One material, one piece spill-proof closure

a one-piece, spill-proof technology, applied in drinking vessels, household applications, table equipment, etc., can solve the problems of high cost of making multi-piece structures, inability to meet the needs of mass production methods or disposable applications, and inability to meet the needs of disposable markets, etc., to achieve the effect of reducing the cost of making such closures, and reducing the cost of production

US20020158075A1Inactive Publication Date: 2002-10-31CALDICOTT ROBERT JOHN +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Applications(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2002-10-31
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

This invention relates to a closure for a drinking container and is particularly concerned with spill-proof closures, which remain in place while drinking. The inexpensive, effective and durable closures according to this invention are suitable for both disposable and nondisposable applications where both cost and performance are important.
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Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60 / 278.645, filed Mar. 26, 2001.

[0002] The present invention is directed to containers that hold liquids, preferably drinking containers, having spill-proof closures. Specifically, this invention comprises a spill-proof closure that remains in place while drinking. The inexpensive, effective and durable closures according to this invention are suitable for both disposable and nondisposable applications where both cost and performance are important.

[0003] In several prior art arrangements, a valved spout is used to prevent unintentional loss of liquid (see, for example. U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,758 to Freeman et al.).

[0004] However, embodiments of this approach are relatively complex, multi-piece structures which are costly to make and do not lend themselves to mass production methods or disposable applications.

[0005] Another prior art approach is to attach a separate thin membrane component to the inner or outer su...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0021] Generally, the preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention is a spill-proof closure for a liquid container comprising a single component. The spill-proof closure is constructed from a single material in a single manufacturing operation. The container to which the spill-proof closure attaches can be made of any material known in the art for drinking containers. Examples of materials suitable for use as the liquid container include., but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene. polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene napthalate, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, ethylene vinyl alcohol, glass, aluminum. tin and combinations thereof. The container may be made by any means known in the art, such as blow molding, injection molding, extrusion molding or glass forming.

[0022] The present invention is suitable for any application or container, and it is particularly suitable for containers holding liquids, such as drinking containers. Often, drinking containers used...