphoning pressure to withdraw liquid from the dispenser may remain relatively constant.

[0011] As discussed in more detail below, the present invention recognizes the utility of having two openings within the top of the lid to provide the ingress of air into the container and the egress of fluid therefrom, as opposed to utilizing the threads of the container for the ingress of air flow. Likewise, the present invention includes a valve system having a single larger opening, as opposed to multiple small openings taught in the prior art, while still maintaining a fluidic seal when appropriate. Still further, the present invention makes use of dual friction fits or wedge fits that wedge the lid between at least two walls associated with the insert. Finally, the present invention acknowledges that reduction in the overall dimensions of the valve insert can substantially reduce raw material expenditures and likewise reduce overall production costs.

Problems solved by technology

If the siphoning discontinues or the siphon is not strong enough, the insert will not substantially deform to provide such direct fluid communication, thereby inhibiting liquid from exiting the dispenser.

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