Disposable non-spillable childs dispensing cup

Abstract

A disposable sealed drink container suitable for use by a child to imbibe liquids and possessing a shape and size adapted for use in conventional drink dispensing machines including aluminum can vending machines and plastic bottle vending machines. The container includes a sealed impermeable vessel to suitable for containing a beverage, an extended spout designed to resist leakage when tipped and allow fluid to flow when suction is applied, and a protective cap.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]This invention relates to containers that are specially adapted for use in can and bottle drink vending machines that enable dispensing of a child's disposable drinking cup containing beverage and possessing an extended mouthpiece that resists fluid flow when inverted, but allows adequate flow when suction is applied.[0002]Children's cups possessing an extended spout for placing in the child's mouth and drinking from, commonly referred to as “sippy cups” and “sipper cups,” have provided a convenient method of providing beverage to children while reducing spills associated with a young person's lack of motor skills. Sippy cups possess an extended spout that can be placed in a child's mouth. The spouts generally restrict fluid flow if the cup is inverted by means of valves and / or possessing small apertures through which the fluid must flow. When suction is applied the resistance to fluid flow is reduced allowing the child to drink.[0003]Vending machines do not currentl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]Provided is a disposable drinking container suitable for use by a child and adapted to be dispensed from a drink vending machine. The container includes a vessel containing a liquid beverage, a releasable seal attached to the top of the vessel containing the liquid, the vessel having an upper portion having an extended spout, and a removable cap. The container is an appropriate shape and size for dispensing from a vending machine. The shape of the product allows for its use in conventional drink dispensing machines used in theme parks, shopping centers, restaurants and the like including aluminum can dispensing machines and plastic and glass bottle dispensing machines. Ideally the drinking container is lightweight and biodegradable. A releasably attached safety seal protects the contents of the container until the child is ready to consume its contents.

[0008]Typically, a child's caretaker will purchase the container for the child from a convenient vending machine. The parent then will remove and discard the cap and safety seal. The caretaker then will attach the upper portion of the vessel to the lower portion of the vessel and hand the assembled vessel to the child. The child may then insert the extended spout in his or her mouth, invert the vessel, and suck the beverage from the vessel. The parent will then be able continue with their errands or drive with knowledge that the vessel will reduce or eliminate spills in the event the child was to tip or drop the drink.

[0009]A drink machine service company will be able to add vendible sippy cup products to the available selections on a standard drink machine without the need to invest in new equipment. Such an expansion of their product lines will expand their customer base by attracting caretakers of young children.

Problems solved by technology

Vending machines do not currently dispense drinks contained in drinking bottles or cans suitable for young children.

Present drink vending machines carry beverages and juices, but the cans and bottles presently available in such vending machines do not sufficiently restrict the flow of liquid to prevent spills if the bottle is inverted.

The openings of such bottles and cans are also awkward for a small child to drink from.

Present sipper cups, while better capable of reducing spills and more biometrically suited for small children than cans or current drink bottles, are not readily adaptable for use in conventional drink vending machines such that a drink machine service company could easily add such a product to a vending machine's inventory for caretaker's to conveniently purchase.

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