Patent Abstract:
A cup for reducing or eliminating spillage or shake-out is provided. The cup has a cap and a spill and shake-out inhibiting element. The spill and shake-out inhibiting element is a dispensing tunnel, which provides for the formation of a pressure differential between the inside of the cup and the atmosphere when fluid begins to flow through the dispensing tunnel. The pressure differential, when it reaches a predetermined level, prevents further flow or movement of the fluid through the dispensing tunnel until additional suction is applied by the user. The diameter of the dispensing tunnel is small enough to effectively prevent air bubbles from flowing past the fluid in the dispensing tunnel.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority in copending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/448,184, filed Feb. 18, 2003, the disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to cup assemblies. More particularly, the present invention relates to a spill-proof cup assembly, and, in particular, a spill-proof cup assembly with a spill and shake-out inhibiting element. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Cup assemblies designed to reduce or eliminate leakage or spillage are known. Such cup assemblies often employ valves or flow control elements that attempt to prevent unwanted dispensing of fluid held within the cup. Typically, such cup assemblies require hard or increased suction to be applied to the valve or flow control element for the fluid to pass through to the user, which is often due to the use of a blockage or obstruction disposed in the flow path or passageway. 
     An example of such a cup assembly and valve or flow control mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,415 to Manganiello. The Manganiello device includes a cup having an open end and a cap adapted to seal the open end. The cap has a drinking spout and a mating surface, with the mating surface being in fluid communication with the spout. The device also has a valving element that has a stack. The stack is sized and configured to engage the mating surface and thereby place the stack in fluid communication with the spout. The stack has a top portion with a concave valve face in the top portion that curves inwardly towards the stack. 
     An alternative type of flow control element is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,250 to Hayes. The Hayes device includes a container and a lid. The lid has a tubular chamber formed in the lid. The tubular chamber is a single circular or helical loop that is disposed along an outer area of the lid. 
     In operation, when the Hayes container is tilted between an upright vertical position and a horizontal position, i.e., rotation of up to 90°, any fluid that seeks to exit the container through the tubular chamber would be required to flow through a path along the circumference of the lid. The circumferential path would require the fluid to flow above the level of the fluid in the container, which it may not be able to do. Thus, the Hayes device intends that the fluid be prevented from exiting through the tubular chamber because the fluid cannot rise above the level of the fluid in the container. As an example, when the Hayes container is tilted or rotated to the horizontal, i.e., rotated 90°, the fluid in the tubular chamber would be required to flow up to the highest point of the lid (along the circumference), which we will call the apex of the tubular chamber. The fluid in the container is below the apex or highest point of the lid and thus fluid flow above the level of fluid in the container, past the apex of the tubular chamber, is intended to be prevented. 
     However, the Hayes device suffers from the drawback of leakage or spillage when the container is tilted past the horizontal, i.e., when the cup is turned between 90° and 270°. In such an orientation, which we will call upside-down or inverted for simplicity, the fluid in the container will cover the bottom side of the lid if there is enough fluid in the container. At a 180° orientation, i.e., completely upside-down or inverted, the fluid in the container is clearly covering the entire bottom side of the lid. With the fluid covering the bottom side of the lid, the path provided by the tubular chamber no longer requires any exiting fluid to flow above the level of liquid inside the container. At such an orientation of the container, i.e., upside-down or inverted, fluid can freely flow through the tubular chamber under the force of gravity and will spill or leak out of the container. 
     Additionally, the Hayes device can suffer from the drawback of spillage when the container is shaken. When being shaken, portions of the fluid in the tubular chamber near the apex of the tubular chamber can move past the apex due to the shaking motion. This portion of the fluid will then flow through the remainder of the tubular chamber and out of the container. 
     Many of the contemporary spill-proof cup assemblies suffer from the drawback of failing to eliminate significant or continuous spillage or shake-out of the fluid inside of the cup. Moreover, the contemporary devices do not facilitate drinking because increased suction is necessary to allow flow due to the use of a blockage structure in the flow path. The contemporary devices also do not facilitate cleaning of the flow control elements because they are difficult to access and have a small size that makes thoroughly cleaning difficult. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a cup assembly that reduces or eliminates significant or continuous spillage or shake-out. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide such a cup assembly that reduces or eliminates significant or continuous spillage or shake-out for any orientation of the cup assembly. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a cup assembly that reduces or eliminates significant or continuous spillage or shake-out when the cup assembly is shaken or dropped. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a cup assembly that facilitates the cleaning of the cup assembly including the cleaning of a spill and shake-out inhibiting element of the cup assembly. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a cup assembly that facilitates the manufacturing of the spill and shake-out inhibiting element of the cup assembly. 
     It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide such a cup assembly that does not require a spout. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide such a cup assembly which inhibits spillage and shake-out without the use of blockages in the flow path. 
     It is another further object of the present invention to provide such a cup assembly which reduces or limits the turbulence through the flow path, such as, for example, by constructing the flow path without sharp corners. 
     It is yet another further object of the present invention to provide such a cup assembly in which the spill and shake-out inhibiting facilities can be confined to a portion of the cap, such as, for example, preferably half of the cap. 
     It is still another further object of the present invention to provide such a cup assembly that facilitates assembly of the components of the cup assembly. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are provided by a cup assembly that requires a negative pressure, i.e., a suction force, to be applied to an aperture in the cup assembly in order to dispense fluid out of the assembly. Preferably, the cup assembly requires a small negative pressure or suction force to dispense fluid from the assembly. The cup assembly has a cup, a cap adapted to be removably connected to the cup, and a spill and shake-out inhibiting element positioned in the cup and/or cap. The spill and shake-out inhibiting element forms a dispensing tunnel or channel with the cap, which provides for the formation of a partial vacuum inside the cup resulting in a pressure differential between the inside of the cup and the atmosphere when fluid begins to flow along the dispensing tunnel. The partial vacuum or pressure differential prevents further flow of the fluid along the dispensing tunnel to prevent or limit spillage or shake-out. 
     The pressure differential results because the displacement of fluid out of the cup causes air in the cup to expand, which reduces the pressure in the cup. When the sub-pressure in the cup equals the pressure of the fluid-head furthest along the tunnel, the further ingress of the fluid into the dispensing tunnel ceases. The cross-sectional area or diameter of the dispensing tunnel is small enough to effectively limit or prevent air bubbles from flowing past the fluid in the dispensing tunnel, even when shaken, so that the pressure differential is maintained. The volume of the dispensing channel is large enough that the fluid front does not exceed a predetermined distance away from the outlet of the dispensing tunnel at any degree of fill of the cup so that spillage or shake-out is essentially prevented even when the cup assembly is shaken. 
     Preferably, the spill and shake-out inhibiting element is a removable structure, and more preferably a removable disc or other shape. The disc preferably has a channel formed in an upper surface thereof, which forms the dispensing tunnel when the channel is abutted against the lower surface of the cap. Preferably, all of the banks of the channel sealingly engage with the lower surface of the cap or lid. The channel sealing area can be confined to only a portion of the cap area, such as, for example, half of the cap. The removable disc can have a diameter that allows for an interference fit with the sidewall of the cap or lid. Preferably, the dispensing channel is formed without sharp corners. 
     In one aspect, a valve is provided for use with a cup having a cap and an inner volume. The valve has a passageway having first and second ends. The first end is open and in fluid communication with the inner volume of the cup, and the second end is open and in fluid communication with atmosphere. The passageway has a cross-sectional area that is small enough to substantially prevent air from flowing past fluid in the passageway when the cup is tilted or inverted. The passageway is confined to, or disposed in, a first planar section having a first longitudinal axis. The cap is confined to, or disposed in, a second planar section having a second longitudinal axis. The first and second longitudinal axes are substantially parallel. 
     In another aspect, a cap is provided for use with a cup having an inner volume. The cap has a top wall having a first connecting structure that removably connects the cap with the cup. The cap also has a valve having a passageway with first and second ends. The first end is open and in fluid communication with the inner volume of the cup, and the second end is open and in fluid communication with atmosphere. The passageway has a cross-sectional area that is small enough to substantially prevent air from flowing past fluid in the passageway when the cup is tilted or inverted. The passageway is confined to, or disposed in, a first planar section having a first longitudinal axis. The cap is confined to, or disposed in, a second planar section having a second longitudinal axis. The first and second longitudinal axes are substantially parallel. 
     In another aspect, a bottle assembly is provided that has a cup, a cap and a valve. The cap has a top wall and a first connecting structure. The cup has an inner volume and a second connecting structure. The first and second connecting structures connect the cap with the cup. The valve has a passageway with first and second ends. The first end is open and in fluid communication with the inner volume of the cup, and the second end is open and in fluid communication with atmosphere. The passageway has a cross-sectional area that is small enough to substantially prevent air from flowing past fluid in the passageway when the cup is tilted or inverted. The passageway is confined to, or disposed in, a first planar section having a first longitudinal axis. The cap is confined to, or disposed in, a second planar section having a second longitudinal axis. The first and second longitudinal axes are substantially parallel. 
     In another aspect, a bottle assembly is provided that has a cap, a cup and a valve. The cap has a top wall, a circumferential sidewall, and a first connecting structure. The circumferential sidewall surrounds the top wall, and the first connecting structure is disposed on the circumferential sidewall. The cup has an inner volume and a second connecting structure. The first and second connecting structures connect the cap with the cup. The valve has a passageway with first and second ends. The first end is open and in fluid communication with the inner volume of the cup, and the second end is open and in fluid communication with atmosphere. At least a portion of the top wall is recessed with respect to the circumferential sidewall to form a lip. The lip at least partially circumscribes the top wall and has an opening therethrough. The opening is in fluid communication with the second end of the passageway. 
     In another aspect, a bottle assembly is provided that has a cap, a cup and a valve. The cap has a top wall and a first connecting structure. The top wall has an upper surface. The cup has an inner volume and a second connecting structure. The first and second connecting structures connect the cap with the cup. The valve has a passageway with first and second ends. The first end is open and is in fluid communication with the inner volume of the cup. The second end is open and is in fluid communication with atmosphere. The passageway has a cross-sectional area that is small enough to substantially prevent air from flowing past fluid in the passageway when the cup is tilted or inverted. The passageway is substantially disposed below the upper surface of the cap. 
     The passageway can have a length and a dispensing volume, where the length and the dispensing volume are large enough to substantially prevent spillage or shake-out of the fluid from the inner volume of the cup when the cup is tilted or inverted. The cross-sectional area may be substantially uniform along the passageway. The cross-sectional area can be substantially circular. The cap can also have a spout in fluid communication with the second end of the passageway. The passageway can be at least partially formed from a first channel and a second channel, and the first and second channels can be sealingly connectable. 
     The first and second channels can have substantially the same path, where the first channel forms a lower portion of the passageway and the second channel forms an upper portion of the passageway. At least one of the first and second channels may be formed on the cap, and can also be substantially disposed on only half of the cap. The passageway can have a serpentine-like path. The passageway can be at least partially formed from a first channel and a second channel that are sealingly connectable, where the first and second channels have substantially the same path and form lower and upper portions of the passageway, and where the first channel is formed on a disc and the second channel is formed on the cap. 
     The disc can be removably connectable to the cap. The disc may be flexible. The disc can have an upper surface, and the first channel can have sealing beads disposed along the path or banks of the first channel that extend above or beyond the upper surface. The disc may have a first orientation structure, and the cap may have a second orientation structure, where the first and second orientation structures align the first and second channels when the disc is connected with the cap. The passageway can be disposed in a first planar section having a first longitudinal axis and the cap can be disposed in a second planar section having a second longitudinal axis, where the first and second longitudinal axes are substantially parallel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other and further objects, advantages and features of the present invention will be understood by reference to the following: 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of a cup assembly of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of the cup assembly of  FIG. 1  with the cap shown in phantom; 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of the cap of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the cap of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of the cap of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a spill and shake-out inhibiting element or disc, of the cup assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the disc of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom perspective view of the disc of  FIG. 6  assembled with the cap of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of a top portion of the cup assembly of  FIG. 1  with the cap shown in phantom; 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the cap of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a spill and shake-out inhibiting element or disc, of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of the disc of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom perspective view of the disc of  FIG. 11  assembled with the cap of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a top perspective view of the cap of  FIG. 10  with the disc of  FIG. 11  and the cap shown in phantom; 
         FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a spill and shake-out inhibiting element or disc, of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a bottom perspective view of the disc of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a spill and shake-out inhibiting element or disc, of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a top perspective view of the cup assembly of  FIG. 1  with an alternative embodiment of the cap; and 
         FIG. 19  is a top perspective view of the cap of  FIG. 18 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the drawings and, in particular,  FIGS. 1 through 6 , there is shown a preferred embodiment of a cup assembly of the present invention generally represented by reference numeral  10 . Cup assembly  10  has a cup or container  100 , a cap or lid  200  that can be removably connected or secured to the cup, and a disc  300 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , cup  100  has a generally cylindrical shape defining an inner volume  110 , but alternative shapes such as conical, hourglass, or even amorphic can also be used. Cup  100  has a top portion  120  having a rim  125  and an outer surface  130 . Outer surface  130  has a fastening or connecting structure  140  disposed thereon. Preferably, fastening structure  140  has threads. Rim  125  defines an open end  150  of cup  100 , which provides access to the inner volume. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 through 5 , cap  200  has a top wall  210  with an upper surface  230  and a lower surface  250 . Cap  200  also has a circumferential sidewall  270  extending downwardly from, and surrounding, top wall  210 . Top wall  210  can be curved or flat, and has an opening  215  disposed through it. Top wall  210  has an elevated drinking rim or lip  211  near the circumference of the cap. Preferably, top wall  210  is recessed with respect to circumferential sidewall  270  to form rim or lip  211 . The present invention also contemplates recessing only a portion of top wall  210  so as to form lip  211  only along a portion of cap  200 . 
     Opening  215  is disposed along the periphery or circumference of the cap  200 , and is preferably located on the ridge of drinking rim  211 . Cup assembly  10  can have a substantially flat upper surface without a drinking rim and can also have other configurations, such as, for example, a drinking spout. Likewise, opening  215  can be disposed in alternative positions along top wall  210 , such as, for example, in proximity to the center of the top wall. 
     Sidewall  270  has an inner surface  275  with a connecting or fastening structure  280  disposed thereon. Preferably, fastening structure  280  has threads that are engageable with threads  140  of cup  100 . The transition into opening  215  is preferably rounded. 
     Lower surface  250  of cap  200  preferably has a slight curvature and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of cup  100  when cap  200  is engaged with the cup. Lower surface  250  has a sealing bead  240  and orientation features  260 . Sealing bead  240  is preferably a rigid structure. Orientation features  260  are two projections that are disposed remotely from each other. Preferably, orientation features  260  extend from lower surface  250  parallel to the longitudinal axis of cup  100 . More preferably, orientation features  260  are two cross-shaped projections. However, alternative shapes can also be used for orientation features  260 , such as, for example, cylindrical projections. 
     The rigid sealing bead  240  has a serpentine path that is designed to mate with a flexible sealing bead  315  on top surface  310  of disc  300 . When the flexible sealing bead  315  on the top surface  310  of disc  300  is sealingly engaged with the lower surface  250  of cap  200 , the rigid sealing bead  240  further improves the seal around, and adjacent to, channel  320  in disc  300 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 through 9 , disc  300  is a circular-shaped disc that has a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the threads  280  on sidewall  270  of  FIG. 5 . Preferably, disc  300  is made from a flexible material that is over-molded onto a rigid material, such as, for example, rubber or silicone over-molded onto a rigid plastic material. Securing features  370  on the outer circumference of disc  300  are protrusions made of the flexible material that have a slight interference fit with the threads  280  when the disc  300  is assembled to the cap  200 . This interference fit retains the disc  300  in cap  200  when the cap is inverted for assembly with the cup  100 . 
     Disc  300  has an upper surface  310 , an orifice  350  and orientation features  360 . Upper surface  310  has a channel  320  formed therein. A flexible sealing bead  315  is formed on upper surface  310  that is adjacent to, and surrounds, channel  320 . Preferably, the flexible sealing bead  315  is formed along all of the banks of channel  320 . The flexibility of sealing bead  315  provides for a sealing engagement of channel  320  to lower surface  250  of cap  200 . Channel  320  has an inlet  325  and an outlet  330 . Channel  320  has a substantially semi-circular or U-shaped cross-section. However, other cross-sectional shapes can be used for channel  320 . The transition from inlet  325  into orifice  350  is preferably rounded. 
     The inlet  325  of channel  320  has orifice  350  disposed therethrough. Orifice  350  is disposed all the way through disc  300 . When disc  300  is engaged with cap  200  and the cap is engaged with cup  100 , orifice  350  is in fluid communication with the inner volume of the cup and, thus, channel  320  is in fluid communication with the inner volume. The outlet  330  of channel  320  is a closed end. When the disc  300  is sealingly engaged with the cap  200 , the outlet  330  aligns with the opening  215  in the cap. Preferably, the inlet  325  is disposed near the outer circumference of disc  300  to reduce the residual liquid in the cup assembly  10  when the user is finished drinking. 
     Channel  320  preferably has a serpentine-like path or shape. More preferably, channel  320  is substantially disposed on one-half or less than one-half of the area of disc  300 . However, alternative paths and shapes can be used for channel  320 , such as, for example a spiral shape that is substantially disposed in the center portion of upper surface  310 . The paths used for channel  320  preferably do not have sharp corners. Avoiding sharp corners within channel  320  reduces or limits the turbulence created along the flow path through channel  320 . 
     Orientation recesses  360  are cavities or recesses formed in upper surface  310 . Preferably, orientation recesses  360  are two cylindrical recesses disposed remotely from each other that have a diameter and depth that allow for engagement with orientation features  260  (cross-shaped projections) formed in lower surface  250  of cap  200  shown in  FIG. 5 . Alternative shapes and sizes can also be used for orientation recesses  360  which correspond to, and allow for engagement with, the shape and size of orientation features  260 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a flexible sealing rim  345  is located on the lower surface  305  of disc  300  along the circumference of the disc. When the cup  100  is assembled to the cap  200 , the flexible sealing rim  345  sealingly engages the rim  125  of cup  100 . This engagement contains the inner volume  110  of the cup  100 , restricting flow of any liquid or air into or out of the inner volume to pass through the orifice  350  of channel  320  in the top surface  310  of disc  300 . 
     The following description is when disc  300  is assembled with cap  200  such that lower surface  250  of the cap is sealingly engaged with the flexible sealing bead  315  on upper surface  310  of the disc. When assembled, orientation recesses  360  on upper surface  310  of disc  300  engage with orientation features  260  on lower surface  250  of cap  200 . The engagement of the orientation features  260  and orientation recesses  360  ensure the alignment of the outlet  330  of disc  300  with opening  215  in cap  200  and the rigid sealing bead  240  of cap  200  with the flexible sealing bead  315  of disc  300 . Preferably, flexible sealing bead  315  compresses against lower surface  250  of cap  200  and overlays rigid sealing bead  240  of cap  200 . 
     Disc  300  preferably has a gripping or position member  307 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , gripping member  307  is a finger grip disposed in the center portion of bottom surface  305  so that a user can more easily position, engage or remove disc  300  with cap  200 . The size and shape of finger grip  307  can be varied to facilitate gripping by the user. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , disc  300  is shown sealingly engaged with cap  200 , with the cap shown in phantom. The sealing engagement of flexible sealing bead  315  with lower surface  250  of cup  200  forms a dispensing passageway, tunnel or channel  400 , which is the spill and shake-out inhibiting element of the present invention. When cap  200  is engaged with cup  100 , dispensing tunnel  400  provides for fluid communication between inner volume  110  of the cup and the user&#39;s mouth or the atmosphere. In the preferred embodiment, dispensing tunnel  400  is formed as a two-piece structure whereby the separate upper and lower pieces (channel  320  and lower surface  250 ) are brought together to form an enclosed tunnel. However, the present invention contemplates alternative ways being used to form dispensing tunnel  400 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , dispensing tunnel or passageway  400  is located in, disposed in, or confined to, a first planar section  1000 , which is represented by the broken lines in  FIG. 2 . First planar section  1000  has a first longitudinal axis  1010 . The cap  200  is located in, disposed in, or confined to, a second planar section  1020 , which is represented by the broken lines in  FIG. 2 . Second planar section  1020  has a second longitudinal axis  1030 . The first and second longitudinal axes  1010 ,  1030  are preferably substantially parallel to each other. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 9 , the spill and shake-out inhibiting features of cup assembly  10  will now be described. Cup assembly  10  requires that a small negative pressure, i.e., a small suction force, be applied to dispensing tunnel  400  in order to dispense fluid out of inner volume  110  through the dispensing tunnel and out through opening  215 . The negative pressure or suction force is supplied by the user. 
     In operation, when cup assembly  10  is tilted or pivoted from an upright vertical position, fluid from the inner volume  110  enters dispensing tunnel  400  through orifice  350 . As the fluid flows through dispensing tunnel  400 , a partial vacuum develops in the inner  110  volume of cup  100  due to the outflow of fluid from the otherwise sealed cup. The partial vacuum results because the displacement of fluid out of the inner volume  110  causes air in the inner volume to expand, which reduces the pressure in the inner volume. When the sub-pressure in the inner volume equals the pressure of the fluid-head furthest along the dispensing tunnel  400 , the ingress of the fluid into the dispensing tunnel ceases. The partial vacuum that develops in the inner volume  110  prevents the fluid from continuing to flow through dispensing tunnel  400 . 
     The cross-sectional area or diameter of dispensing tunnel  400  should be small enough to effectively limit or prevent air bubbles from flowing past the fluid in the dispensing tunnel, even when the cup is shaken. If the cross-sectional area or diameter of dispensing tunnel  400  is too large, then air bubbles will be able to flow past the fluid in the dispensing tunnel (especially if the cup is shaken) and enter the inner volume  110  which would reduce the partial vacuum created in the inner volume and allow additional liquid to flow through the dispensing tunnel and eventually out of the opening  215  in cap  200 . 
     In the present invention, the pressure differential is maintained between the inner volume of cup  100  and the atmosphere by use of an appropriate diameter or cross-sectional area of dispensing tunnel  400  (effectively limiting flow of air bubbles through the dispensing tunnel), which prevents further flow of fluid through the dispensing tunnel. The volume of dispensing tunnel  400  should be large enough so that when the cup is tilted or inverted, the fluid flows partially through the dispensing tunnel but does not reach outlet  330  (of the dispensing tunnel) and opening  215  (of cap  200 ) and, thus, the fluid is prevented from spilling out of cup  100 . Preferably, the volume of dispensing tunnel  400  is large enough so that, with any degree of fill in the cup, the fluid front does not exceed a predetermined distance away from the outlet  330  and opening  215  so that spillage or shake-out is prevented in the event of inverting, shaking or dropping of cup assembly  10 . 
     By way of example only, dispensing tunnel  400  can have a cross-sectional area of about 7 mm 2  and a length of about 23 cm for a dispensing tunnel volume of about 1.6 cm 3 . The cross-sectional area of dispensing tunnel  400  of about 7 mm 2  effectively limits air bubbles from flowing past the fluid in the dispensing tunnel and entering the inner volume  110 . Thus, the pressure differential between the inner volume and the atmosphere is maintained. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other combinations of cross-sectional areas and lengths of dispensing tunnel  400  can be utilized so that with any degree of fill in the cup, the fluid front does not exceed a predetermined distance away from outlet  330  and opening  215 , such that spillage is effectively prevented even when the cup is shaken, i.e., shake-out. 
     Portions of the fluid flow principles upon which the spill and shake-out inhibiting element of the present invention, i.e., dispensing tunnel  400 , are based, are also described in PCT Application PCT/GB00/03055 to Samson, which was published on Feb. 22, 2001, and which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. 
     In the present invention, fluid flow is stopped in dispensing tunnel  400  as a function of the partial vacuum created in the inner volume or pressure differential between the inner volume and the atmosphere. Thus, fluid flow is not dependent on the orientation of cup  100 , cap  200 , disc  300  or dispensing tunnel  400 . Cup assembly  10  effectively eliminates spillage or shake-out for any orientation of the cup assembly. Additionally, dispensing tunnel  400  effectively eliminates spillage or shake-out even when the cup assembly  10  is shaken or dropped due to the predetermined distance away from opening  215  where the fluid is stopped. 
     Disc  300  is preferably separable from cap  200 , which facilitates the cleaning of the disc. Moreover, dispensing tunnel  400  is preferably formed by the sealing engagement of disc  300  and cap  200  so that when disassembled, dispensing tunnel  400  is easily accessible for cleaning, i.e., channel  320  has an open top. The two-piece design of dispensing tunnel  400  facilitates the manufacturing of disc  300  since the disc only needs a channel  320  formed in upper surface  310  with a flexible sealing bead  315  along all banks of the channel. Cup assembly  10  also does not require a spout to provide a sealing surface for the channel  320  in disc  300 . 
     The present invention also can include cap  200  that is transparent, semi-transparent or transparent over a portion of the cap. The transparency or semi-transparency of cap  200  allows a user to see the flow of liquid through dispensing tunnel  400 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10 through 14 , an alternative embodiment of the cap and disc of the present invention is shown and generally represented by reference numerals  1200 ,  1300 , respectively. Cap  1200  has a top wall  1210  with an upper surface  1230  and a lower surface  1250 . Cap  1200  also has a circumferential sidewall  1270  extending downwardly from, and surrounding, top wall  1210 . Top wall  1210  has an opening  1215  disposed through it and an abutment surface  1255 . Opening  1215  is disposed along the periphery or circumference of the cap  1200 . Sidewall  1270  has an inner surface  1275  with a fastening structure  1280  disposed thereon. Preferably, fastening structure  1280  has threads that are engageable with threads  140  of cup  100 . 
     Lower surface  1250  has orientation features  1260  which are two projections that are disposed remotely from each other. Preferably, orientation features  1260  extend from lower surface  1250  parallel to the longitudinal axis of cup  100 . More preferably, orientation features  1260  are two Y-shaped projections. However, alternative shapes can also be used for orientation features  1260 , such as, for example, cylindrical projections. 
     Disc  1300  has an upper surface  1310 , an orifice  1350  and orientation recesses  1360 . Upper surface  1310  has a channel or groove  1320  formed therein. Channel  1320  has an inlet  1325  and an outlet  1330 . Inlet  1325  has an orifice  1350  disposed therethrough. Inlet  1325  and outlet  1330  are disposed adjacent to each other on upper surface  1310  of disc  1300 . Channel  1320  has a serpentine-like path or shape. Orientation recesses  1360  are formed in upper surface  2310  and engage with orientation features  1260  of cap  1200  such that opening  1215  aligns with outlet  1330  and abutment surface  1255  aligns with orifice  1350 . In this embodiment, channel  1320  has all of its banks surrounded by a sealing bead  1315 , which sealingly engages with lower surface  1210  of cap  1200  to form dispensing tunnel  1400 . Dispensing tunnel  400  is an alternative spillage and shake-out inhibiting element of the present invention being in fluid communication with opening  1215  and inner volume  110 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , another alternative embodiment of the disc of the present invention is shown and generally represented by reference numeral  2300 . Disc  2300  has an upper surface  2310 , an orifice  2350  and orientation structures  2360 . Upper surface  2310  has a channel or groove  2320  formed therein. Channel  2320  has an inlet  2325  and an outlet  2330 . 
     Inlet  2325  has an orifice  2350  disposed therethrough. Inlet  2325  and outlet  2330  are disposed adjacent to each other on upper surface  2310  of disc  2300 . Channel  2320  has a mushroom-like path or shape. 
     Orientation structures  2360  are a projection and recess formed in upper surface  2310 . Preferably, orientation structures  2360  are formed along the outer periphery or circumference of upper surface  2310 . More preferably, orientation structures  2360  are a substantially triangular projection and substantially triangular recess formed in upper surface  2310 . Orientation structures  2360  have a height or depth that allow for engagement with corresponding orientation structures (not shown) of the same shape and size formed on lower surface  250  of cap  200 . Disc  2300  sealingly engages with cap  200  to form the dispensing tunnel or spillage and shake-out inhibiting element of this embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , another alternative embodiment of the disc of the present invention is shown and generally represented by reference numeral  3300 . Disc  3300  has an upper surface  3310 , an orifice  3350  and orientation structures  3360 . Upper surface  3310  has a channel or groove  3320  formed therein. Channel  3320  has an inlet  3325  and an outlet  3330 . 
     Inlet  3325  has an orifice  3350  disposed therethrough. Inlet  3325  and outlet  3330  are disposed adjacent to each other on upper surface  3310 . Channel  3320  has a variation of a serpentine-like path or shape. Disc  3300  sealingly engages with cap  200  to form the dispensing tunnel or spillage and shake-out inhibiting element of this embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , an alternative embodiment of the cup assembly of the present invention is shown, and generally represented by reference numeral  4610 . Cup assembly  4610  has a cup  4700 , a cap  4800  and a spill and shake-out inhibiting element or disc  4900  (not shown). Disc  4900  can be one of the embodiments described above or can be a variation of these embodiments to form dispensing tunnel  5000 . Cap  4800  has a top wall  4810  with an upper surface  4830 . Cap  4800  also has a circumferential sidewall  4870  extending downwardly from, and surrounding, top wall  4810 . Top wall  4810  preferably has a concave or recessed shape along an outer periphery and a flat shape along a center portion. 
     Top wall  4810  is defined along its circumference by a drinking rim  4811 . However, alternative shapes for top wall  4810  can also be used including flat or convex. Top wall  4810  has a dispensing indicator  4812  with a number of openings  4815  disposed therethrough. Five openings  4815  are shown, however, any number of openings can be used. Openings  4815  are aligned with and connected to closed end  4930  of channel or groove  4920  in disc  4900  (not shown) to provide fluid communication between cup  4700 , dispensing tunnel  5000 , openings  4815  and the user&#39;s mouth. 
     While the present invention has a cap  200  with a drinking rim  211 , alternative embodiments can have a spout instead. In such an alternative cap, disc  300 , for example, having channel  320 , can be adapted to abut against lower surface  250  of the cap, and the spout would be in fluid communication with outlet  330  of the channel. Such an alternative embodiment would provide fluid communication between cup  100 , dispensing tunnel  400 , the spout and the user&#39;s mouth. 
     Additionally, while the present invention includes a cap  200  and a disc  300  having a channel  320  such that sealing engagement of the disc with lower surface  250  of the cap forms dispensing tunnel  400 , i.e., the spill and shake-out inhibiting element, alternative embodiments of cup assembly  10  can have dispensing tunnel  400  formed in other ways. Preferably, dispensing tunnel  400  is disposed below the upper surface of cap  200 . Examples of such alternative ways of forming dispensing tunnel  400  include, but are not limited to, channel  320  formed in lower surface  250  of cap  200  and a disc  300  having a flat upper surface  310  whereby cap  200  and disc  300  engage to form dispensing tunnel  400 ; corresponding channels  320  formed in both upper surface  310  of disc  300  and lower surface  250  of cap  200  whereby the corresponding channels mate to form dispensing tunnel  400 ; a dispensing tunnel  400  formed in cap  200 ; a dispensing tunnel  400  formed in disc  300 ; or a tubular dispensing tunnel  400  with an inlet in fluid communication with the inner volume of cup  100  and an outlet connected to opening  215 . Where two separate parts are mated to form dispensing tunnel  400 , a flexible or elastomeric surface can be used for one of the parts to provide for proper sealing of the dispensing tunnel. 
     The present invention provides a spill and shake-out inhibiting element, i.e., dispensing tunnel  400 , that does not require a blockage or obstruction in the flow path and thus simplifies manufacturing, as well as use. Dispensing tunnel  400  preferably has a rounded flow path without sharp corners, which would induce turbulence during suction. Some contemporary devices attempt to control the flow during suction by using sharp-cornered turns along the flow path, which induce turbulence but fail to prevent spillage during shaking. The present invention inhibits spillage or shake-out even during shaking. Additionally, the present invention allows for positioning of dispensing tunnel  400  along any portion of cap  200 , as opposed to some of the contemporary devices, which are limited to specific flow paths along the outer circumference of the cap. 
     Additionally, the cup assembly  10  can provide for venting of the vacuum developed in the inner volume  110  of cup  100  during application of suction by the user. The vent mechanism or method preferably provides venting at or above a predetermined negative pressure which corresponds to the vacuum developed during use, but does not vent below the predetermined negative pressure which corresponds to the negative pressure in the inner volume that is sufficient to prevent spilling or shake-out when the cup assembly is not in use but has been tilted or inverted. Alternative venting mechanisms and methods can also be employed, as well as not venting the inner volume of cup  100 . Such alternative methods and mechanisms preferably vent the inner volume  110  of cup  100  when suction is being applied due to drinking but do not, or substantially do not, vent the inner volume of the cup when the cup has been tilted or inverted and a negative pressure arises in the inner volume due to dispensing tunnel or passageway  400 . 
     The present invention having been thus described with particular reference to the preferred forms thereof, it will be obvious that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0