Caps and containers containing the same

One aspect of the invention provides a cap comprising: a plane defining an opening and a slidable closure adapted and configured to seal the opening. The slidable closure includes: a projection extending above an external surface of the plane and a flexible seal coupled to the projection and located on an internal surface of the plane opposite the projection. The flexible seal includes: a connection portion coupled to the projection; a sealing portion having a profile that is complementary to a shape of the opening; and a flexible hinge adapted and configured to bias the sealing portion against the internal surface. Another aspect of the invention provides a container assembly including: a container and the cap as described herein coupled to the container.

BACKGROUND

As consumers continue to become more environmentally-conscious, there is a continued need for reusable containers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention provides a cap comprising: a plane defining an opening and a slidable closure adapted and configured to seal the opening. The slidable closure includes: a projection extending above an external surface of the plane and a flexible seal coupled to the projection and located on an internal surface of the plane opposite the projection. The flexible seal includes: a connection portion coupled to the projection; a sealing portion having a profile that is complementary to a shape of the opening; and a flexible hinge adapted and configured to bias the sealing portion against the internal surface.

This aspect of the invention can have a variety of embodiments. The flexible seal can be fabricated from silicone.

The flexible hinge can be an arc, an underside of which faces the internal surface. The arc can have a radius of about 180°.

The opening can have a profile selected from the group consisting of: a circle, an oval, and an ellipse.

The plane can define a linear slot adapted and configured to receive the slidable closure and permit sliding in a single dimension.

The sealing portion can include one or more support ribs.

The sealing portion can include a peripheral ring having a stiffness that is less than a remainder of the sealing portion.

Another aspect of the invention provides a container assembly including: a container and the cap as described herein coupled to the container.

This aspect of the invention can have a variety of embodiments. The container can be a single-walled container. The container can be a double-walled container.

DEFINITIONS

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now toFIGS.1A-1C, a container assembly100includes a container102and a cap104coupled to the container102(e.g., by a threaded, twist-lock, or snap-fit connection). Cap104includes a plane106defining an opening108.

Referring now toFIG.1C, a cross-section of container assembly100is provided. As seen in the cross-sectional view, container102can, in some embodiments, be a double-walled container having an outer wall110and an inner wall112defining a volume114therebetween. This volume114can facilitate formation of a vacuum or other low-pressure region in order to reduce thermal conductivity across the container102. Additional or alternatively, insulative materials can be introduced into volume114. For example, foams and/or films such as metallic foams or biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET) films can be utilized. In some embodiments, the container assembly100may be able to maintain a cold beverage at a temperature less than about 40° F. for between about 9 hours and about 12 hours.

FIG.1Calso depicts the structure and operation of slidable closure116that includes a projection118extending above an external surface of the plane106and a flexible seal120coupled to the projection118and located on an internal surface of the plane106opposite the projection118.

Referring now toFIG.1D, the structure and operation of slidable closure116can be visualized in greater detail in a cross section of the cap104. The flexible seal120includes a connection portion122coupled to the projection118(e.g., by an interference fitting, press fitting, adhesive, welding, and the like), a sealing portion124having a profile that is complementary to a shape of the opening108, and a flexible hinge126adapted and configured to bias the sealing portion124against the internal surface.

In some embodiments, the flexible seal120is a single piece formed from a flexible and preferably food-safe material such as silicone. In other embodiments, multiple materials can be utilized to selectively promote stiffness in some regions and flexibility in other regions. For example, as more clearly seen in the cross-section of slidable closure116depicted inFIG.1E, a peripheral ring127can be formed from a more flexible material than the remainder of the sealing portion124so that peripheral ring127will form a good seal while being pressed tightly against opening108.

Still referring toFIG.1Eand also referring toFIGS.1F-1H, projection118can optionally include a post128that facilitates sliding of the projection118within a groove in cap104as well as coupling with flexible seal120(e.g., through a complementary recess130in connection portion122). Projection118can also optionally include an O-ring132or other elastomeric material that can minimize leaks around slidable closure116and/or allow for easier sliding of projection118. Sealing portion124can, in some embodiments, have rounded edges in order to facilitate sealing contact with opening108.

Referring now toFIG.1I, flexible seal120can include one or more supporting ribs134a-134cthat are adapted and configured to resist deformation of the sealing portion124when pressed against the opening108. Supporting ribs134can be made from the same material as the sealing portion124or can be made from a different material (e.g., a stiffer material than the sealing portion124).

Referring now toFIG.1J, another view of cap104is provided in which the slidable closure116is moved laterally to an open or drinking position.

EQUIVALENTS

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE