Abstract:
A closure for a container adapted to house a beverage therein, the closure comprising: (a) a cap having a mating feature adapted to interface with a corresponding feature of a container to secure the cap thereto, the cap also including an orifice therethrough and a channel therewithin, the channel being adapted to receive a sliding member therein; and (b) a flexible conduit adapted to be in fluid communication with a beverage within the container, wherein the sliding member is operative to position the flexible conduit between an open position and a closed position, where the open position enables fluid communication between a drinking end and an interior of the container.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention is directed to a child cup, commonly known as a “sippy cup,” comprising a cup coupled to a lid having an opening therethrough adapted to received a straw. More specifically, the invention is directed to a sippy cup having a sliding actuator positioning a straw coupled to a lid between an erect position accessible by a child and a closed position where the actuator covers over the straw making inaccessible an open end of the straw for drawing fluid from the sippy cup.  
         [0003]     2. Background of the Invention  
         [0004]     Specialty child cups have been in the marketplace for a number of years. These child cups limit the availability of a fluid, typically a beverage, from entirely spilling from the cup once the cup has been overturned by the child. Prior art cups have included generally two pieces; a cup and a top lid having an opening therethrough.  
         [0005]     The opening through these prior art lids was designed to limit the cross sectional area through which the fluid may travel, thereby keeping the amount of unintended fluid exiting the cup to a minimum when the cup is overturned. These lids have generally included a molded nipple or other similarly shaped protrusion adapted to be received by the child&#39;s mouth to create a fluidic seal between the lid and child&#39;s mouth. An example might include U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,557.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     The present invention is directed to a child cup, commonly known as a “sippy cup,” comprising a cup coupled to a lid having an opening therethrough adapted to received a straw. The straw provides a means for directing a fluid contained within the cup to a child&#39;s mouth by the child depressurizing a portion of the straw and drawing the fluid through the straw. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a sippy cup having a sliding actuator positioning a straw between an erect position accessible by a child and a closed position making inaccessible an open end of the straw for drawing fluid from the sippy cup.  
         [0007]     In an exemplary embodiment, the sippy straw cup includes a cup adapted to be coupled to a lid to create a fluidic seal therebetween. The cup includes an inner wall and an outer wall being separated by a space therebetween. The space may be occupied in part by a lenticular image providing a means of entertainment for the child. The lid includes a convex exterior and a concave interior, where the concave interior includes a conduit continuing through to the convex exterior/top. The convex exterior includes an arcuate, oblong channel receiving a sliding actuator therein. The sliding actuator is positionable between an open position where a straw riding within the conduit of the lid is in an erect position and a closed position where the straw is rendered inaccessible by the sliding actuator covering the straw and wedging the straw between the underside of the actuator and the recessed top surface of the lid. In the closed position, fluid within the cup is unable to be withdrawn through the straw.  
         [0008]     It is a first aspect of the present invention to provide a closure for a container adapted to house a beverage therein, the closure comprising: (a) a cap having a mating feature adapted to interface with a corresponding feature of a container to secure the cap thereto, the cap also including an orifice therethrough and a channel therewithin, the channel being adapted to receive a sliding member therein; and (b) a flexible conduit adapted to be in fluid communication with a beverage within the container, wherein the sliding member is operative to position the flexible conduit between an open position and a closed position, where the open position enables fluid communication between a drinking end and an interior of the container.  
         [0009]     In a more detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the flexible conduit biases the sliding member in the open position. In another more detailed embodiment, the sliding member includes a trench adapted to receive at least a portion of the flexible conduit when the flexible conduit is between the open position and the closed position. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the flexible conduit includes molded retention features thereon to inhibit the flexible conduit from being pulled through the orifice. In a further detailed embodiment, the trench runs parallel to the channel and parallel to a range of movement available to the sliding member. In still a further more detailed embodiment, the cap includes a trench adapted to receive at least a portion of the flexible conduit when in the closed position, wherein the trench includes a dam operative to discontinue fluid communication with the beverage in the closed position. In yet a further more detailed embodiment, the sliding member is substantially radially recessed within the channel. In another detailed embodiment, the sliding member includes at least one fin received within at least one guide groove formed within a side wall of the channel. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the flexible conduit is adapted to receive a rigid conduit for extending approximate a bottom of the container. In still a further more detailed embodiment, a bottom of the cap is substantially concave.  
         [0010]     In a more detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the cap is substantially dome shaped. In a further detailed embodiment, the container includes a lenticular image. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the container includes concentric gripping rings. In a more detailed embodiment, the sliding member slides radially. In another more detailed embodiment, the container includes a holographic image. In yet another detailed embodiment, the cap includes circumferentially arranged gripping aids.  
         [0011]     It is a second aspect of the present invention to provide a container comprising: (a) a cup adapted to hold a beverage therein, the cup having a lenticular image associated therewith; and (b) a cap having a mating feature adapted to interface with a corresponding feature of the cup to secure the cap thereto, the cap also including an orifice therethrough coupled to a flexible conduit adapted to be in fluid communication with the beverage within the cup, wherein at least one of a pivoting member and a sliding member coupled to the cap is operative to position the flexible conduit between an open position and a closed position, where the open position enables fluid communication between a drinking end of the flexible conduit and an interior of the cup.  
         [0012]     In a more detailed embodiment of the second aspect, the lenticular image is interposed between a clear outer cup and to an inner cup. In another more detailed embodiment, the clear outer cup and the inner cup are coupled together by spin molding. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the cap includes an arched channel therewithin, the arched channel being adapted to receive a sliding member therein, wherein the sliding member is operative to position the flexible conduit to protrude from an outer surface in the open position and recess the flexible conduit within the outer circumferential surface in the closed position. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]      FIG. 1  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view the exemplary embodiment of the present invention taken along lines  1 - 1  of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a side view of an exemplary cup component in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view the exemplary cup component in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention taken along lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is a side view of an exemplary lid component in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view the exemplary lid component in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention taken along lines  5 - 5  of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 7  is a frontal view of an exemplary lid component in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view the exemplary lid component in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention taken along lines  7 - 7  of  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 9  is a side view of an exemplary sliding actuator component in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 10  is a rearward view of the exemplary sliding actuator component in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 11  is a bottom view of the exemplary sliding actuator component in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view, from the side, of the exemplary lid and sliding actuator components in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention providing fluid communication between the fluid within the container and an external environment; and  
         [0025]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view, from the side, of the exemplary lid and sliding actuator components in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention inhibiting fluid communication between the fluid within the container and an external environment.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0026]     The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated below as a fluid container, referred to below as a “sippy straw cup”, comprising a cup and corresponding lid having a sliding actuator to regulate fluid communication between an interior of the sippy straw cup and an external environment. The various orientational, positional, and reference terms used to describe the elements of the present invention are therefore used according to this frame of reference. However, for clarity and precision, only a single orientational or positional reference will be utilized; and, therefore it will be understood that the positional and orientational terms used to describe the elements of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention are only used to describe the elements in relation to one another.  
         [0027]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an exemplary embodiment of a sippy straw cup  10  includes a cup  12 , a lid  14 , a sliding actuator  16 , and a straw  18  providing a selectively sealed fluid reservoir  20  available for holding a fluid therein, that may include, without limitation, a beverage. In an open position, as shown, the straw  18  is erect and provides fluid communication between the fluid reservoir  20  and an external environment  22 . The straw  18  may include two or more sections, with a first section  24  being resilient and a second section  26  coupled to the first section  24  that is less resilient and not readily amendable to spatial deformation.  
         [0028]     Referencing  FIGS. 2-4 , the cup  12  includes a cavity  28  partially defined by an exterior wall  30  of an inner cup  32  and partially by an interior wall  34  of an outer cup  36 . The cavity  28  may be adapted to receive a graphical expression (not shown), in which case the outer cup may be transparent to facilitate visual appeal. The graphical expression may include a lenticular or holographic image on a medium positioned within the cavity  28 . Those of ordinary skill in the art are familiar with the methods of forming lenticular, holographic, or other images onto various mediums.  
         [0029]     The inner cup  32  includes an interior wall surface  38  defining the reservoir  20  and a spout  40  having spiral protrusions  42  on an exterior surface  44  adapted to be received within corresponding grooves  70  within the lid  14  for securing the lid  14  to the cup  12 . The spout  40  includes a ledge  46  transitioning into a circumferential wall  48  forming a recess  50  between the circumferential wall  48  and the exterior wall  30  of the inner cup  32 . The recess  50  is adapted to receive a top portion  52  of the outer cup  36 , where the outer cup  36  and the inner cup  32  may be coupled together by spin sealing.  
         [0030]     The outer cup  36  transitions from the top portion  52  into a sill  54  circumferentially thereabout that tapers inward to create a first indentation  56 . The first indentation  56  leads into a first mound  58  that gives rise to a second indentation  60  and thereafter a second mound  62 . Each indentation  56 ,  60  and each mound  58 ,  62  is circumferentially distributed about the outer cup  36 . The second mound  62  transitions into a smooth taper terminating at a bottom aspect  64  having a dome shaped underneath surface  66 .  
         [0031]     Referencing  FIGS. 5-8 , the lid  14  is substantially domed shaped having a plurality of raised areas  68  circumferentially distributed thereabout to facilitate gripping as the corresponding grooves  70  within an outer wall  72  receive the spiral protrusions  42  of the inner cup  32  to couple the lid  14  to the cup  12  (See  FIG. 12 ). A fluidic seal is created between an interior surface  74  of the outer wall  72  and the exterior surface  42  of the inner cup  32 , as well as between an interior surface  76  of an inner lip  78  (extending from the outer wall  72 ) and the interior surface  38  of the inner cup  32 . The outer wall  72  transitions upward from the inner lip  78  in an arcuate manner until terminating at a recess  80 .  
         [0032]     The recess  80  includes a side surface  82  being essentially square with an arcuate top surface  84 . The arcuate top surface  84  defines an orifice  86  therein and gives rise to a conduit  88  extending from the top arcuate surface  84  of the recess  80  to an underneath surface  90  of the lid  14 . The conduit  88  includes circumferential projection  92  separating a first cylindrical portion  94  and a second cylindrical portion  96  having a greater diameter than the first cylindrical portion  94 . A groove  97 , adapted to receive the straw  18 , is formed within the recess  80  and includes a finger  98  abutting the orifice  86 . The side surface  82  of the recess  80  includes a guide notch  100  cut therein following the generally arcuate shape of the recess that is adapted to receive guide pins  102  of the sliding actuator  16  (See  FIGS. 9-11 ).  
         [0033]     Referring to  FIGS. 9-12 , the sliding actuator  16  is adapted to be received within the recess  80  and includes a generally arcuate shape from the side, where an underneath surface  104  is adapted to ride along the top surface  84  of the recess  80  and a top surface  106  of the actuator  98  is adapted to be substantially flush with the outer wall  72  of the lid  14  upon being seated within the recess  80 . Two guide pins  102  protrude from each side  108  of the actuator  16  and are operative to guide the actuator  16  within the recess  80  from a closed position where the straw  18  is wedged between the underneath surface  104  and the top surface  84  and an open position where the straw  18  is erect.  
         [0034]     A contoured ridge  110  extends across the actuator  16  and includes two sliding guides  112  adapted to slide along the outer wall  72 . The contoured ridge  110  provides an actuation point for a user to push against or pull on the ridge  110  to effect motion of the actuator  16  with respect to the recess  80 . The underneath surface  104  includes a pair of rectangular projections  113  forming a mating channel  114  therebetween. The front  116  of the actuator  16  is partially open to guide the cylindrical nature of the straw  18  into the mating channel  114  when the actuator  16  is in the closed position. The straw  18  may include exterior features such as guide grooves or ridges (not shown) to further facilitate alignment within the groove  97  and the mating channel  114 .  
         [0035]     Referencing  FIG. 12 , the open position of the sippy straw cup  10  is shown having the first section  24  of the straw  18  partially received within the conduit  88  and includes an exposed section  120  with a tip  122  at the end not received within the conduit  88 . An orifice  124  defined by a wall  126  of the straw  18  provides a generally constant internal diameter providing a circular cross-sectional area available for fluid flow therethrough. This generally constant internal diameter continues for the length of the first cylindrical portion  94  and part of the second cylindrical portion  96 . The radius of orifice  124  and the radius of the wall  126  aggregate to approximate the internal diameter of the conduit  88 . The straw  18  includes an indentation  128  that receives the circumferential projection  92  seating the straw  18  within the conduit  88 . The wall  126  increases in thickness to abut an interior wall  130  of the second cylindrical portion  96 , and when teamed with the indentation  128  and the circumferential projection  92 , inhibits vertical movement of the straw  18  within the conduit  88 . Just beyond the exit of the conduit  88 , a step change within the straw is present where the orifice  124  increases in cross-section to receive the second section  26  adapted be in direct contact with the beverage occupying the reservoir  20  of the sippy straw cup  10 .  
         [0036]     Referring to  FIG. 13 , the closed position of the sippy straw cup  10  is shown having the straw  14  wedged between the underneath surface  104  of the actuator  16  and the top surface  84  of the recess  80 . In practice, as the actuator  16  is repositioned from the open position to the closed position, the front  116  of the actuator  16  contacts the external wall  126  of the exposed section  120  of the straw  18  and pushes the straw forward. The open section of the front  116  of the actuator  16  and the mating channel  114  receives the exposed section  120  of the straw  18  as the actuator  16  continues moving forward, thereby pushing the straw  18  over the finger  98  projecting outward from the conduit  88  and into the groove  97  formed within the recess  80 . As the straw  18  is received within the groove  97  and mating channel  114 , the finger  98  forces one side of the straw wall  126  against the other side of the straw wall  126 , discontinuing the orifice  124  within the straw  18  to inhibit fluid communication between the second section  26  and the tip  122  of the straw  18 . The forward movement of the actuator  16  pushes the straw  18  completely within the groove  97  and mating channel  114  while the rear section  118  of the actuator  16  covers the orifice  86 . When moving from the closed to the open position, the actuator  16  is moved backward, gradually uncovering the exposed section  120  of the straw  18  previously seated within the groove  97  and mating channel  114  such that the resiliency of first section  26  of the straw  18  gradually raises the straw  18  to an erect position abutting the front  116  of the actuator  16 .  
         [0037]     Following from the above description and invention summaries, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, while the methods and apparatuses herein described constitute exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the inventions contained herein are not limited to these precise embodiments and that changes may be made to them without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the claims and it is not intended that any limitations or elements describing the exemplary embodiments set forth herein are to be incorporated into the meanings of the claims unless such limitations or elements are explicitly recited in the claims. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identified advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fall within the scope of any claim, since the invention is defined by the claims and since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein.