Non-spill container with flow control structure including baffle and elastic membrane having normally-closed pinholes

Abstract

A flow control structure for a non-spill beverage container that includes a tube-like spout defining a flow channel, and a substantially flat membrane supported by the spout over one end of the flow channel, and an annular baffle mounted in the flow channel. The membrane punctured to form multiple, substantially round pinholes arranged in a two-dimensional pattern that remain closed to prevent fluid and air flow under normal atmospheric conditions, and open and to facilitate fluid flow rate through the membrane under an applied pressure differential (e.g., when sucked on by a child). The annular baffle defines an opening that limits differential pressures applied to the membrane when not in use, thereby acting in combination with the membrane to prevent leaks. The baffle opening is also sized such that, during normal use (e.g., sucked on by a child), substantial flow is generated through the membrane.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to fluid flow control devices for non-spill beverage containers, and more specifically it relates to “no drip” flow control structures for, e.g., child sippy cups and adult “travel” mugs. RELATED ART [0002] Sippy cups and travel mugs represent two types of non-spill beverage containers that utilize flow control devices to control the ingestion of beverage in response to an applied sucking force. Sippy cups are a type of spill-resistant container typically made for children that include a cup body and a screw-on or snap-on lid having a drinking spout molded thereon. An inexpensive flow control element, such as a soft rubber or silicone outlet valve, is often provided on the sippy cup lid to control the flow of liquid through the drinking spout and to prevent leakage when the sippy cup is tipped over when not in use. Adult non-spill “travel” mugs are usually fabricated from a thermally insulating material, and have a narrow s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about a flow control structure for a non-spill beverage container that prevents fluid from dripping out of the spout when the user is not sucking on it. The structure includes a membrane with small pinholes that are closed to prevent fluid flow under normal conditions, but will open when there is a higher fluid pressure. A baffle is also included to limit fluid pressure in the region between the baffle and the membrane. This results in a "no drip" characteristic, and the amount of fluid flow through the pinholes is automatically adjusted to the applied suction. The round shape of the pinholes also helps to prevent clogging and tearing problems associated with slit-type flow control structures. The flow control structure is mounted on the cap of the container, with the membrane located at the end of the spout to prevent beverage from dripping out.

Problems solved by technology

One problem associated with conventional non-spill cups is that the elastomeric material used to form the slit-type “no drip” flow control valves can fatigue in the region of the slits and / or become obstructed over time, and the resulting loss of resilience can cause leakage when the slit flaps fail to fully close after use.

This failure of the slit flaps to close can be caused by any of several mechanisms, or a combination thereof.

First, repeated shearing forces exerted at the end of each slit due to repeated use can cause tearing of the elastomeric material in this region, thereby reducing the resilient forces needed to close the slit flaps after use.

Second, thermal cycling or mechanical cleaning (brushing) of the elastomeric material due, for example, to repeated washing, can cause the elastomeric material to become less elastic (i.e., more brittle), which can also reduce the resilience of the slit flaps.

Third, solid deposits left by liquids passing through the slits can accumulate over time to impede the slit flaps from closing fully.

A second problem associated with conventional non-spill cups is that the “no drip” flow control valves are typically located inside the short, straw-like drinking spout such that a small, open upper section of the spout is located above the valve.

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