CA2045112A1 - Non-spillable drinking cup - Google Patents
Non-spillable drinking cupInfo
- Publication number
- CA2045112A1 CA2045112A1 CA 2045112 CA2045112A CA2045112A1 CA 2045112 A1 CA2045112 A1 CA 2045112A1 CA 2045112 CA2045112 CA 2045112 CA 2045112 A CA2045112 A CA 2045112A CA 2045112 A1 CA2045112 A1 CA 2045112A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cover
- cup
- container
- drinking cup
- flange
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000035622 drinking Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 27
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 19
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005923 long-lasting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000014214 soft drink Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G19/00—Table service
- A47G19/22—Drinking vessels or saucers used for table service
- A47G19/2205—Drinking glasses or vessels
- A47G19/2266—Means for facilitating drinking, e.g. for infants or invalids
- A47G19/2272—Means for facilitating drinking, e.g. for infants or invalids from drinking glasses or cups comprising lids or covers
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Pediatric Medicine (AREA)
- Table Devices Or Equipment (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
___________________________ A non-spillable drinking cup having a perforated cover and an internally and resiliently hinged flap for closing the perforation in the cover. The perforation is located adjacent the periphery of the cup for allowing the upper lip of the user to downwardly bend the flap and drink from the cup. The cover can be alternatively positioned to upwardly abut against a peripheral flange around the opening of the cup to seal the latter when the cup is knocked over. The cover resiliently abuts against the flange to allow partial opening of the cover by a downward pressure on a portion of the latter.
___________________________ A non-spillable drinking cup having a perforated cover and an internally and resiliently hinged flap for closing the perforation in the cover. The perforation is located adjacent the periphery of the cup for allowing the upper lip of the user to downwardly bend the flap and drink from the cup. The cover can be alternatively positioned to upwardly abut against a peripheral flange around the opening of the cup to seal the latter when the cup is knocked over. The cover resiliently abuts against the flange to allow partial opening of the cover by a downward pressure on a portion of the latter.
Description
Z09L~112 TITL~ OF_THE IN_ENTION
NON-SPILLABLE DRINKING CUP
Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to the field of drinking cups and more specifically to a cup having 8 top opening with an inwardly projecting f~ange and a cover resiliently biased against the flange in order to prevent spi]lage of the liquid inside the cup when the cup is inadvertently knocked over or dropped. The cover i~ adapted to be pushed inward]y to allow passage of the ]iquid during the drinking operation.
All embodiments of the present invention conform to conventionAI forms of manufActuring and are of simple construc-tion and easy to use as to provide non-spillable drinking cups which are conventional, long lasting and trouble free in opera-tion.
B~CKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
_.--__.________________________ It is quite common, especially for children, to knock over or drop their drinking cup~, thuæ spilling the liquid contained inside the cup.
Previous attemptæ at circumventing this type of problem re~ulted in the manufacturing of drinking cups having a removable lid whicll hfld to be positionéd over the opening when the cup was resting unused on a table.
However, this type of structure neceæsitAted the replfl-cement of the cover over the cup everytime the cup rested on the Z04S~:~2 table top and did not prevent spillage when the cup was simply dropped out of the hand of the user.
The same cover which prevents 9pi llage, allows the u~er, to drink from the cup, without removing the cover.
The present invention is thus adapted to provide a built-in ætructure which prevents spillage of the liquid inside the cup without the intervention of the user.
Various embodiments of the invention are adapted to prevent spillage of the liquid they contain in the event th~t they are inadvertently knocked over or dropped. Embodiments di~clo~ed in the present application use the same basic feature whereby a cover is resiliently biased against a flange extending inwardly from the periphery of the top opening. In some embodimentq, the cover i9 pushed, in others it is pulled. Some of the biafiing mechanismfi are located inside the cup, others are located outside the cup but in all embodiments the cover seals off the top opening of the cup until the user wishing to drink out of the cup pu~hes a segment of the cover inwardly creating a passage between the cover and the flange which allow~ passage of the liquid.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ~RAWINGS-__. _______________________________ Figure 1 is a perspective view of a drinking cup embodying the invention;
Figure 2 ;8 a perspective view of an alternative 23;)4LS~12 embodiment of the invention hav;ng a drinking spout or lip;
Figure 3 is an el.evation view of figure 1;
Figure 4 is a cross-section view taken along line 4-4 oE figure 3;
Figure 5 is a detailed view taken inside arrow 5 of figure 4;
Figure 6 is a view of the drinking cup resting in a knock-~own position;
Figure 6a is a view of a person drinking out of the c 11 p ;
Figure 7 is an elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the hooking member linking the cover to the cup;
Figure 8 is a cross-section view taken along line 8-8 of figure 7;
Figure 9 is an elevation view of an alternative embodiment ot the invention especially adapted to wine glas.s type of c(lp~;
Figllre 10 ;R a crosc-section view tnken along line 10-10 oE Eigure 9;
Figure 11 i9 an elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the elastic~ which resi-liently close the cover are attached to the bottom of the cup;
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrows 12-12 of figure 11;
Figure 13 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the cover is attached to an exterior peripheral rim;
.. . .
2045~12 F;gure 14 i9 a cross-sectional view taken along line l4-l4 of figure 13;
Figure 15 is a detailed view taken inside arrow 15 of figure 14;
Figure 16 is a partial elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the cover is attached to the cup by a forked external rim;
Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line l7-17 of figure 16;
Figure 18 is a top view Or an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the cover is resting on two internally projecting lips;
Figùre 19 is a cross-sectional vlew taken along line 19-19 of figure 18;
Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 o~ figure 18;
Figure 21 is an elevation view with a partly cut-out ~ection illu~trating an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the cover is supported by a central post re~ting on an inwardly projecting internal rim;
Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22 of figure 21;
Figure 23 is an elevation view with a partly cut-out section illustrating an altern~tive embodiment of the invention wherein the cover rests on the central post fixed to the bottom portion of the cup;
Figure 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of an . . : : .. '' . ~: : :
. . ' ' .
, ~V~5~L~2 alternative embod;ment of the invention wherein the cover is supported by a peripheral post;
Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along ]ine 25-25 of figure 24;
Figure 26 is a partial cross-sectional view of an a]ternaL;ve embodiment of the invention wherein the cover is sltpported by a tripod resting on an inwardly projecting rim;
Figure 27 is a perspective view of the cover mounted on the tripod of figure 26;
Figure 28 is a partial cro~ss-sectional view of an alternative embodiment wherein the cover is supported by a sllpporting structure comprisin~ arcuate ribs biasing the cover against the internal flange;
Figure 29 is a top view of the supporting structure of figure 28 with the ribs extended;
Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view taken ~]ong line 30-30 of figure 29;
Figure 31 is an elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the cover laterally seals the cup and has a substantially semi-circular perforation;
Figure 32 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 32-32 of figure 31;
Figure 34 is a top view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in figure 31;
Figure 35 i~ a cross-sectional view along line 35-35 of f;gure 34 with the flap opened;
Figure 36 is an elevation view of the partly cut-out ~045~2 section of an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the cover is attached to a trigger-type lever; and Figure 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 87-37 of figure 36.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION O~ THE DRAWINGS:
________ ___________ _ _______________ .
Referring to figures 1 to 6, there is shown a drinking cup lO adapted to contain a drinkable ]iquid referred to in figllre 6 by the numeral 12. The drinking cup 10 is a tubulflr container having an aperture 14 at its top end. The aperture 14 iA provided with an internal peripheral flange 16. A cover 18 is adapted to internally and upwardly abut on the flange 16 for sealing off the aperture 14.
The cover 18 is re.siliently biased against the flsnge 16 by an e1astic means such as an elastic band 20. The elastic bsnd 20 forms a loop around a downwardly projecting L-shaped leg or hook 22 formed integrally with the external periphery of the drinking cup l0. 8Oth end~q of the elastic band 20 are threaded through a set of apertures 19 provided in the cover 18. A
protuberance or locking knob 21 formed intgrally with the elastic band 20 prevents withdrawal from the apertures 19.
As illu~trated in figure 6, when the cup l0 i9 knocked over or unvoluntarily tilted, the liquid 12 i8 prevented from 9pi lling out of the aperture 14 by the cover 18 which circumfer-entially abuts against the inner surface of the peripheral flange 16.
L 5 ~_A~
In these situations, the liquid 12 exerts fln internal pressure against the cover 18 further enhancing the abutting relationship of the cover 18 on the flange 16.
As illustrated in figure 6a, ;n order to drink the liquid 12 out of the cup 10, the user tilts the cup 10 against his lower lip 23 and pushes the cover 18 inwardly, according to arrow A, with his upper lip 25, thus creating a passage between the cover 18 and the internal flange 16.
In order not to create a vacuum inside the cup, air is allowed to penetrate in the cup 10 through a small venting aperture 27 extending through the cover 18. The venting aperture 27 also allows air under pres.sure to be expelled from the cup 10 while retaining the liquid 12 when the cup 10 is tilted. The ho]e 22 may serve as a main releasing vent when the liquid 12 is gazefied 6uch as soft drinks.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention illustfl-ted in figure~ 2 and 6a, a spout 24 is formecl integrally at the externfll periphery oE the aperture 14 opposite the L-shaped leg 22. The spout 24 is adapted to prevent unwanted 9pi ll~ge of the liquid around the lip 23, guiding the liquid to the mouth of the drinker, thus facilitating the drinking operation.
In another embodiment of the invention illustrated in figures 7 and 8, the cover 18 i~s resiliently biased against the flange 16 by a tongue of material 26 extending integrally from the top 6ur~ace of the cover 18. The tongue 26 is provided with ' :
' ~
20~5~12 a plurality of indentations 28. A bow 30 extending integrally from the periphery of the cup 10 is adapted to releasably lock a corresponding indentation 28 oE the tongue 26 thus providing a means to select the degree of tension in the tongue 26 which biases the cover 18. The force biasing the cover 18 against the ~lange 16 can thereEore be adjusted according to many factors such as the width of the flange 16, the size and the elasticity of the cover 18. The strength of the upper lip of the user is also taken into consideration.
Another embodiment of the invention illu~trated in figures 9 and 10 i9 more specifically adapted to glasses having a rtem 34 seperating the containing part 36 from the base part 37.
In this embod;ment, the cover 18 is biased agairist the flange 16 by an elastic band 32. The band 32 is formed into a loop which is anchored around the stem 34 ~djacent the base of the containing part 36.
Both ends of the elastic band 32 are threaded throu~h the cover 18 and prevented from retraction by a retaining knob 38 formed integrally with the band 32. An indentation 40 i~
provided on the inner surface 42 of the cover 18. The identation 40 creates a weakness across the cover 18 which facilitates its inward bending as illustrated by the dotted lines in ~igure 10.
In another emdod;ment of the invention illustrated in figure~ ll and 12, a pair of elastic strips 43 pull on the cover (not shown). The ~trips 43 are formed integrally, at their lower . ,, ~ ~,.. , ., ,. - . , :
' , ' . ', : ' ' ' ' .
NON-SPILLABLE DRINKING CUP
Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to the field of drinking cups and more specifically to a cup having 8 top opening with an inwardly projecting f~ange and a cover resiliently biased against the flange in order to prevent spi]lage of the liquid inside the cup when the cup is inadvertently knocked over or dropped. The cover i~ adapted to be pushed inward]y to allow passage of the ]iquid during the drinking operation.
All embodiments of the present invention conform to conventionAI forms of manufActuring and are of simple construc-tion and easy to use as to provide non-spillable drinking cups which are conventional, long lasting and trouble free in opera-tion.
B~CKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
_.--__.________________________ It is quite common, especially for children, to knock over or drop their drinking cup~, thuæ spilling the liquid contained inside the cup.
Previous attemptæ at circumventing this type of problem re~ulted in the manufacturing of drinking cups having a removable lid whicll hfld to be positionéd over the opening when the cup was resting unused on a table.
However, this type of structure neceæsitAted the replfl-cement of the cover over the cup everytime the cup rested on the Z04S~:~2 table top and did not prevent spillage when the cup was simply dropped out of the hand of the user.
The same cover which prevents 9pi llage, allows the u~er, to drink from the cup, without removing the cover.
The present invention is thus adapted to provide a built-in ætructure which prevents spillage of the liquid inside the cup without the intervention of the user.
Various embodiments of the invention are adapted to prevent spillage of the liquid they contain in the event th~t they are inadvertently knocked over or dropped. Embodiments di~clo~ed in the present application use the same basic feature whereby a cover is resiliently biased against a flange extending inwardly from the periphery of the top opening. In some embodimentq, the cover i9 pushed, in others it is pulled. Some of the biafiing mechanismfi are located inside the cup, others are located outside the cup but in all embodiments the cover seals off the top opening of the cup until the user wishing to drink out of the cup pu~hes a segment of the cover inwardly creating a passage between the cover and the flange which allow~ passage of the liquid.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ~RAWINGS-__. _______________________________ Figure 1 is a perspective view of a drinking cup embodying the invention;
Figure 2 ;8 a perspective view of an alternative 23;)4LS~12 embodiment of the invention hav;ng a drinking spout or lip;
Figure 3 is an el.evation view of figure 1;
Figure 4 is a cross-section view taken along line 4-4 oE figure 3;
Figure 5 is a detailed view taken inside arrow 5 of figure 4;
Figure 6 is a view of the drinking cup resting in a knock-~own position;
Figure 6a is a view of a person drinking out of the c 11 p ;
Figure 7 is an elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the hooking member linking the cover to the cup;
Figure 8 is a cross-section view taken along line 8-8 of figure 7;
Figure 9 is an elevation view of an alternative embodiment ot the invention especially adapted to wine glas.s type of c(lp~;
Figllre 10 ;R a crosc-section view tnken along line 10-10 oE Eigure 9;
Figure 11 i9 an elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the elastic~ which resi-liently close the cover are attached to the bottom of the cup;
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrows 12-12 of figure 11;
Figure 13 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the cover is attached to an exterior peripheral rim;
.. . .
2045~12 F;gure 14 i9 a cross-sectional view taken along line l4-l4 of figure 13;
Figure 15 is a detailed view taken inside arrow 15 of figure 14;
Figure 16 is a partial elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the cover is attached to the cup by a forked external rim;
Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line l7-17 of figure 16;
Figure 18 is a top view Or an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the cover is resting on two internally projecting lips;
Figùre 19 is a cross-sectional vlew taken along line 19-19 of figure 18;
Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 o~ figure 18;
Figure 21 is an elevation view with a partly cut-out ~ection illu~trating an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the cover is supported by a central post re~ting on an inwardly projecting internal rim;
Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22 of figure 21;
Figure 23 is an elevation view with a partly cut-out section illustrating an altern~tive embodiment of the invention wherein the cover rests on the central post fixed to the bottom portion of the cup;
Figure 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of an . . : : .. '' . ~: : :
. . ' ' .
, ~V~5~L~2 alternative embod;ment of the invention wherein the cover is supported by a peripheral post;
Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along ]ine 25-25 of figure 24;
Figure 26 is a partial cross-sectional view of an a]ternaL;ve embodiment of the invention wherein the cover is sltpported by a tripod resting on an inwardly projecting rim;
Figure 27 is a perspective view of the cover mounted on the tripod of figure 26;
Figure 28 is a partial cro~ss-sectional view of an alternative embodiment wherein the cover is supported by a sllpporting structure comprisin~ arcuate ribs biasing the cover against the internal flange;
Figure 29 is a top view of the supporting structure of figure 28 with the ribs extended;
Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view taken ~]ong line 30-30 of figure 29;
Figure 31 is an elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the cover laterally seals the cup and has a substantially semi-circular perforation;
Figure 32 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 32-32 of figure 31;
Figure 34 is a top view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in figure 31;
Figure 35 i~ a cross-sectional view along line 35-35 of f;gure 34 with the flap opened;
Figure 36 is an elevation view of the partly cut-out ~045~2 section of an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the cover is attached to a trigger-type lever; and Figure 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 87-37 of figure 36.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION O~ THE DRAWINGS:
________ ___________ _ _______________ .
Referring to figures 1 to 6, there is shown a drinking cup lO adapted to contain a drinkable ]iquid referred to in figllre 6 by the numeral 12. The drinking cup 10 is a tubulflr container having an aperture 14 at its top end. The aperture 14 iA provided with an internal peripheral flange 16. A cover 18 is adapted to internally and upwardly abut on the flange 16 for sealing off the aperture 14.
The cover 18 is re.siliently biased against the flsnge 16 by an e1astic means such as an elastic band 20. The elastic bsnd 20 forms a loop around a downwardly projecting L-shaped leg or hook 22 formed integrally with the external periphery of the drinking cup l0. 8Oth end~q of the elastic band 20 are threaded through a set of apertures 19 provided in the cover 18. A
protuberance or locking knob 21 formed intgrally with the elastic band 20 prevents withdrawal from the apertures 19.
As illu~trated in figure 6, when the cup l0 i9 knocked over or unvoluntarily tilted, the liquid 12 i8 prevented from 9pi lling out of the aperture 14 by the cover 18 which circumfer-entially abuts against the inner surface of the peripheral flange 16.
L 5 ~_A~
In these situations, the liquid 12 exerts fln internal pressure against the cover 18 further enhancing the abutting relationship of the cover 18 on the flange 16.
As illustrated in figure 6a, ;n order to drink the liquid 12 out of the cup 10, the user tilts the cup 10 against his lower lip 23 and pushes the cover 18 inwardly, according to arrow A, with his upper lip 25, thus creating a passage between the cover 18 and the internal flange 16.
In order not to create a vacuum inside the cup, air is allowed to penetrate in the cup 10 through a small venting aperture 27 extending through the cover 18. The venting aperture 27 also allows air under pres.sure to be expelled from the cup 10 while retaining the liquid 12 when the cup 10 is tilted. The ho]e 22 may serve as a main releasing vent when the liquid 12 is gazefied 6uch as soft drinks.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention illustfl-ted in figure~ 2 and 6a, a spout 24 is formecl integrally at the externfll periphery oE the aperture 14 opposite the L-shaped leg 22. The spout 24 is adapted to prevent unwanted 9pi ll~ge of the liquid around the lip 23, guiding the liquid to the mouth of the drinker, thus facilitating the drinking operation.
In another embodiment of the invention illustrated in figures 7 and 8, the cover 18 i~s resiliently biased against the flange 16 by a tongue of material 26 extending integrally from the top 6ur~ace of the cover 18. The tongue 26 is provided with ' :
' ~
20~5~12 a plurality of indentations 28. A bow 30 extending integrally from the periphery of the cup 10 is adapted to releasably lock a corresponding indentation 28 oE the tongue 26 thus providing a means to select the degree of tension in the tongue 26 which biases the cover 18. The force biasing the cover 18 against the ~lange 16 can thereEore be adjusted according to many factors such as the width of the flange 16, the size and the elasticity of the cover 18. The strength of the upper lip of the user is also taken into consideration.
Another embodiment of the invention illu~trated in figures 9 and 10 i9 more specifically adapted to glasses having a rtem 34 seperating the containing part 36 from the base part 37.
In this embod;ment, the cover 18 is biased agairist the flange 16 by an elastic band 32. The band 32 is formed into a loop which is anchored around the stem 34 ~djacent the base of the containing part 36.
Both ends of the elastic band 32 are threaded throu~h the cover 18 and prevented from retraction by a retaining knob 38 formed integrally with the band 32. An indentation 40 i~
provided on the inner surface 42 of the cover 18. The identation 40 creates a weakness across the cover 18 which facilitates its inward bending as illustrated by the dotted lines in ~igure 10.
In another emdod;ment of the invention illustrated in figure~ ll and 12, a pair of elastic strips 43 pull on the cover (not shown). The ~trips 43 are formed integrally, at their lower . ,, ~ ~,.. , ., ,. - . , :
' , ' . ', : ' ' ' ' .
2(~45~
end, with a base component 44. The base component 44 is releasably fixed to the bottom wall 46 of the container 48 by a tongue and groove arrangement. The base component 44 is provided with a circular groove 50 adapted to re1.easably receive in a snap-like fa~shion a circular bead 52 extending integrally from the bottom wall 46 of the container 48.
In another embodiment of the invention illustrated ;n figures 13 to 15, the cover 18 is resiliently biased against the internal flange 16 by a gnapping tongue 53 having a substantial triangu1ar shape when seen from a top view, as in figure 13. The tongue 53 is integrally formed with the cover 18. In this embodiment, the periphery of the aperture 14 is provided with an external fl.ange 55 defining an external peripheral groove 54.
The snapping tongue 53 is adapted to curl up around the flange 55 and re1ea~sbly snap into the groove 54. An indentation 56 in the lower ~urface of the cover 18 facilitate~ its inward bend;ng.
Figure~ 16 and 17 illustrate another embodiment, wher-ein a portion of the periphery of the aperture 14 is provided with a forked external flange 58. A substAntially T-shaped anchor 60 extends integrally from the cover 18. The anchor has an arched section 62 adapted to curl around the periphery of the aperture 14 in the middle of the forked flange 58 and a pair of prong~ 64 extending integrally and orthogonally from the arched Rection 62. The prongs 64 are adapted to releasably snap into a corre~ponding pair of external recess 66 defined by the forked flange 58.
Zq~l~5~2 -- I o--In another embodiment oE the ;nvention illu~trated in figures 18 to 20, a pair of internally projecting lips 68 pocitiolled below and adjacent the flange 16 support and biased the cover 18 against the flange 16. A pair of indentations 70 facilitate bending of the cover on each side of lips 68 along two paral.lel planes as illustrated by arrows B in figure 20.
In another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in figure 21 to 23, the cover 18 is supported and biased agflinst the flange 16 by a central supporting post 74 formed integral.ly with the lower surface of the cover 18.
In one embodiment, illustrated in f;gure~ 21 flnd 22, the supporting post 74 stands integrally into a set of legs 76 which re.st on an internally projecting rim 78.
In another ver~ion of this embodiment, the centrfll post 74' ha~ a grooved snapping protuberance 80 at its lower end adflpted to rel.easably snap a tongue 82 formed integrfllly with the inner surface of the bottom wall 84.
In another embodiment of the invention illustrated in figure~ 24 and 25, the cover 18 i8 formed integrally with a peripheral post 86 which biase~ the cover 18 against the flange 16. The cylindrical wall 88 of the container is provided with a l.ongitudinal protuberance 90 hflving a 1ongitudinal recess 92 adapted to receive a narrow section 94 of the peripheral post 86.
In another embodiment of the invention illustrflted in 2045~l2 I I
figures 26 and 27, the cover 18 i8 formed integrally with a peripheral supporting tongue 96 extending into a set of supporting legs 98. The legs 98 rest on an inwardly projecting rim 100. The tongue 96 i9 made of a resilient material which biases upwardly the cover 18 against the flange 16.
In another embodiment of the invention illustrated in figures 28 to 30 the cover 18 is biased against the flange 16 by biasing structure 102 comprising a set of arcuate resilent ribs 104 extending integrally and upwardly from an annular base 106.
The base 106 rests on an inwardly projecting rim 108.
In another embodiment of the invention illustrated in figures 31 to 35 only a sub.stantially semi-circular flap portion 110 of the cover 18' is adapted to pivot inwardly thus opening a corresponding semi-circular aperture 112.
Cnntrarly to the previously described ~tructures, the cup 10' does not have an internal flange inwardly projecting from its top aperture. The cover 18' which is removable has a downwDrdly extending skirt 114 adapted to snap the peripheral walJ of the cup 10'.
The arcuate portion of the flap 110 ha.~ a per;pheral flange 116 sdapted to abut again~t a corresponding peripheral section 118 of the semi-circular aperture 112. The flap 110 which is adapted to pivot downwardly is biased upwflrdly against the peripheral section 118. In this embodiment, the biasing force is provided by the cover 18' itself which is manufactured ., .
2045~2 in re~qilient polymeric material. The flap 110 is manufactured in a position wherein it seals off the corresponding opening 112.
Since the material is resilient, when the flap 110 is pushed downward]y it has a tendency to spring back to its original poqition and the flange is stopped by the peripheral section 118.
In another embodiment of the invention, the cup iq provided with a pivoting lever 120 adapted to push the cover 18 downwardly for allowing a person to drink. The lever 120 pivots around a hinge 122 mounted on a handle 124 extending integrally from the cup.
In the embodiment illustrated in figure 36, the cover 18 is biased by an elastic 126 hooked around a downwardly extending L-shaped leg 128, but any of the previously described bia#ing structures could be used in conjunction with the lever 120.
!
~' , ~' ' ' ' . .
', ' ~ .' . ' ;. ' ' ' , `' .
end, with a base component 44. The base component 44 is releasably fixed to the bottom wall 46 of the container 48 by a tongue and groove arrangement. The base component 44 is provided with a circular groove 50 adapted to re1.easably receive in a snap-like fa~shion a circular bead 52 extending integrally from the bottom wall 46 of the container 48.
In another embodiment of the invention illustrated ;n figures 13 to 15, the cover 18 is resiliently biased against the internal flange 16 by a gnapping tongue 53 having a substantial triangu1ar shape when seen from a top view, as in figure 13. The tongue 53 is integrally formed with the cover 18. In this embodiment, the periphery of the aperture 14 is provided with an external fl.ange 55 defining an external peripheral groove 54.
The snapping tongue 53 is adapted to curl up around the flange 55 and re1ea~sbly snap into the groove 54. An indentation 56 in the lower ~urface of the cover 18 facilitate~ its inward bend;ng.
Figure~ 16 and 17 illustrate another embodiment, wher-ein a portion of the periphery of the aperture 14 is provided with a forked external flange 58. A substAntially T-shaped anchor 60 extends integrally from the cover 18. The anchor has an arched section 62 adapted to curl around the periphery of the aperture 14 in the middle of the forked flange 58 and a pair of prong~ 64 extending integrally and orthogonally from the arched Rection 62. The prongs 64 are adapted to releasably snap into a corre~ponding pair of external recess 66 defined by the forked flange 58.
Zq~l~5~2 -- I o--In another embodiment oE the ;nvention illu~trated in figures 18 to 20, a pair of internally projecting lips 68 pocitiolled below and adjacent the flange 16 support and biased the cover 18 against the flange 16. A pair of indentations 70 facilitate bending of the cover on each side of lips 68 along two paral.lel planes as illustrated by arrows B in figure 20.
In another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in figure 21 to 23, the cover 18 is supported and biased agflinst the flange 16 by a central supporting post 74 formed integral.ly with the lower surface of the cover 18.
In one embodiment, illustrated in f;gure~ 21 flnd 22, the supporting post 74 stands integrally into a set of legs 76 which re.st on an internally projecting rim 78.
In another ver~ion of this embodiment, the centrfll post 74' ha~ a grooved snapping protuberance 80 at its lower end adflpted to rel.easably snap a tongue 82 formed integrfllly with the inner surface of the bottom wall 84.
In another embodiment of the invention illustrated in figure~ 24 and 25, the cover 18 i8 formed integrally with a peripheral post 86 which biase~ the cover 18 against the flange 16. The cylindrical wall 88 of the container is provided with a l.ongitudinal protuberance 90 hflving a 1ongitudinal recess 92 adapted to receive a narrow section 94 of the peripheral post 86.
In another embodiment of the invention illustrflted in 2045~l2 I I
figures 26 and 27, the cover 18 i8 formed integrally with a peripheral supporting tongue 96 extending into a set of supporting legs 98. The legs 98 rest on an inwardly projecting rim 100. The tongue 96 i9 made of a resilient material which biases upwardly the cover 18 against the flange 16.
In another embodiment of the invention illustrated in figures 28 to 30 the cover 18 is biased against the flange 16 by biasing structure 102 comprising a set of arcuate resilent ribs 104 extending integrally and upwardly from an annular base 106.
The base 106 rests on an inwardly projecting rim 108.
In another embodiment of the invention illustrated in figures 31 to 35 only a sub.stantially semi-circular flap portion 110 of the cover 18' is adapted to pivot inwardly thus opening a corresponding semi-circular aperture 112.
Cnntrarly to the previously described ~tructures, the cup 10' does not have an internal flange inwardly projecting from its top aperture. The cover 18' which is removable has a downwDrdly extending skirt 114 adapted to snap the peripheral walJ of the cup 10'.
The arcuate portion of the flap 110 ha.~ a per;pheral flange 116 sdapted to abut again~t a corresponding peripheral section 118 of the semi-circular aperture 112. The flap 110 which is adapted to pivot downwardly is biased upwflrdly against the peripheral section 118. In this embodiment, the biasing force is provided by the cover 18' itself which is manufactured ., .
2045~2 in re~qilient polymeric material. The flap 110 is manufactured in a position wherein it seals off the corresponding opening 112.
Since the material is resilient, when the flap 110 is pushed downward]y it has a tendency to spring back to its original poqition and the flange is stopped by the peripheral section 118.
In another embodiment of the invention, the cup iq provided with a pivoting lever 120 adapted to push the cover 18 downwardly for allowing a person to drink. The lever 120 pivots around a hinge 122 mounted on a handle 124 extending integrally from the cup.
In the embodiment illustrated in figure 36, the cover 18 is biased by an elastic 126 hooked around a downwardly extending L-shaped leg 128, but any of the previously described bia#ing structures could be used in conjunction with the lever 120.
!
~' , ~' ' ' ' . .
', ' ~ .' . ' ;. ' ' ' , `' .
Claims (12)
1-. A non-spillable drinking cup comprising a tubular container adapted to contain a drinkable liquid, said container having an aperture at its top end, said aperture being provided with an internal peripheral flange, a cover for said container, said cover adapted to internally and upwardly abut on said flange for closing said aperture, elastic means hingedly connected to said cover for resiently maintaining said cover against said flange, whereby when said container, containing liquid, is knocked over, the liquid is projected against the cover to enhance the abuting relationship of the cover on the flange.
2-. A non-spillable drinking cup as recited in claim 1, wherein said elastic means is a stretchable member laterally fixed on said container and on top of said cover.
3-, A non-spillable drinking cup as recited in claim 1, wherein the stretchable means is an elastic band secured to the cover and to an external portion of the container, said band having contracting power sufficient to maintain the cover in contact with the flange.
4-. A non-spillable drinking cup as recited in claim 3, comprising a releasable hooking member secured on the side of the recipient, said band being releasably secured to said hooking member.
5-. A non-spillable drinking cup as recited in claim 4, wherein said hooking member is a downwardly projecting L-shaped leg and said band is an elastic string forming a loop for engaging said leg.
6-. A non-spillable drinking cup as recited in claim 4, wherein said releasable hooking means has a plurality of notches for providing a selected degree of tension on said band.
7-. A non-spillable drinking cup as recited in claim 6, wherein said cover is made of a flexible material wherein liquid can be expelled from said container, when the latter is upside down, by an inward pressure on a portion of the cover along a segment away from the band.
8-. A non-spillable drinking cup as recited in claim 7, wherein said cover comprises a small hole for allowing air under pressure to be expelled from the container while retaining the liquid when the container is upside down.
9-. A non-spillable drinking cup as recited in claim 1, wherein said container comprises an internally projecting lip below said flange, said lip adapted to support said cover in abuting relationship with said flange.
10-. A non-spillable drinking cup as recited in claim 9, wherein said cover comprises a central upstanding post and laterally extending legs abuting against said lip.
11-. A non-spillable drinking cup as recited in claim 7, comprising a lever member pivotally mounted on said container, one end of said lever located adjacent said cover, whereby the actuation of said lever member is adapted to exert said inward pressure.
12-. A cover for a cup adapted to contain a drinkable liquid, said cover having an aperture therethrough, and adjacent the periphery of said cover, a flap extending under said aperture for closing said aperture, hinge means connecting said flap to said cover for closing said aperture and allowing its opening adjacent said periphery, and resilient means for biasing said flap against said cover, whereby said aperture is adapted to be opened to release liquid from the cup in a tilted position when the flap is pushed inwardly, and said aperture is adapted to be sealed when said cup is knocked over.
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2045112 CA2045112A1 (en) | 1991-06-20 | 1991-06-20 | Non-spillable drinking cup |
| AU19832/92A AU1983292A (en) | 1991-06-20 | 1992-04-27 | Non-spillable drinking cup |
| PCT/CA1992/000170 WO1993000031A1 (en) | 1991-06-20 | 1992-04-27 | Non-spillable drinking cup |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2045112 CA2045112A1 (en) | 1991-06-20 | 1991-06-20 | Non-spillable drinking cup |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2045112A1 true CA2045112A1 (en) | 1992-12-21 |
Family
ID=4147874
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2045112 Abandoned CA2045112A1 (en) | 1991-06-20 | 1991-06-20 | Non-spillable drinking cup |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU1983292A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2045112A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1993000031A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5706972A (en) * | 1996-01-16 | 1998-01-13 | Sousa; Nuno J. | Self-closing beverage lid |
| USD688349S1 (en) | 2012-11-02 | 2013-08-20 | John OREN | Proppant vessel base |
| DE102023207313A1 (en) | 2023-07-31 | 2025-02-06 | Optik Schlemmer Gmbh & Co. Kg | drinking vessel |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4138033A (en) * | 1978-01-16 | 1979-02-06 | Payne Larry E | Liquid container lid |
| US4190174A (en) * | 1979-01-29 | 1980-02-26 | Thermo-Seal, Inc. | Drinking receptacle cover with a lip operated valve |
| US4345695A (en) * | 1980-05-01 | 1982-08-24 | Galloway James V | Lid for a drinking cup |
| US4361249A (en) * | 1981-02-25 | 1982-11-30 | Tuneski Richard J | Beverage container lid |
| US4412629A (en) * | 1981-11-04 | 1983-11-01 | Dart Container Corporation | Non-spill drink-through lid |
-
1991
- 1991-06-20 CA CA 2045112 patent/CA2045112A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
1992
- 1992-04-27 WO PCT/CA1992/000170 patent/WO1993000031A1/en active Application Filing
- 1992-04-27 AU AU19832/92A patent/AU1983292A/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU1983292A (en) | 1993-01-25 |
| WO1993000031A1 (en) | 1993-01-07 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |