Patent Publication Number: US-2010108701-A1

Title: Splash-resistant drinking device

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/111,872, filed Nov. 6, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to splash-resistant drinking devices and, more particularly, to splash-resistant drinking devices for use in conjunction with liquid dispensing cup lids. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Unwanted splashes of liquids that spill out of open tops of drinking cups have long plagued users of such containers. Various lids are available that have a lid opening usually positioned at the edge of the lid (i.e., next to the wall of the cup). The lid opening facilitates the process of drinking liquids contained in the cup without the need to remove the lid from the cup. Such lids are available for disposable hot cups in the form of disposable dome-shape or flat lids, or reusable travel-mug lids. However, lids with lid openings enable liquids to splash out of the opening when the cup is jostled by sudden inadvertent jerking movements. Such movements produce sloshing wave motion on the top surface of the liquid which is more pronounced adjacent to the wall of the container (i.e., adjacent to the drinking hole). 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes the above-identified problem by providing an easily manufacturable, disposable, splash-resistant, easily attachable device for use with a lid that has an opening. The device facilitates the process of drinking liquids contained in a cup through the opening of the lid while inhibiting liquid splashes from exiting through the opening when the user is not drinking through the opening. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the device has a tapered stem which is inserted into a lid opening of a domed-shaped lid. The length of the stem, for example, is approximately two inches long when it is utilized with normal size hot cups. A flanged-shaped lip located at the top of the stem works in coordination with securing means to secure the device in the lid opening. The stem has a hollow column or cavity which is provided with a top opening for drinking liquid therethrough and lateral and bottom openings. Deflecting surfaces located in the cavity are sized and shaped to redirect liquid splashes away from exiting through the top opening of the cavity. A column of liquid, when present in the cavity of the stem, also inhibits splashes from exiting thought the top opening of the cavity. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of a drinking device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a conventional domed-shape lid adapted to be removably attached to a cup; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the device shown in  FIG. 1  used in conjunction with the lid of  FIG. 2  and a conventional cup; 
         FIGS. 4-7  are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the flow of liquid from the cup to the device of  FIG. 1  during use; 
         FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of a drinking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view, taken along section-line  9 - 9  and looking in the direction of the arrows, of the device shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of a drinking device according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view, taken along section-line  11 - 11  and looking in the direction of the arrows, of the device shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of a drinking device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a conventional flat lid; and 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 12  used in conjunction with the lid of  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a device  10  constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The device  10  is adapted for use in conjunction with many different types of conventional cup lids for restricting splashing of liquid through their openings which are used for drinking liquid. By way of example,  FIG. 2  illustrates a dome-shaped lid  12  having a conventional construction. For instance, the lid  12  has a periphery  14  that is adapted to be removably fitted onto a rim  16  of a conventional liquid container or cup  18  in order to secure the lid  12  to the cup  18  (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). Positioned within the periphery  14  is a raised structure or dome  20 , which has a substantially planar top surface  22 . The lid  12  also includes an interior chamber  23  positioned under the dome  20 . A lid opening  24 , which is defined by an edge  26 , is positioned in the top surface  22  proximate the periphery  14  for allowing passage of liquid therethrough. A depressed area or recess  28  is positioned in the top surface  22  of the dome  20  proximate the lid opening  24 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the device  10  is provided with a stem  30  having an upper end  32 , a lower end  34  and a hollow column or cavity  36  extending therebetween. The stem  30  is optionally tapered such that its circumference is slightly larger at the upper end  32  than at the lower end  34 . A flange-shaped lip  38  extends radially outwardly from the upper end  32  and has a lower surface  40 . The stem  30  also has a top opening  42  at the upper end  32  for allowing liquids to flow therethrough from the cavity  36 . The top opening  42  has substantially the same size and shape as the opening  24  of the lid  12 . The stem  30  also has a lateral opening  44 , which is located intermediate the upper and lower ends  32 ,  34 , and a bottom opening  46 , which is located at the lower end  34 . A deflector  48  protrudes inwardly from the stem  30  into the cavity  36  for surrounding the lateral opening  44 . The deflector  48  is sized and shaped so as to redirect liquid splashes that enter the cavity  36  through the lateral opening  44  and/or the bottom opening  46  in a downwardly direction away from the top opening  42  without significantly restricting the flow of liquids through the cavity  36 . More particularly, the deflector  48  has a primary surface  50 , connected to a top perimeter  52  of the lateral opening  44  and extending downwardly and inwardly into the cavity  36 . The deflector  48  also has a pair of triangularly shaped lateral surfaces  54   a ,  54   b  extending between the primary surface  50  and side perimeters  56   a ,  56   b , respectively, of the lateral opening  44 . 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 3 , the device  10  is shown positioned fully inserted in the lid opening  24  of the lid  12 , and the lid  12  is shown securely positioned on the rim  16  of the cup  18 . More particularly, the device  10  is inserted in the lid opening  24  of the lid  12  such that the lower surface  40  of the lip  38  is substantially flush (i.e., in contact with), or placed adjacent, the top surface  22  of the lid  12 . In this position, a small gap  58  may exist between the lower surface  40  of the lip  38  and the top surface  22  of the lid  12 . Optional mechanisms for inhibiting liquid leakage through the gap  58  are described below. 
     The exterior surface of the stem  30  adjacent the upper end  32  of the device  10  can be made to have substantially the same configuration and shape as the edge  26  of the lid opening  24 , but to have a size (e.g., a diameter) slightly larger than that of the lid opening  24 . As a result, when the stem  30  is fully inserted in the lid opening  24 , the device  10  can remain securely in place in the lid opening  24  by virtue of compressive forces exerted by the stem  30  against the edge  26  of the lid opening  24  and vice versa. Due to the frictional engagement between the stem  30  and the edge  26  of the lid opening  24 , liquid in the container  18  is inhibited from seeping out through the gap  58  that may be formed between the lower surface  40  of the lip  38  and the top surface  22  of the lid  12 . The size and shape of the stem  30  may vary depending on the size and shape of the lid opening  24  and/or the lid  12 . 
     The device  10  can be further secured in the lid opening  24  by optionally providing securing mechanisms, such as one or more stopper-cleats  60  or a protruding ring (not shown) positioned on the exterior surface of the stem  30  adjacent the upper end  32 . By adjusting the relative size of the cleats  60 , a desired force required to remove the device  10  from the lid opening  24  can be established so that the device  10  can be easily removed from the lid opening  24  for possible reuse. 
     The size and the shape of the lip  38  may vary according to the shape and size of the lid opening  24  and/or the strength of the lid material. For instance, the lid opening  24  may be provided with a funnel-shaped rim (not shown) surrounding and extending below edge  26 . In such circumstances, the device  10  may be fabricated without the lip  38  because the stem  30  may be secured and sealed in the lid opening  24  by the compressive forces that are exerted against the rim of the lid opening  24  by the stem  30 . The device  10  and lid  12  may be fabricated from plastic (or any other suitable material) and formed by injection molding or other conventional processes that are suitable for forming the structural characteristics described herein. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 3 , the bottom opening  46  of the device  10  allows liquid to flow into the cavity  36  and may be provided with different sizes and shapes. The shape and location of the lateral opening  44  and the deflector  48  can also vary. For instance, the deflector  48  can be in the form of an arcuate or curvilinear downwardly facing surface (not shown). Additional lateral openings may also be provided. For instance, two or more lateral openings, each having an associated interiorly facing deflector, may be provided so as to effectively block substantially all upwardly moving splashes of liquid from exiting through the top opening  42  of the device  10 . 
     In use, the device  10  may be inserted in the lid  12  by first inserting the lower end  34  of the stem  30  into the lid opening  24 . The lip  38  is then depressed until the lower surface  40  of the lip  38  is flush with the top surface  22  of the lid  12  and the cleats  60  of the stem  30  “click” securely around the edge  26  of the lid opening  24 . The user then place his/her lips on the top surface  22  of the lid  12  and consumes (i.e., drinks) liquid through the top opening  42  of the device  10 . The device  10  may be removed (e.g., for reuse at a later time) from the lid  12  in a manner that is the reverse of that described for its insertion. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the container  18  shown full of liquid with the lid  12  attached. The device  10  is inserted in the lid  12  such that the bottom opening  46  is immersed in the liquid and such that a column of liquid  62  is located in the cavity  36  of the stem  30 . The column of liquid  62  is substantially separated from the rest of the body of liquid in the container  18  by the wall structure of the stem  30  and is therefore substantially isolated from the momentum created by the movement of the liquid outside the cavity  36  of the stem  30 , thereby inhibiting splashes within the cavity  36 . Splashes of liquid entering the cavity  36  through the lateral opening  44  from the exterior of the cavity  36  are deflected by the deflector  48  in a downward direction (see arrow A), thereby inhibiting such splashes from exiting through the top opening  42  of the stem  30 . Moreover, due to the minimal surface area of the column of liquid  62 , the size of splashes emanating therefrom are minimal and thereby precluded from exiting through the top opening  42  of the device  10 . 
     When the container  18  shown in  FIG. 4  is tilted by a user to drink the liquid contained therein (see  FIG. 5 ), liquid flows through the lateral and bottom openings  44 ,  46  (as indicated by arrows B and C, respectively, in  FIG. 5 ) into the cavity  36  of the stem  30  and eventually out of the container  18  through the top opening  42 . Due to the provision of the lateral opening  44 , the device  10  can still be used even if a small amount of liquid remains in the container  18 . More particularly, with reference to  FIG. 6 , when only a small amount of liquid remains in the container  18 , liquid flows through the lateral opening  44  into the cavity  36  of the stem  30  (see arrow D) even though no liquid flows into the cavity  36  through the bottom opening  46 . Because the lateral opening  44  is positioned proximate the top opening  42  of the cavity  36 , the lateral opening  44  allows the remaining liquid to flow into the cavity  36  and eventually through the top opening  42 . Hence, the closer the lateral opening  44  is positioned to the top opening  42 , the less liquid is left in the container  18 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the device  10  positioned in the container  18  partially full of liquid and in which no column of liquid  62  is present in the cavity  36 . In this instance, splashes entering the cavity  36  through the bottom opening  46  (as indicated by arrow E in  FIG. 7 ) are redirected back into the liquid container  18  through the lateral opening  44  (as indicated by arrow F) via the deflector  48 . Since it is possible that some of the splashes could exit through the top opening  42  (as indicated by arrow G), splashes of this type may be blocked from exiting the top opening  42  by provisioning the device  10  with additional lateral openings and/or associated deflectors (not shown) positioned opposite to and below or above the lateral opening  44 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 3-7 , when the liquid inside the cup  18  is hot, there is an associated increase in the air pressure within the interior chamber  23  of the lid  12 . The build-up of air pressure can adversely affect the operation of the device  10 . This situation can be alleviated by forming one or more air holes (not illustrated) in the top surface  22  of the dome  20  of the lid  12 . The excess air pressure within the interior chamber  23  will escape through the air holes in the top surface  22 . The air holes can also receive liquid that spills onto the top surface  22  of the dome  20  and convey such liquid back into the cup  18 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , a second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The elements illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9  which correspond, in structure and/or function, to the elements described above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3  have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by one hundred. The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  operates and is constructed in a manner consistent with the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , unless otherwise indicated. 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , a device  100  is provided with a tapered stem  130  having an upper end  132  and a lower end  134 , and a cavity  136  extending therebetween. A solid bottom  164  is located at the lower end  134  of the stem  130 . A flange-shaped lip  138  extends radially outwardly from the upper end  132  and has a lower surface  140  for the purposes described hereinabove in relation to  FIG. 3 . The stem  130  has a top opening  142  that is located at the upper end  132  for allowing liquids to flow therethrough. The stem  130  also has an upper lateral opening  144  located at or adjacent the upper end  132 . A deflector  148  surrounds the lateral opening  144  and protrudes inwardly therefrom into the cavity  136  for the purposes described hereinabove in connection with the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-7 . A lower lateral opening  166  is positioned directly below the upper lateral opening  144  and the deflector  148 . As a result, splashes that enter the lower lateral opening  166  traveling towards the top opening  142  are redirected away therefrom by the deflector  148 , thereby reducing splashing. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , a third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The elements illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11  which correspond, in structure and/or function, to the elements described above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3  have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by two hundred. The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11  operates and is constructed in a manner consistent with the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , unless otherwise indicated. 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , a device  200  is provided with a tapered stem  230  having an upper end  232  and a lower end  234 , and a cavity  236  extending therebetween. A flange-shaped lip  238  extends radially outwardly from the upper end  232  and has a lower surface  240  for the purposes described hereinabove in relation to  FIG. 3 . The stem  230  has a top opening  242  located adjacent the upper end  232  for allowing liquids to flow therethrough. The stem  230  also has a lateral opening  244  located adjacent the upper end  232 , and an offset bottom opening  268  located at the lower end  234 . A deflector  248  surrounds the lateral opening  244  and protrudes inwardly therefrom into the cavity  236  for the purposes described hereinabove in connection with the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-7 . The offset bottom opening  268  is positioned below the lateral opening  244  and hence the deflector  248 . As a result, splashes that enter the offset bottom opening  268  that travel towards the top opening  242  are redirected away therefrom by the deflector  248 , thereby reducing splashes. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 14 , a fourth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The elements illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 14  which correspond, in structure and/or function, to the elements described above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3  have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by three hundred. The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12 and 14  operates and is constructed in a manner consistent with the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , unless otherwise indicated. 
       FIGS. 12 and 14  illustrate a device  300  adapted for use with a conventional flat lid  312  (see  FIG. 13 ). The device  300  is provided with a tapered stem  330  and a flange-shaped lip  338  having an opening  342 . The device  300  is identical to the first embodiment described hereinabove (i.e., the device  10  which is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7 ), except for the addition of a mouth piece or spout  364  which is attached to the lip  338 . More particularly, the spout  364  has an orifice  366  and a channel  368  which extends therebetween the opening  342  of the lip  338  and the orifice  366 . The channel  368  guides the flow of liquid (i.e., exiting the opening  342  of the stem  330 ) through the spout  364  and out the orifice  366 . 
     In use, the processes for the insertion and removal of the device  300  are the same as those for the device  10  described hereinabove. However, in using the device  300 , the user places his/her lips around the spout  364  for drinking liquid therethrough. 
     It should be noted that the present invention can have numerous modifications and variations. For instance, the device may be integrated with the lid and fabricated as one unit. 
     While a number of embodiments of the present invention have been described, it is understood that these embodiments are illustrative only, and not restrictive, and that many modifications and/or alternative embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments that come within the spirit and scope of the present invention.