WO2009123661A1

WO2009123661A1 - Container for dispensing a fluid

Info

Publication number: WO2009123661A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/079931
Authority: WO
Inventors: Scott C. Holt; Terrence Joehnk; Qian Zhou
Original assignee: Nike, Inc.; Nike International Ltd.
Priority date: 2008-03-31
Filing date: 2008-10-15
Publication date: 2009-10-08

Abstract

A water bottle includes three modes of operation selectable by rotating a ball valve attached to a mouthpiece. In a first position, a mouthpiece bore is aligned with a first aperture so that fluid may be drawn from a container. In a second position, the bore is aligned with a second aperture so that fluid may be poured from the container. In the second position, a depression on the ball valve is aligned with the first aperture so that the first aperture may vent air into the container. In a third position, the bore of the mouthpiece is aligned with neither aperture, and the ball of the valve seals the apertures. The apertures are similarly sized and symmetrically disposed on a backing plate compressed by a ring to inhibit leaking. The cap is configured to be disassembled and reassembled by the user to facilitate cleaning.

Description

CONTAINER FOR DISPENSING A FLUID

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to containers for dispensing fluids, and more particularly, for a multiple-mode cap for a personal use water bottle.

2. Description of Related Art

[0002] Many people are concerned with maintaining proper hydration throughout the day, from athletes participating in sporting events or outdoor activities to office workers and tourists sightseeing. The ready availability of water, a sports drink, or other form of liquid refreshment cannot be relied upon, so reusable fluid dispensers such as water bottles have become commonplace. These reusable dispensers often include a container for holding a certain amount of fluid and a removable cap through which the fluid may be accessed and/or retained within the container. These caps often include straws or mouthpieces that allow a user to drink the fluid in the dispenser without removing the cap. Additionally, some dispensers may allow a user to either pour the fluid out of the container or sip from the container directly.

[0003] For example, U.S. Patent Number 2,979,238 discloses a dispenser for a vacuum bottle. The dispenser includes a cap with a mouthpiece that may be set into a closed, pour, or sip configuration. The mouthpiece includes a rotatable valve member so that rotating or swiveling the mouthpiece with respect to the cap selects the use configuration or mode.

[0004] Another example of a dispenser may be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2006/0226110. This dispenser includes a cap having a rotatable mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be swiveled from a closed position where no fluid may be drawn through the mouthpiece to an open position where fluid may be drawn through the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece also includes a bite valve, so that fluid may not be drawn through the mouthpiece even if the mouthpiece were placed in the open position unless the bite valve is also opened.

[0005] While these dispensers offer convenient access to water or other hydrating fluids, current dispensers are limited in several ways. Many caps are prone to leakage, particularly if the cap includes provisions to allow a user to both drink and pour from the container. Dispensers may be difficult to clean effectively, allowing mold, dirt, and debris to accumulate within the dispenser.

[0006] Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a dispenser that allows a user to select various modes of use for the dispenser while inhibiting leakage. Such a dispenser should also provide easy capabilities for cleaning the dispenser.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A dispenser, such as a personal use water bottle, includes a cap that can control the flow of fluid out of the dispenser in multiple, selectable modes. The modes are generally selected by rotating a mouthpiece on the cap from one discrete position to another. The cap includes provisions to inhibit leaking in addition to provisions for selecting the mode of use. The modes of use may be sip, pour, and closed or no flow.

[0008] In one aspect, the invention provides a dispenser for dispensing a fluid comprising a container configured to contain a quantity of the fluid, a cap attached to the container, a mouthpiece rotatably attached to the cap, a bore disposed through the mouthpiece, the bore configured to be in fluid communication with the container, a removable backing plate separating the mouthpiece and the container, a first opening in the backing plate configured to allow the fluid to be drawn from the container to the mouthpiece when aligned with the bore, a second opening in the backing plate configured to allow the fluid to flow freely from the container to the mouthpiece when aligned with the bore, and the first opening and the second opening symmetrically positioned about a central axis of the backing plate.

[0009] In another aspect, the mouthpiece includes a ball valve configured to control the flow of fluid from the container into the mouthpiece.

[0010] In another aspect, the ball valve seals the first opening and the second opening until the bore is aligned with one of the first opening or the second opening.

[0011] In another aspect, a ring is removably attachable to the cap, wherein the backing plate is disposed between the ring and a main body of the cap.

[0012] In another aspect, the ring is configured to seal the backing plate against the main body of the cap. [0013] In another aspect, the ring is configured to seal the first and second openings against the mouthpiece.

[0014] In another aspect, a deformable member is disposed between the ring and the main body of the cap.

[0015] In another aspect, the first opening comprises two apertures and the second opening comprises two apertures.

[0016] In another aspect, the bore is configured with two inlet ports configured to selectively align with the two apertures of the first opening and the two apertures of the second opening.

[0017] In another aspect, a straw is positioned in fluid communication with the first opening, the straw extending into the container.

[0018] In another aspect, the straw is inserted into a receptacle configured to encircle a portion of the length of the straw.

[0019] In another aspect, the invention provides a cap attachable to a container configured to contain a quantity of fluid, the cap comprising a mouthpiece rotatably attached to a cap body, a bore disposed through the mouthpiece, the bore configured to be in fluid communication with the container, a backing plate separating the mouthpiece and the container, a first opening in the backing plate configured to allow the fluid to be drawn from the container to the mouthpiece when aligned with the bore, a second opening in the backing plate configured to allow the fluid to flow freely from the container to the mouthpiece when aligned with the bore, wherein the first opening and the second opening are similarly sized and symmetrically positioned about a central axis of the backing plate, and a compression ring removably attachable to the cap body, wherein the compression ring is configured to encircle the first opening and the second opening.

[0020] In another aspect, a deformable member is disposed between the compression ring and the cap body.

[0021] In another aspect, the compression ring is configured to be threaded onto the cap body. [0022] In another aspect, a straw is positioned in fluid communication with the first opening, the straw extending into the container, wherein the straw comprises a tube removably attachable to the backing plate.

[0023] In another aspect, the straw is press-fitted into a portion of the cap configured to encircle a portion of the straw.

[0024] In another aspect, the cap is configured to be disassembled and reassembled by a user.

[0025] In another aspect, a depression is disposed on the mouthpiece, wherein the depression is aligned with the first opening when the bore is aligned with the second opening so that ambient air may vent into the container through the first opening when the fluid is flowing through the second opening.

[0026] In another aspect, the first opening comprises two apertures and the second opening comprises two apertures.

[0027] In another aspect, the bore is configured with two inlet ports configured to selectively align with the two apertures of the first opening and the two apertures of the second opening.

[0028] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

[0030] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a container according to the invention in three different use modes;

[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a container according to the invention with a cap in a closed position;

[0032] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the container shown in FIG. 2, the view taken along line 3-3;

[0033] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cap of the container shown in FIGS. 2 and 3;

[0034] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a container according to the invention with a cap in a sip position;

[0035] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cap of the container shown in FIG. 5, the view taken along line 6-6;

[0036] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a container according to the invention with a cap in a pour position;

[0037] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cap of the container shown in FIG. 7, the view taken along line 7-7;

[0038] FIG. 9 is an enlarged schematic top view of an embodiment of a backing plate of a cap of a container according to the invention;

[0039] FIG. 10 is an enlarged schematic bottom view of the backing plate of FIG. 9;

[0040] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a mouthpiece of an embodiment of a cap of a container according to the invention; [0041] FIG. 12 is a schematic top view of the mouthpiece shown in FIG.

1 1 :

[0042] FIG. 13 is a schematic bottom view of the mouthpiece shown in FIG. 11 ;

[0043] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a container according to the invention;

[0044] FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a backing plate of a cap of a container according to the invention;

[0045] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mouthpiece of a cap of a container according to the invention;

[0046] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 16; and

[0047] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly formed when the backing plate of FIG. 15 is aligned with the mouthpiece of FIG. 16 so that a cap is in a pour mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0048] The invention generally provides a dispenser for delivering a fluid having a cap with three modes of use. The dispenser may be any type of dispenser known in the art, but in one embodiment is a personal use bottle. In such an embodiment, the fluid within the dispenser may be water, a sports drink, or other consumable liquid. In other embodiments, the dispenser may contain other fluids.

[0049] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of such a dispenser 100 being used in each of the three modes. Dispenser 100 is generally provided with a cap 104 attached to a container 102. Container 102 is generally configured to hold a quantity of fluid. Cap 104 is generally configured to control the transfer of the fluid within container 102 to a point outside of container 102.

[0050] In a closed or no flow mode 103, a cap 104 has a condition such that substantially no fluid may be transferred from within the container to a point outside of the container. In a sip mode 105, cap 104 has a condition such that fluid within dispenser 100 may be drawn out of dispenser 100. In a pour mode 107, cap 104 has a condition such that fluid within dispenser 100 flows freely out of container 100 when container 100 is inverted. Each of these modes is independent of the other modes. In other words, if cap 104 were in closed mode 103, cap 104 may not be in sip mode 105 or pour mode 107. If cap 104 were in sip mode 105, cap 104 may not be in closed mode 103 or pour mode 107. Similarly, if cap 104 were in pour mode 107, cap 104 may not be in closed mode 103 or sip mode 105.

[0051] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of dispenser 100 where dispenser 100 is a personal use water bottle. Container 102 may be any type of container known in the art that is capable of holding a quantity of fluid. In one embodiment, container 102 is a thin-walled, generally cylindrical hollow vessel having a closed bottom wall 109 and an open top. Container 102 may be rigid or flexible. Container 102 may be made from any type of material known in the art that does not readily react with standard drinking fluids. For example, container 102 may be made from plastic, polycarbonate, glass, or the like. Container 102 may be made using any method known in the art, such as by blow molding, injection molding, or the like.

[0052] Container 102 may be sized or configured to hold a variety of different fluid volumes. However, in one embodiment, container 102 is a personal use water bottle. In such an embodiment, container 102 may be sized to hold a volume of water or sports drink readily consumable by a user in a relatively short period of time, such as during a workout, a sports match or game, or the like. Such a volume of water could range from about twelve (12) ounces to about a quart. In other embodiments, container 102 may be larger or smaller. Container 102 may include surface decorations, such as logos or volumetric gradation markings. The volumetric gradation markings would allow a user to know readily the amount of fluid he or she has consumed.

[0053] Container 102 is configured to be attached to cap 104. In some embodiments, when container 102 is attached to cap 104, cap 104 seals or substantially seals container 102 so that any fluid within container 102 exits container 102 only when cap 104 is in sip mode 105 or pour mode 107. A straw 118 extends from cap 104 and into container 102 to provide access to the fluid within container 102 when dispenser 101 is in sip mode 105.

[0054] In the embodiment shown in the figures, cap 104 is generally cylindrical in shape and is removably attachable to fluid container 102 which is also generally cylindrical in shape. In other embodiments, cap 104 and fluid container 102 may have other shapes, but the shape of cap 104 generally corresponds to the shape of fluid container 102 so that cap 104 may be attached to fluid container 102. Cap 104 may be attached to fluid container 102 using any method known in the art. As shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2 and 3, in this embodiment, cap 104 is removably attached to fluid container 102 by threads. Cap threads 106 are fixedly attached to cap 104, such as by co-molding cap threads 106 with cap 104. Corresponding threads 108 are positioned on fluid container 102 so that cap 104 may be removably attached to container 102. In other embodiments, cap 104 and container 102 may be provided with alternate attachment configurations that allow cap 104 to be attached to container 102, such as by press-fitting, snap fitting, or the like.

[0055] The conduit between the fluid in container 102 and cap 104 is generally a mouthpiece 110. Mouthpiece 110 is sized and shaped to be inserted easily into the mouth of a user, while one end of mouthpiece 110 forms a ball valve body 112 for selecting the mode of use. Mouthpiece 110 may be made from any material known in the art, such as plastic, silicone, or a combination of materials. Mouthpiece 110 may be rigid, elastomeric, or have a rigid portion and an elastomeric portion.

[0056] In one embodiment, a bore 113 extends through mouthpiece 110, as best shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 6, and 8. Bore 113 forms a fluid passage through which fluid disposed in container 102 travels to be consumed by the user. Bore 113 preferably extends entirely through mouthpiece 110, from a fluid entry port 117 positioned on a ball valve body 112 formed at or near a first end of mouthpiece 110 to a fluid exit port 119 positioned at or near the end of mouthpiece 110 intended to be insertable into the mouth of a user.

[0057] Mouthpiece 110 is rotatably attached to cap 104 via a rotatable member, such as ball valve body 112, in order to control the flow of fluid from container 102 through bore 113. The attachment of mouthpiece 110 to cap 104 may be achieved using any method known in the art, such as by attaching mouthpiece 110 to cap 104 using a hinge such as a living hinge. As shown in the figures, particularly FIGS. 11 -13, mouthpiece 110 is rotatably attached to cap 104 by projections 111 on ball valve body 112. Projections 111 are fixedly attached to ball valve body 112 and extend away from the surface of ball valve body 112. Projections 111 are configured to be inserted into recesses on cap 104. Once inserted, such as by press fitting or snap fitting, projections 111 are able to rotate freely within the recesses, thereby forming an axle on which mouthpiece 110 may rotate with respect to cap 104.

[0058] A handle 115 is optionally formed on mouthpiece 110 to allow a user to more easily maneuver and rotate mouthpiece 110. Preferably, handle 115 is sized and shaped so that a user may operate mouthpiece 110 with a single finger, though other sizes and shapes for handle 115 may also be used.

[0059] In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in the figures, mouthpiece 110 may include a depression 116. Depression 116 is formed on ball valve body 112. Depression 116 is sized and configured to allow air to flow between container 102 and the ambient environment when dispenser 100 is in pour mode 107, as shown in FIG. 8 and discussed in greater detail below.

[0060] The rotation of mouthpiece 110 and ball valve body 112 allows a user to select the mode of operation of dispenser 100. Rotating mouthpiece 110 changes the position of fluid entry port 117 with respect to several openings formed through cap 104. Each mode of operation corresponds to a different position of mouthpiece 110 and, therefore, fluid entry port 117. Mouthpiece 110 and/or cap 104 may include provisions to indicate the correct position of mouthpiece 110 in selecting a mode. For example, mouthpiece 110 and cap 104 may include a detent system or stops so that mouthpiece 110 "clicks" from one position to the next. In other embodiments, mouthpiece 110 may rotate freely with respect to cap 104.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 8-10, cap 104 includes two apertures 124 and 126 defined by a backing plate 122. A main body 121 of cap 104 is configured to receive backing plate 122 on a surface of cap 104 that faces the interior of container 102. In the embodiment shown in the figures, backing plate 122 is removably attachable to cap 104. In other embodiments, however, backing plate 122 may be fixedly attached to cap 104, such as by being co-formed with the main body of cap 104 or by being welded or adhered to the main body 121 of cap 104. Many of the individual parts of cap 104 may be removed from cap 104, as shown in FIG. 14, including mouthpiece 110, straw 118, backing plate 122, and ring 130. This allows cap 104 to be readily disassembled and reassembled by the user for easy cleaning, in order to inhibit unsanitary conditions, such as mold or bacterial contamination of dispenser 100 or trapping of dirt or other debris within cap 104.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in the figures, cap 104 is configured with a recess 123 configured to receive backing plate 122. Recess 123 contains provisions for retaining backing plate in position against main body 121 of cap 104. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the provisions include a ring 130 that is removably attachable to recess 123. In other embodiments, these provisions may be any type of mechanical linkage capable of maintaining the position of a plate, such as detents, clips, or the like. Ring 130 is sized and shaped to be positioned, at least partially, within recess 123 so that backing plate 122 is trapped between ring 130 and main body 121. Ring 130 may be attached to recess 123 using any method known in the art, such as with clips, press-fitting, or the like. However, in the embodiment shown in the figures, ring 130 is threaded and recess 123 is correspondingly threaded so that ring 130 may be screwed into recess 123.

[0063] Ring 130 not only holds backing plate 122 in position but also pushes backing plate 122 against main body 121 to help prevent fluid from seeping between backing plate 122 and main body 121. When inserted into recess 123, ring 130 applies pressure onto backing plate 122 so as to reduce leakage. An optional sealing member 132 is also positioned between ring 130 and backing plate 122 to seal the interface between backing plate 122 and main body 121. In some embodiments, sealing member 132 may be a deformable element capable of conforming to ring 130 and backing plate 122 in order to plug any gaps between ring 130, backing plate 122, and main body 121. For example, sealing member 132 may be an o-ring, a gasket, or the like. Sealing member 132 may be made of an elastomeric material, such as rubber, silicone, or the like.

[0064] Backing plate 122 is configured with two apertures, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Sip opening 124 is configured to allow a user to drink from dispenser 101 by applying a vacuum to mouthpiece 110, for example, by sucking on mouthpiece 110. In other words, sip opening 124 is used when dispenser 101 is in sip mode 105. Pour opening 126 is configured to allow a user to transfer the fluid in container 102 rapidly to a point outside of dispenser 101 , such as by inverting dispenser 101 and permitting the fluid to drain out of container 102. In other words, pour opening 126 is used when dispenser 101 is in pour mode 107. The user may select between these two modes of use by aligning fluid inlet 117 with either sip opening 124 or pour opening 126, such as by rotating mouthpiece 110 on cap 104. The relative position of fluid inlet 117 and sip opening 124 when dispenser is in sip mode 105 is shown in FIG. 6. The relative position of fluid inlet and pour opening 126 when dispenser 101 is in pour mode 107 is shown in FIG. 8. The third mode of use, closed mode 103, is selected by moving fluid inlet 117 away from both apertures 124 and 126, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0065] While sip opening 124 and pour opening 126 may be positioned on backing plate 122 using any number of possible configurations, preferably sip opening 124 and pour opening 126 are symmetrically positioned along a central axis 125 of backing plate 122. Additionally, sip opening 124 and pour opening 126 preferably have the same size and shape. This symmetrical positioning allows ring 130 to apply even pressure to both apertures 124 and 126, thereby decreasing the instances of leakage when ball valve 112 seals one or both apertures 124 and 126.

[0066] Backing plate 122 also includes a straw attachment 120. Straw attachment 120 is an extension of backing plate 122 that is sized and shaped to receive a straw 118. Straw 118 is a hollow tubular element made of any material known in the art, such as plastic, vinyl, or the like. Straw 118 may be flexible or rigid. As shown in FIG. 3, straw 118 preferably extends towards a bottom 109 of container 102. In some embodiments, straw 118 may extend all the way to bottom 109. In other embodiments, straw 118 may terminate prior to reaching bottom 109.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 4, straw attachment 120 is preferably sized so that straw 118 fits snugly within attachment 120. In conventional dispensers, the straw is often attached to the cap by inserting a hollow projection of the cap into the bore of the straw. However, this configuration decreases the effective diameter of the straw, as the bore of the straw is necessarily narrowed where the cap projection is inserted. The configuration shown in FIG. 4 allows the entire bore of straw 118 to be used. In other words, no narrowing or blockage of the bore of star 118 occurs when straw 118 is attached to cap 104. Straw attachment 120 is positioned around sip opening 124, so that straw 118 is in fluid communication with sip opening 124.

[0068] The position of mouthpiece 110 allows a user to select the mode of use of dispenser 101. Preferably, each mode of use corresponds to a unique position of mouthpiece 110 so that a user has a visual cue as to which mode of use has been selected. FIGS. 2, 5, and 7 show dispenser 101 in each of the three modes of use: closed mode 103, sip mode 105, and pour mode 107. FIGS. 2-4 show dispenser in closed mode 103. When in closed mode 103, mouthpiece 110 is positioned substantially flat against main body 121 of cap 104. This positioning of mouthpiece 110 flat or substantially flat against cap 104 allows the user to carry or otherwise transport dispenser 100 without leakage while inhibiting the unintentional rotation of mouthpiece 110. In closed mode 103, ball valve 112 is rotated so that fluid entry port is not aligned with either sip opening 124 or pour opening 126. As such, any fluid attempting to travel through either sip opening 124 or pour opening 126 encounters a solid portion of ball valve 112, which effectively seals apertures 124 and 126.

[0069] FIGS. 5 and 6 show dispenser in sip mode 105. When in sip mode 105, mouthpiece 110 has been tilted to a sip position. Mouthpiece 110 is positioned at an obtuse angle with respect to main body 121 of cap 104. FIGS. 7 and 8 show dispenser 101 in pour mode 107. When in pour mode 107, mouthpiece 110 is positioned substantially orthogonally to main body 121 of cap 104. These relative positions of mouthpiece 110 in different modes are examples; in other embodiments, each mode may have the same visual appearance for mouthpiece 110, or the positions of mouthpiece 110 may be re-arranged so that sip mode 105 is selected when mouthpiece 110 is orthogonal to cap 104, etc.

[0070] When in sip mode 105, fluid inlet 117 of bore 113 is aligned with sip opening 124, as shown in FIG. 6. Ball valve 112 seals pour opening 126. This positioning allows a user to draw the fluid from container 102 by applying a vacuum to mouthpiece 100. This vacuum causes the fluid within container 102 to travel up straw 118, through aperture 124, and into bore 113. This fluid flow path is indicated by the wavy arrows in FIG. 6.

[0071] The extraction of fluid from container 102 creates low pressure within container 102. The pressure within container 102 may eventually become so low compared with the ambient pressure that fluid no longer readily travels up straw 118 and into bore 113. Cap 104 therefore preferably includes provisions that equalize the pressure within container 102 and the ambient pressure without the user removing his or her mouth from mouthpiece 110. In some embodiments, these provisions include a vent, such as a one-way check valve. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, vent 128 is provided. As shown, vent 128 is a diaphragm valve that includes a diaphragm 129 and one or more vent holes 131.

[0072] Diaphragm 129 is a flexible member configured to be attached to cap 104. Diaphragm 129 is preferably made from a material that flexes in response to a pressure differential. Further, the material of diaphragm 129 is preferably fluid-resistant. For example, diaphragm 129 may be made from rubber, silicone, or the like. When the pressure in container is above, at, or near the ambient pressure, a portion of diaphragm 129 lies flat against vent holes 131 , substantially sealing vent holes 131. This configuration for diaphragm 129 is shown in FIG. 4. When the pressure in container 102 decreases below a threshold pressure, diaphragm 129 flexes in response to the pressure imbalance to unseal vent holes 131. Ambient pressure air then flows into container 102 to equalize the pressure, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 6. Once the pressure between container 102 and the ambient air pressure has equalized or once the pressure differential between container 102 and the ambient air pressure has dropped beneath the threshold value, diaphragm 129 returns to its original configuration and again seals vent holes 131.

[0073] When in pour mode 107, fluid inlet 117 of bore 113 is aligned with pour opening 126. This positioning allows a user to rapidly transfer the fluid from container 102 by tilting or completely inverting dispenser 100 so that mouthpiece 110 is positioned beneath pour opening 126. The fluid within container 102 may then drain or gush through pour opening 126 and into bore 113. This fluid flow path is indicated by the wavy arrows in FIG. 8.

[0074] As fluid drains out of container 102, the fluid volume is replaced by ambient air. While the air may flow in through mouthpiece 110 or vent 128, such a configuration may cause the flow to slow, sputter, or even stop if an insufficient volume of air is flowing into container 102. Therefore, in some embodiments, depression 116 is aligned with sip opening 124 when in pour mode 107. This alignment creates a second flow path for air to flow into container via sip opening 124. The second flow path is indicated by the bold arrow in FIG. 8. Providing this second, unobstructed flow path allows the fluid within container 102 to flow freely into mouthpiece 110 via the first flow path due to the rapid replacement of the removed fluid volume with air. In other embodiments, container 102 may be configured to be squeezed to assist in expelling the fluid.

[0075] Another embodiment of a backing plate 222 and a mouthpiece 210 for use in a cap according to the invention such as cap 104 is shown in FIG. 15. Backing plate 222 is similar to backing plate 122, as described above, in terms of materials used and the attachment means and methods to cap 104. However, where backing plate 122 includes two (2) apertures 124 and 126 as the fluid passages between container 102 and mouthpiece 110, backing plate 222 includes four (4) apertures: a first sip aperture 224, a second sip aperture 225, a first pour aperture 226, and a second pour aperture 227. While apertures 224, 225, 226, and 227 may have any desired arrangement on backing plate 222, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, apertures 224, 225, 226, and 227 are generally arranged in a four-square or buttonhole pattern. [0076] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, apertures 224, 225, 226, and 227 all have approximately the same shape and diameter, though in other embodiments, each or any of apertures 224, 225, 226, and 227 may have a different size and/or shape than the other apertures. Apertures 224, 225, 226, and 227 may have any size and shape, but are preferably generally circular in shape and having diameters that readily fit onto a central portion of backing plate 222. The size and shape of apertures 224, 225, 226, and 227 are such that first sip aperture 224 and second sip aperture 225 cover approximately the same surface area as sip opening 124, and first pour aperture 226 and second pour aperture 227 cover approximately the same surface area as pour opening 126. For example, a straw attachment 220 encircles first and second sip apertures 224, 225 in much the same way that straw attachment 120 encircles sip opening 124. Therefore, the flow of the fluid from container 102 into the mouthpiece may not be significantly different in a cap using backing plate 122 from a cap using backing plate 222.

[0077] A mouthpiece 210 is also adapted for use with backing plate 222. Similar in most respects to mouthpiece 110 described above, mouthpiece 210 is rotatably attached to the cap, such as by pivots 211 , and includes a handle 215 to facilitate the manipulation of the position of mouthpiece 210. Mouthpiece 210 may also include a mouth portion 236 made of a softer material than the rest of mouthpiece 210, so that mouth portion 236 is more comfortable when inserted into the mouth. Mouth portion 236 may be made of any material, such as elastomeric materials like silicone, rubber, or the like, or plastics.

[0078] Mouthpiece 210 includes a bore 213 that may extend entirely through mouthpiece 210 from fluid inlet ports 217 and 219 to mouth portion 236. In this embodiment, a first fluid inlet port 217 and a second fluid inlet port 219 are provided. Backing plate 222 provides two (2) apertures per mode as opposed to backing plate 122 that provides only one (1 ) aperture per mode. Therefore, mouthpiece 210 provides one inlet port for each aperture. This enhances the contact seal between mouthpiece 210 and backing plate 222, as each aperture may be aligned and surrounded by a fluid inlet port. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, mouthpiece 210 is aligned with backing plate 222 in pour mode. Therefore, first fluid inlet port 217 is aligned with first pour aperture 226 and second fluid inlet port 219 is aligned with second pour aperture 227. A valve body depression 216 is aligned with sip apertures 224 and 225, for the reasons discussed above regarding venting the container during pour.

[0079] While bore 213 may be separated along its entirety to match the separation of fluid inlet ports 217 and 219, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16- 18, a separating wall 238 between first fluid inlet port 217 and second fluid inlet port 219 extends to or only a short distance into bore 213 and then terminates. Thus, the user experiences a bore 213 having only a single opening.

[0080] The use of multiple sip apertures 224, 225 in place of a single sip opening 124 and multiple pour apertures 226, 227 in place of a single pour opening 126 may, in addition to other possible benefits, reduce wear and tear on the seal between the mouthpiece and the backing plate. As the mouthpiece rotates to change the cap mode from closed to sip or to pour, the mouthpiece forms a contact seal between the ball valve of the mouthpiece and the backing plate so that the fluid flowing through the apertures does not leak. A portion of the ball valve protrudes into the aperture when the ball valve is seated. When the mouthpiece is rotated out of the aperture, the portion of the ball valve that protrudes into the aperture scrapes against the edge of the aperture, potentially wearing away or deforming the material of the ball valve. Over time, this scraping effect may deteriorate the seal inhibiting fluid from leaking at the interface between the apertures and the ball valve. When using a relatively large diameter aperture, such as sip opening 124, the ball valve protrudes into the aperture a greater distance than the distance that the ball valve would protrude into a relatively small diameter aperture, such as first sip aperture 224. Therefore, the amount of the ball valve that scrapes the edge of the aperture is greater in a larger diameter aperture. An aperture configuration such as that shown in FIG. 15, therefore, reduces the likelihood that a scraping-induced leak will form at the interface of the ball valve and the apertures.

[0081] While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A dispenser for dispensing a fluid comprising: a container configured to contain a quantity of the fluid; a cap attached to the container; a mouthpiece rotatably attached to the cap; a bore disposed through the mouthpiece, the bore configured to be in fluid communication with the container; a removable backing plate separating the mouthpiece and the container; a first opening in the backing plate configured to allow the fluid to be drawn from the container to the mouthpiece when aligned with the bore; a second opening in the backing plate configured to allow the fluid to flow freely from the container to the mouthpiece when aligned with the bore; and the first opening and the second opening symmetrically positioned about a central axis of the backing plate.

2. The dispenser of claim 1 , the mouthpiece including a ball valve configured to control the flow of fluid from the container into the mouthpiece.

3. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the ball valve seals the first opening and the second opening until the bore is aligned with one of the first opening or the second opening.

4. The dispenser of claim 1 , further comprising a ring removably attachable to the cap, wherein the backing plate is disposed between the ring and a main body of the cap.

5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein the ring is configured to seal the backing plate against the main body of the cap.

6. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein the ring is configured to seal the first and second openings against the mouthpiece.

7. The dispenser of claim 4, further comprising a deformable member disposed between the ring and the main body of the cap.

8. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the first opening comprises two apertures and the second opening comprises two apertures.

9. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the bore is configured with two inlet ports configured to selectively align with the two apertures of the first opening and the two apertures of the second opening.

10. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a straw positioned in fluid communication with the first opening, the straw extending into the container.

11. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein the straw is inserted into a receptacle configured to encircle a portion of the length of the straw.

12. A cap attachable to a container configured to contain a quantity of fluid, the cap comprising: a mouthpiece rotatably attached to a cap body; a bore disposed through the mouthpiece, the bore configured to be in fluid communication with the container; a backing plate separating the mouthpiece and the container; a first opening in the backing plate configured to allow the fluid to be drawn from the container to the mouthpiece when aligned with the bore; a second opening in the backing plate configured to allow the fluid to flow freely from the container to the mouthpiece when aligned with the bore; wherein the first opening and the second opening are similarly sized and symmetrically positioned about a central axis of the backing plate; and a compression ring removably attachable to the cap body, wherein the compression ring is configured to encircle the first opening and the second opening.

13. The cap of claim 12 further comprising a deformable member disposed between the compression ring and the cap body.

14. The cap of claim 12, the compression ring configured to be threaded onto the cap body.

15. The cap of claim 12 further comprising a straw positioned in fluid communication with the first opening, the straw extending into the container, wherein the straw comprises a tube removably attachable to the backing plate.

16. The cap of claim 15, wherein the straw is press-fitted into a portion of the cap configured to encircle a portion of the straw.

17. The cap of claim 12, wherein the cap is configured to be disassembled and reassembled by a user.

18. The cap of claim 12 further comprising a depression disposed on the mouthpiece, wherein the depression is aligned with the first opening when the bore is aligned with the second opening so that ambient air may vent into the container through the first opening when the fluid is flowing through the second opening.

19. The cap of claim 12, wherein the first opening comprises two apertures and the second opening comprises two apertures.

20. The cap of claim 19, wherein the bore is configured with two inlet ports configured to selectively align with the two apertures of the first opening and the two apertures of the second opening.