Plug body of beverage container and drinking mouth part

Abstract

The invention provides a stopper body and a drinking mouth part of a beverage container, which are easier for drinking beverage. A stopper body (3) of a beverage container is provided with: a cap main body (10) having a liquid passage opening (12a) through which a beverage passes; and a cover body (20) for opening and closing the liquid passage opening (12a). The cap main body (10) is provided with a drinking mouth part (13), and the drinking mouth part (13) makes contact with the lower lip of a user when the beverage in the beverage container is drunk, is vertically arranged on the peripheral side of the liquid passing opening (12a) and is formed into a bent plate shape along the lower lip. The drinking mouth part (13) is provided with: two convex parts (13a, 13b) which are disposed apart from each other in the outer circumferential direction of the liquid passage opening (12a), and which are formed so that the upper end surface protrudes upward; and a recessed portion (13c) located between the two protruding portions (13a, 13b) in the outer circumferential direction, the upper end surface of the recessed portion (13c) being bent downward to form a recessed shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the stopper of a beverage container and the drinking spout. Background Technology

[0002] In the beverage container described in Patent Document 1, a mouth-forming member is detachably mounted on the opening of the cap body. This mouth-forming member includes a bottom wall portion with a liquid inlet and a drinking spout that rises upwards around the bottom wall portion. The drinking spout is convex in shape, with its height increasing towards the front (from the hinge portion used for opening and closing the cap, through the central axis of the beverage container, towards the opposite side).

[0003] Furthermore, in the beverage container described in Patent Document 2, the upper edge of the drinking spout is formed to be horizontal in the circumferential direction of the container body.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-1741

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-195165

[0006] In the structures described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, when a user places their lower lip against the drinking spout to drink, the drinking spout tends to easily enter the depths of the mouth relative to the lower lip. Therefore, there is a concern that the beverage may flow forcefully from the drinking spout into the depths of the mouth, sometimes making it difficult to drink. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned actual situation, and its object is to provide a stopper and a drinking spout for a beverage container that makes it easier to drink beverages.

[0008] (1) In order to achieve the above objective, the stopper of the beverage container according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises: a cap body having a liquid inlet for beverage to pass through; and a cap body for opening and closing the liquid inlet, the cap body having a drinking mouth portion that is contacted by the user's lower lip when drinking the beverage in the beverage container, the drinking mouth portion being erected on the outer periphery of the liquid inlet and formed as a curved plate along the lower lip, the drinking mouth portion comprising: two protrusions being separately arranged in the outer periphery of the liquid inlet and formed as the upper end facing upward; and a concave portion being located between the two protrusions in the outer periphery and the upper end facing downward in a concave shape.

[0009] (2) The stopper of the beverage container described in (1) above may also be formed with the apex of the concave portion in the upper end face of the drinking opening being formed at the lowest position, and the distance of the flow path connecting the front end and the apex of the concave portion in the flow path of the beverage from the front end of the drinking opening to the upper end face of the drinking opening is formed to be the shortest.

[0010] (3) The stopper of the beverage container described in (1) or (2) above may also be formed with the curvature of the concave portion being less than that of the two convex portions.

[0011] (4) The stopper of the beverage container described in any of (1) to (3) above may also be equipped with a cap locking mechanism, which can lock the cap in a closed state relative to the cap body, and the cap locking mechanism is disposed in a region other than the lower front surface of the drinking spout when the cap is open relative to the cap body.

[0012] (5) The stopper of the beverage container described in any of (1) to (3) above may also be equipped with a cap locking mechanism, which can lock the cap when it is closed relative to the cap body. The cap locking mechanism has a locking member, the state of which changes between a locked state and an unlocked state according to the user's operation. The locking member is provided on the lower side of the drinking spout on the outer peripheral surface of the cap body. The locked state is a state in which the cap is restricted from being opened by the locking member engaging with the cap when the cap is closed relative to the cap body. The unlocked state is a state in which the cap can be opened when the locking member is not engaged with the cap. The drinking spout is erected on the outer peripheral upper surface of the drinking spout on the outer peripheral side of the cap body. The upper end of the locking member is located at a position lower than the outer peripheral upper surface of the cap body, or at a height within 2 mm from the outer peripheral upper surface of the cap body in the vertical direction.

[0013] (6) The cap body of the beverage container described in any of (1) to (5) above may also have a bottom plate portion, which is located in the area surrounded by the drinking spout and forms the liquid inlet as a through hole, wherein the center of the liquid inlet is located closer to the drinking spout than the central axis of the cylindrical beverage container.

[0014] (7) In order to achieve the above objective, the drinking mouth according to the second aspect of the present invention is for the user's lower lip to touch when the user drinks the beverage discharged from the liquid outlet of the beverage container, and at least a portion of the outer periphery of the liquid outlet is formed as a curved plate along the lower lip, wherein it includes: two protrusions that are separately arranged in the outer periphery direction of the liquid outlet and are formed to bulge upward at their upper ends; and a concave portion that is located between the two protrusions in the outer periphery direction and is curved downward at its upper end.

[0015] According to the present invention, the beverage can be drunk more easily from the stopper and the drinking spout of the beverage container. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a beverage container with its lid closed, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a beverage container with its lid open, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a beverage container with the lid closed, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the thrombus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a top view of the drinking spout component according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a front view of the plug in the open state according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the plug in the open state according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a beverage container with its lid closed, according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a beverage container with its lid open, according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a beverage container with its lid open, according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the plug in the open state according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the plug in the open state according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] (First Implementation)

[0029] Reference Figures 1-7 The stopper and drinking spout of the beverage container according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the beverage container 1 includes: a container body 2, which is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape; and a plug 3, which seals the opening of the container body 2.

[0031] In the following description, the direction in which the central axis C1 of the beverage container 1 extends is referred to as the vertical direction. The direction from the bottom of the container body 2 toward the opening in this vertical direction is referred to as the upper side, and conversely, the direction from the opening toward the bottom is referred to as the lower side.

[0032] The direction orthogonal to the central axis C1 is called the radial direction. The direction within the radial direction closest to the central axis C1 is called the radial inner direction, or simply the inner direction; the direction farther from the central axis C1 is called the radial outer direction, or simply the outer direction. Furthermore, the direction circumferentially around the central axis C1 is called the circumferential direction, and the straight line direction tangent to the arc centered on the central axis C1 is called the tangent direction.

[0033] Furthermore, the radial direction passing through hinge 30, central axis C1, and drinking spout 13 is referred to as the front-to-back direction. The direction from central axis C1 toward drinking spout 13 in the front-to-back direction is referred to as the front side, and the direction from central axis C1 toward hinge 30 is referred to as the rear side.

[0034] Additionally, regarding the vertical and horizontal directions, concerning the cover 20, in the closed state of the cover 20 (refer to...), Figure 1 ) and open status (refer to) Figure 2 In the following description, the lid 20 can be flipped up and down and forward and backward, but unless otherwise specified, the up and down and forward and backward positions of the lid 20 are determined based on the closed position.

[0035] As reference numerals indicating direction in each figure, the upper side is marked with U, the lower side with D, the front side with F, the rear side with B, and the circumferential side with K.

[0036] (Container body 2)

[0037] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the container body 2 is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening facing upwards, and is configured to hold beverages inside.

[0038] The container body 2 is made of metal, such as stainless steel. Specifically, for example... Figure 3 As shown, the container body 2 is composed of a double-layered container, which has a bottomed cylindrical outer container 6 and an inner container 5. The openings of the two containers are joined together with the inner container 5 housed inside the outer container 6. The space between the outer container 6 and the inner container 5 becomes a depressurized vacuum insulated space. An external thread 2c is formed on the upper outer circumferential surface of the container body 2 (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0039] (Thrombus 3)

[0040] The plug 3 is installed and detachable by engaging with the external thread 2c of the container body 2 via the internal thread 15i described later, thereby enabling the opening of the container body 2 to be opened and closed.

[0041] The plug body 3 has a cap body 10, a cap 20, a hinge 30, a cap sealing component 70, and a cap locking mechanism 40.

[0042] The cap body 10 is a component that is installed on the container body 2 by screwing it into the external thread 2c of the container body 2 and sealing the opening of the container body 2. The specific structure of the cap body 10 will be described later.

[0043] (Cover 20)

[0044] The cover 20 is connected to the cap body 10 via a hinge 30 and can rotate about the rotation axis J1 between a closed position covering the upper side of the cap body 10 and an open position exposing the upper side of the cap body 10.

[0045] A hinge 30 is positioned at the rear of the latch body 3, connecting the cover body 20 and the cap body 10 so that they can rotate relative to each other about a rotation axis J1 extending tangentially along the rear side. The hinge 30 has a metal hinge pin (not shown) extending along the rotation axis J1. A force-applying unit (not shown) is located at the periphery of the hinge 30, which applies force to the cover body 20 in a direction from the closed position toward the open position.

[0046] The cover 20 has a top plate 21, an outer peripheral wall 22, and a filling component mounting part 23.

[0047] The top plate 21 is generally circular. The rear part of the top plate 21 is sloping downward toward the hinge 30.

[0048] The outer peripheral wall portion 22 is formed to stand upright from the outer peripheral side of the top plate portion 21. The height of the outer peripheral wall portion 22 relative to the top plate portion 21 is formed to gradually decrease towards the hinge 30 at the rear of the top plate portion 21.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the filling component mounting portion 23 is surrounded by the outer peripheral wall portion 22 and is located approximately at the center of the lower surface of the top plate portion 21, and is formed to convex downwards.

[0050] A portion of the cover locking mechanism 40, which will be described in detail later, is disposed within the filler mounting section 23.

[0051] (Cover and seal document 70)

[0052] The sealing cap 70 is detachably installed such that it covers the lower end face of the sealing cap mounting portion 23. The sealing cap 70 is a sealing member made of elastic material such as silicone rubber or an elastomer, and is capable of elastic deformation. The sealing cap 70 is configured to elastically deform to block the liquid inlet 12a and the vent 12b, which will be described later, when the cap 20 is in the closed position.

[0053] (Cover locking mechanism 40)

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the cover locking mechanism 40 is configured to switch between a locked state that restricts the opening of the cover 20 relative to the cover body 10 and an unlocked state that allows the cover 20 to be opened relative to the cover body 10. The cover locking mechanism 40 is assembled to the cover 20.

[0055] The cover locking mechanism 40 includes an operating part 43, a sliding force-applying part 44, a locking part 45, a locking force-applying part 46, and a pushing force-applying part 47.

[0056] The locking force-applying component 46 and the pushing force-applying component 47 are respectively helical springs that compress in the vertical direction, and the sliding force-applying component 44 is a helical spring that compresses in the front-back direction. Each force-applying component 44, 46, and 47 is housed in the filling component mounting part 23.

[0057] The locking member 45 is located on the front side of the outer peripheral wall portion 22 of the cover 20. The locking member 45 is formed in a generally L-shape and is configured to be able to extend along the tangential direction of the front side by means of a rotation axis J2 (see reference). Figure 3 The hinge rotates around the center. The lower end of the locking member 45 has a claw 45a, which engages with the locking portion 15f of the cap body 10 (described later). The end side of the locking member 45 near the central axis C1 is subjected to an upward force by a locking force-applying member 46, which acts as a helical spring. Figure 1 and Figure 3 In the locked state shown, as long as the operating part 43 is not pressed, it is held in a state where the claw part 45a is locked to the locked part 15f by the above-mentioned force.

[0058] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the operating part 43 is configured to protrude from near the center of the top plate part 21 of the cover 20 to the upper surface, and is configured to be able to slide in the front-back direction and be able to be pressed down.

[0059] The operating part 43 is forced forward by the sliding force-applying member 44, and is thus maintained in a non-pressable position where the downward pressing operation is restricted and interferes with a portion of the top plate part 21. In this state, as Figure 3As shown, the claw 45a is locked to the locked part 15f by the locking force-applying member 46, and the cover 20 is in a locked state.

[0060] As shown by arrow A1, if the operating part 43 is slid backward against the force of the sliding force-applying member 44, it becomes a position where a pressing operation can be performed. If the operating part 43 is pressed in this position against the force of the pushing force-applying member 47 as shown by arrow A2, the end side of the locking member 45 near the central axis C1 is pressed, causing the locking member 45 to rotate about the rotation axis J2. As a result, the claw part 45a separates from the locked part 15f, thereby releasing the locking state, and the cover 20 moves from the locked state to the unlocked state. The cover 20 is rotated to the open position by the force-applying unit (not shown) of the hinge 30. If the operation on the operating part 43 is released, the operating part 43 returns to its original position (the position before the sliding operation) by the restoring forces of the force-applying members 44, 46, and 47. Conversely, for the cover 20 in the open position, if the force of the force-applying unit of the hinge 30 is overcome and the cover 20 is pressed into the closed position in the rotation direction, the claw 45a returns to the locked state where it is locked again by the locked part 15f.

[0061] (Cap body 10)

[0062] like Figure 4 As shown, the cap body 10 has a drinking spout component 11 and a mounting frame 15 for mounting the drinking spout component 11.

[0063] The mounting frame 15 includes a peripheral wall portion 15a and an outer peripheral frame portion 15b.

[0064] The peripheral wall portion 15a is cylindrical in shape, extending through the vertical direction. An internal thread portion 15i is formed on the lower side of the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 15a, which engages with the external thread portion 2c of the container body 2.

[0065] The outer frame portion 15b is roughly circular on the inner side of the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 15a.

[0066] The outer frame portion 15b has a base portion 15c and a pedestal portion 15d.

[0067] The base 15c extends radially inward from the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 15a, forming the same height as the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 15a. The pedestal portion 15d is formed such that its radially outer portion slopes downward as it moves outward, and connects to the radially inward side of the base 15c. The radially inward portion of the pedestal portion 15d is formed to extend inward in a manner parallel to the radial direction, and the upper surface of this portion is formed in the drinking spout 13 (see below) described later. Figure 7The outer peripheral upper surface 15e of the outer periphery of the pedestal portion 15d is formed with a claw portion 45a (see reference). Figure 2 The hooked locking part 15f. The locking part 15f is located on the front side of the outer peripheral side of the base part 15d.

[0068] Additionally, a fitting portion 15g is formed in the pedestal portion 15d, which is fitted into the fitting member 14c described later for the drinking spout member 11. The fitting portion 15g is formed by cutting a groove into the rear side of the annular pedestal portion 15d and lowering it by a certain distance.

[0069] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the drinking port component 11 includes a liquid inlet 12a, a vent 12b, a drinking port portion 13, a base plate portion 14a, a peripheral wall portion 14b, a fitting component 14c, a sealing component mounting portion 14d, and a water-stopping sealing component 14e.

[0070] A liquid inlet 12a and a vent 12b are formed in the bottom plate portion 14a. The bottom plate portion 14a is roughly circular when viewed from above.

[0071] The peripheral wall portion 14b is generally cylindrical and is erected on the outer periphery of the upper surface of the base plate portion 14a. The peripheral wall portion 14b is inclined in a direction away from the central axis C1, i.e., radially outward, as it moves upward. A recess is formed by the base plate portion 14a and the peripheral wall portion 14b, and this recess is located below the outer periphery of the upper surface 15e of the pedestal portion 15d.

[0072] The liquid inlet 12a is a hole for the passage of beverages, and is formed as a through hole extending along the thickness direction of the base plate portion 14a. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the center position C2 of the liquid inlet 12a is located forward of the central axis C1. The liquid inlet 12a is an ellipse that is longer in the front-back direction. The liquid inlet 12a has a vertex P4 located at the foremost side of the side circumferential surface forming the liquid inlet 12a.

[0073] The vent 12b is a hole for air to pass through, and is formed as a through hole extending through the thickness of the base plate portion 14a. The vent 12b is located rearward than the liquid inlet 12a and the central axis C1. The vent 12b is formed as a circular hole with a smaller area than the liquid inlet 12a.

[0074] The fitting member 14c is configured to rotate via a hinge centered on a rotation axis J3 extending in the tangential direction along the rear side. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the fitting member 14c is located at the rear of the peripheral wall portion 14b, and is subjected to rearward force by the force-applying member 14g. The force-applying member 14g is formed of an elastic component such as silicone rubber.

[0075] The lower rear surface of the fitting member 14c rests on and is locked to the fitting portion 15g of the mounting frame 15, thereby holding the drinking spout member 11 in the mounting frame 15. By pressing the fitting member 14c forward from this state against the force of the force-applying member 14g, the locking between the fitting member 14c and the fitting portion 15g is released, and the drinking spout member 11 can be removed from the mounting frame 15.

[0076] The sealing element mounting portion 14d is formed in a ring shape at the lower part of the drinking spout component 11. A ring-shaped water-stopping sealing element 14e is fitted around the outer periphery of the sealing element mounting portion 14d. The water-stopping sealing element 14e is made of the same material as the cap sealing element 70 and is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the opening end side of the container body 2, thereby stopping water from entering the interior of the container body 2.

[0077] The drinking spout 13 is the portion that the user's lower lip touches when drinking from the beverage container 1. The drinking spout 13 is located at the front of the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 14b and extends continuously upward from the peripheral wall portion 14b. The drinking spout 13 is shaped like a curved plate curving upward in the circumference. The outer peripheral surface of the drinking spout 13 is the surface that the user's lower lip touches, and the inner peripheral surface of the drinking spout 13 is the surface through which the beverage flowing from the liquid inlet 12a passes. The drinking spout 13 protrudes upward from the outer peripheral upper surface 15e of the base portion 15d when the drinking spout component 11 is mounted on the mounting frame portion 15.

[0078] like Figures 5-7 As shown, the drinking spout 13 has two protrusions 13a and 13b, one concave portion 13c, and two inclined portions 13d and 13e.

[0079] Two protrusions 13a and 13b are arranged circumferentially apart and at the same height. The upper surface of each protrusion 13a and 13b bulges upward and curves. Protrusions 13a and 13b have apexes P1 and P2, respectively, which are the highest points. The height of the drinking spout 13 described here refers to its position in the vertical direction with reference to the outer peripheral upper surface 15e of the pedestal portion 15d, and the same applies below. Apexes P1 and P2 are the highest points on the upper surface of the drinking spout 13.

[0080] The concave portion 13c is located circumferentially between the two convex portions 13a and 13b on the front side. The upper end face of the concave portion 13c is curved downwards into a concave shape. The concave portion 13c has a vertex P3 with the lowest height. Vertex P3 is the lowest point located on the upper end face of the drinking spout 13.

[0081] The concave portion 13c is designed to contact the central part of the lower lip, and the two convex portions 13a and 13b are designed to contact the two sides of the central part of the lower lip.

[0082] The shapes of the three vertices P1, P3, and P2 at the upper end of the drinking spout 13 form a periodic cosine wave shape.

[0083] like Figure 7 As shown, the two inclined portions 13d and 13e are located on the opposite side of the two protrusions 13a and 13b to the concave portion 13c in the circumferential direction. The inclined portion 13d is continuously formed with the protrusion 13a, and its height gradually decreases as it moves away from the protrusion 13a in the circumferential direction. The inclined portion 13e is continuously formed with the protrusion 13b, and its height gradually decreases as it moves away from the protrusion 13b in the circumferential direction. The height of the inclined portions 13d and 13e at the rear of the drinking spout 13 is the same as the height of the outer peripheral upper surface 15e of the pedestal portion 15d.

[0084] like Figure 6 As shown, the curvature of the upper end of the drinking spout 13 is not constant in the circumferential direction. The curvature of the concave portion (downward convex shape) near the concave portion 13c is formed to be less than the curvature of the upward convex shape near the convex portions 13a and 13b.

[0085] In addition, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the drinking spout 13 has a bulge 13f located at its upper end and extending radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 14b. The bulge 13f is formed to extend forward between two vertices P1 and P2.

[0086] like Figure 4 As shown, the inclination angle α1 between the upper end face of the concave portion 13c and the upper end faces of the convex portions 13a and 13b is formed to be smaller than the inclination angle α2 of the two inclination portions 13d and 13e. The inclination angles α1 and α2 are inclination angles based on the circumferential direction.

[0087] The tilt angle α1 is preferably 15° to 25°, and is set to about 20° as an example.

[0088] The tilt angle α2 is preferably 20° to 30°, and is set to about 25° as an example.

[0089] In this specification, “about” means a quantity within a range of ±10% of the quantity stated.

[0090] like Figure 6 As shown, the height difference H1 between the vertices P1 and P2 of the protrusions 13a and 13b and the vertices P3 of the concave portion 13c is preferably 1 mm to 5 mm, and is set to about 3.5 mm as an example. The height difference H1 is formed to be less than the height H3 of the vertices P3 with reference to the outer peripheral upper surface 15e of the pedestal portion 15d.

[0091] Furthermore, the height H2 of vertices P1 and P2, based on the outer peripheral upper surface 15e of the pedestal portion 15d, is preferably set to 1.2 to 2 times the height H3 of vertex P3, for example, approximately 1.4 times the height. For example, height H2 is preferably 9.5 mm to 12 mm, for example, approximately 11.5 mm. Height H3 is preferably 7.5 mm to 8.5 mm, for example, approximately 8 mm.

[0092] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the shortest distance R1 between the vertex P4 on the front side of the liquid inlet 12a and the vertices P1 and P2 of each protrusion 13a and 13b on the inner peripheral surface of the drinking mouth component 11 is preferably 27mm to 33mm, for example, set to about 30mm.

[0093] Similarly, the shortest distance R2 on the inner peripheral surface of the drinking spout component 11 between vertices P4 and P3 is less than the shortest distance R1, preferably 20mm to 26mm, for example, set to about 23mm.

[0094] like Figure 5 As shown, in a top view of the drinking spout component 11, the angle α3 formed by the line segment connecting vertex P1 and central axis C1 and the line segment connecting vertex P2 and central axis C1 is preferably 30° to 90°, for example, set to about 45°. The line segment connecting vertex P3 and central axis C1 extends in the direction that bisects angle α3.

[0095] The values ​​mentioned above are just examples and are not limited to these values.

[0096] When a user drinks from beverage container 1, they hold the container body 2 with the lid 20 open and place their lower lip against the outer periphery of the drinking spout 13, tilting the container body 2 upwards. This causes the beverage to flow from the inlet 12a into the recess formed by the bottom plate 14a and the peripheral wall 14b, and then enter the user's mouth through the recess 13c between the two protrusions 13a and 13b. At this time, the shape of the drinking spout 13 prevents it from penetrating too deeply into the mouth relative to the lower lip, allowing the beverage to easily enter the user's mouth via the lower lip. This prevents the beverage from violently impacting the deeper parts of the mouth, such as the throat, and causing choking.

[0097] (Effect)

[0098] The first embodiment described above achieves the following effects.

[0099] (1) The stopper 3 of the beverage container 1 includes: a cap body 10 having a liquid inlet 12a for beverage to pass through; and a cap 20 for opening and closing the liquid inlet 12a. The cap body 10 has a drinking spout 13, which is provided for contact with the user's lower lip when drinking beverage from the beverage container 1. The drinking spout 13 is erected on the outer periphery of the liquid inlet 12a and is formed as a curved plate along the lower lip. The drinking spout 13 includes: two protrusions 13a and 13b, which are separately arranged in the outer periphery of the liquid inlet 12a and are formed to bulge upwards at their upper ends; and a concave portion 13c, which is located between the two protrusions 13a and 13b in the outer periphery and is curved downwards at its upper end.

[0100] According to this structure, the drinking spout 13 of the beverage container 1 is shaped to correspond to the curve of the user's lower lip. Therefore, the beverage flowing from the inlet 12a enters the mouth through the recess 13c along the lower lip. Thus, the beverage flows into the mouth after contacting the outer side of the lower lip, making it easier to control the flow of the beverage from the drinking spout 13, preventing it from rushing into the depths of the mouth, and making it easier to drink.

[0101] Furthermore, the beverage flowing from the inlet 12a flows into the mouth through the recess 13c, thus limiting the flow path of the beverage and guiding it to the front center of the drinking opening 13. As a result, it is possible to prevent the beverage from leaking out from the left and right sides of the mouth from the drinking opening 13 when drinking.

[0102] Furthermore, by forming a recess 13c in the drinking spout 13, the height of the upper part of the drinking spout 13 can be reduced. As a result, the height of the stopper 3 is reduced, and the overall height of the beverage container 1 can be reduced to form a compact shape.

[0103] (2) The vertex P3 of the recess 13c in the upper end face of the drinking mouth 13 is formed at the lowest position. The distance of the flow path connecting the vertex P4 of the drinking mouth 13 and the vertex P3 of the recess 13c in the flow path of the beverage from the front end of the drinking mouth 13 side of the liquid inlet 12a, i.e., the vertex P4, to the upper end face of the drinking mouth 13 is formed as the shortest distance R2.

[0104] According to this structure, a recess 13c is formed on the front side of the drinking opening 13 at a position lower than its circumferential sides, so that the beverage flows into the mouth after contacting the outer side of the lower lip. Therefore, the beverage is prevented from flowing violently from the drinking opening 13 into the depth of the mouth, making it easier to drink.

[0105] Furthermore, the beverage flowing from the inlet 12a flows into the mouth through the recess 13c, thus guiding the flow path of the beverage to the front center of the drinking opening 13, i.e., the shortest distance R2. As a result, it is possible to prevent the beverage from leaking out from the left and right sides of the mouth from the drinking opening 13 when drinking.

[0106] In addition, the height of the upper surface of the drinking spout 13 can be reduced. As a result, the height of the stopper 3 is reduced, and the overall height of the beverage container 1 can be reduced to form a compact shape.

[0107] (3) The curvature of the concave portion 13c is less than that of the two convex portions 13a and 13b.

[0108] According to this structure, the curvature of the recess 13c on the upper end face of the drinking mouth 13 is smaller than that of the protrusions 13a and 13b. Even if the recess 13c, which serves as the flow path for the beverage, gets dirty after use, it is easy to clean because the recess 13c is wide and shallow.

[0109] In addition, since the recess 13c is wide and shallow, it does not severely restrict the amount of beverage flowing into the mouth. By tilting the container body 2 as usual, the flow rate is ensured, and the beverage can be drunk.

[0110] (4) The stopper 3 of the beverage container 1 is equipped with a cap locking mechanism 40, which can lock the cap 20 when it is closed relative to the cap body 10. The cap locking mechanism 40 is disposed in the area other than the lower front surface of the drinking spout 13 when the cap 20 is open relative to the cap body 10. Specifically, the operating part 43 of the cap locking mechanism 40 is provided on the upper surface of the cap 20 in the area other than the lower front surface of the drinking spout 13, and the locking member 45 of the cap locking mechanism 40 is located on the front side of the outer peripheral wall 22 of the cap 20 in the area other than the lower front surface of the drinking spout 13.

[0111] With the lid 20 in the open position, the outer diameter of the lower front surface of the drinking spout 13, especially the front side of the peripheral wall 15a of the mounting frame 15, is the same diameter that extends directly upward from the outer diameter of the container body 2, and does not have a structure that extends outward in the peripheral direction relative to the outer diameter of the container body 2, especially from the front.

[0112] According to this structure, when a user puts their lower lip against the drinking opening 13 to drink a beverage, it can prevent the user's lower lip and jaw from contacting a part of the cap locking mechanism 40, thus eliminating discomfort and making it easier to drink.

[0113] In particular, it is envisioned that the height of the drinking spout 13 is lowered due to the formation of the recess 13c in the drinking spout 13, and that the drinking spout 13 is deeply contained due to the formation of the recess 13c, thus creating a structure in which the user's lower lip and jaw can easily contact other parts of the lower front surface of the drinking spout 13. Therefore, it is advantageous for the shape of the drinking spout 13 to have the cap locking mechanism 40 disposed in an area other than the lower front surface of the drinking spout 13.

[0114] (5) The cap body 10 has a base plate portion 14a, which is located in the area surrounded by the drinking spout portion 13 and forms a liquid inlet 12a as a through hole. The center position C2 of the liquid inlet 12a is located closer to the drinking spout portion 13 than the central axis C1 of the cylindrical beverage container 1.

[0115] According to this structure, when the beverage body 2 is tilted, the beverage flows slowly out of the beverage outlet 12a when the beverage inlet 12a is close to the drinking spout 13, so that the flow rate of the beverage flowing out of the beverage outlet 12a is suppressed and the beverage flows out smoothly. As a result, the beverage is prevented from flowing violently into the depth of the mouth from the drinking spout 13, making it easier to drink.

[0116] (6) The cover locking mechanism 40 includes: a locking member 45, which restricts the opening of the cover 20 by engaging with the cover 20 in a closed state relative to the cover body 10; and an operating part 43, which is operated to release the locking member 45 from the state of engagement with the cover 20. The locking member 45 and the operating part 43 are provided on the cover 20.

[0117] According to this structure, when a user puts their lower lip against the drinking opening 13 to drink a beverage, the user's lower lip and jaw can be prevented from contacting the locking part 45 or part of the operating part 43, making it easier to drink.

[0118] (Second Implementation)

[0119] Reference Figures 8-12 The stopper and drinking spout of a beverage container according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the position and structure of the cap locking mechanism differ from those in the first embodiment described above. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0120] like Figures 8-10 As shown, in this embodiment, the cap locking mechanism 80 of the stopper 3a of the beverage container 1a is provided on the front side of the outer peripheral surface 15h of the peripheral wall portion 15a of the mounting frame portion 15. The cap locking mechanism 80 is disposed on the lower front surface region of the drinking spout portion 13. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the drinking spout 13, like the first embodiment described above, has two protrusions 13a and 13b, one recess 13c, and two inclined portions 13d and 13e. In this embodiment, the curvature near the recess 13c is formed to be greater than the curvature of the concave portion (downward convex shape) near the recess 13c in the first embodiment described above.

[0121] The cover locking mechanism 80 includes a locking component 85, an annular stop 86, a shaft support 87, and a force-applying component 88 (see reference). Figure 10 ).

[0122] The shaft support portion 87 is formed such that it extends forward from the outer peripheral surface 15h in such a way that it clamps the locking member 85 in the front tangential direction.

[0123] The locking member 85 is rotatable by a hinge centered on a rotation axis J4 extending in the front tangential direction. The locking member 85 has a shape that extends vertically with the position of the rotation axis J4 as the center.

[0124] The locking member 85 includes: a locking part 85a located at the upper end of the locking member 85; and an operating part 85b located at the lower end of the locking member 85.

[0125] The locking portion 85a is formed as a claw that engages with the locking portion 22a of the cover 20, protruding rearward from the upper part of the locking member 85. The locking portion 22a is located on the front side of the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall portion 22 of the cover 20. In the locked state where the locking portion 85a and the locking portion 22a are engaged, the locking portion 22a is inserted into the lower side of the locking portion 85a. Similar to the first embodiment described above, a force-applying unit (not shown) is provided at the periphery of the hinge 30. This force-applying unit applies force to the cover 20 in the direction from the closed position to the open position. By engaging the locking portion 85a and the locking portion 22a, the cover 20 is held in the closed position as a locked state.

[0126] The force-applying component 88 is an elastic component such as a coil spring, which applies force to the locking component 85 in the direction of the locking portion 85a approaching the central axis C1. Therefore, even without external forces such as operating forces applied to the locking component 85, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the locking component 85 remains in an upright position along the vertical direction.

[0127] When the user presses the operating part 85b, the operating part 85b overcomes the force of the force-applying part 88 and causes the locking part 85 to rotate away from the central axis C1 towards the locking part 85a. This results in an unlocked state, where the locking part 85a is released from the locking part 22a, and the cover 20 can be opened in this unlocked state.

[0128] The annular stop 86 is generally C-shaped or generally U-shaped, located at both ends on the open side, clamping the shaft support 87 tangentially. The annular stop 86 is configured to rotate via a hinge centered on the rotation axis J4. Figure 8 As shown, the annular stop 86 is configured to cover the upper surface of the eaves 89 of the cover 20 when the cover 20 is in the closed position as a locked state. The eaves 89 is erected on the front side of the outer peripheral wall 22 of the cover 20, and when the cover 20 is in the closed position, it is in a generally C-shaped or generally U-shaped form covering the upper surface of the locking part 85a.

[0129] When the annular stop 86 is in the restricted position on the upper surface of the covering 89, the opening of the cover 20 is restricted regardless of the pressing operation of the operating part 85b. However, if the annular stop 86 is rotated downward from this restricted position about the rotation axis J4 to a position that does not cover the upper surface of the covering 89, then the cover 20 can be opened by pressing the operating part 85b.

[0130] like Figure 10 As shown, in the non-operating state, the upper end position B1 of the locking member 85 is located lower than the position B2 of the outer peripheral upper surface 15e of the base portion 15d in the vertical direction. This prevents the locking part 85a from touching the lower lip and jaw when the lower lip is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the drinking mouth portion 13.

[0131] Furthermore, not limited to this example, the upper position B1 of the locking component 85 can also be at approximately the same height as the position B2 of the outer peripheral upper surface 15e of the base portion 15d in the vertical direction. This "approximately the same" concept includes both being exactly the same and having a height difference of ±2mm.

[0132] (Effect)

[0133] The second embodiment described above achieves the following effects.

[0134] The stopper 3a of the beverage container 1a is equipped with a cap locking mechanism 80, which can lock the cap 20 when it is closed relative to the cap body 10. The cap locking mechanism 80 includes a locking member 85, whose state changes between a locked state and an unlocked state according to user operation. The locking member 85 is located on the lower front surface of the drinking spout 13 in the outer peripheral surface 15h of the cap body 10. The locked state restricts the opening of the cap 20 by engaging the locking member 85 with the cap 20 when it is closed relative to the cap body 10. The unlocked state allows the cap 20 to be opened when the locking member 85 is not engaged with the cap 20. The drinking spout 13 is erected on the outer peripheral upper surface 15e of the drinking spout 13 in the cap body 10. The upper end of the locking component 85 (upper position B1) is located below position B2 on the outer periphery surface 15e in the vertical direction, or at a height within 2mm of position B2 in the vertical direction.

[0135] According to this structure, when the user places their lower lip against the drinking opening 13 to drink a beverage, the locking part 85 can be prevented from becoming an obstacle, making it easier to drink.

[0136] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and drawings described above. Modifications (including the deletion of constituent elements) can be appropriately made without altering the spirit of this disclosure. Hereinafter, an example of a modification will be described.

[0137] (Modified Example)

[0138] In the above embodiments, the circumferential curvature of the drinking spout 13 can also be constant.

[0139] In the above embodiments, the curvature of a portion of the drinking spout 13 in the circumferential direction may also be zero, that is, it may be formed as a straight line.

[0140] In the above embodiments, the curvature of the concave portion (downward convex shape) near the concave portion 13c can also be formed to be greater than the curvature of the upward convex shape near the convex portions 13a and 13b. Alternatively, these curvatures can also be equal.

[0141] In the above embodiments, the drinking spout 13 may also be formed in a cylindrical shape, and protrusions 13a, 13b and concave portions 13c may be formed in a portion of the circumference of the cylinder.

[0142] In the above embodiments, multiple recesses 13c may be formed between the two protrusions 13a and 13b.

[0143] In the second embodiment described above, the locking member 85 may also be configured to be non-rotatable in the forward and backward directions. In this case, the locking member 85 may also be configured to switch between a locked state and an unlocked state by being slidably operated in the up and down direction.

[0144] In the above embodiments, the center position C2 of the liquid inlet 12a is located closer to the drinking mouth 13 than the central axis C1, but it is not limited to this. It may also be located at the same position as the central axis C1 or at a position behind the central axis C1.

[0145] In the above embodiments, the drinking spout component 11 of the cap body 10 and the mounting frame 15 can also be integrally formed as non-removable.

[0146] In the above embodiments, the cover 20 may also be configured to be detachable from the cap body 10 by means of threaded fastening.

[0147] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical solutions shown. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that have been appropriately modified within the scope of the technical solutions are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0148] This disclosure is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-082280, filed on May 21, 2024. The description, scope of protection, and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-082280 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0149] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0150] 1, 1a… Beverage container; 2… Container body; 2c… External threaded part; 3, 3a… Plug; 5… Inner container; 6… Outer container; 10… Cap body; 11… Drinking spout part; 12a… Liquid inlet; 12b… Vent; 13… Drinking spout; 13a, 13b… Protrusion; 13c… Recess; 13d, 13e… Inclined part; 13f… Bulging part; 14a… Base plate; 14b… Peripheral wall ; 14c…fitting component; 14d…sealing component mounting part; 14e…water-stopping sealing component; 14g…force-applying component; 15…mounting frame part; 15a…peripheral wall part; 15b…outer peripheral frame part; 15c…base part; 15d…pedestal part; 15e…outer peripheral upper surface; 15f…locked part; 15h…outer peripheral surface; 15i…internal thread part; 15g…fitting part; 20…cover body; 21…top plate part; 2 2…Outer peripheral wall; 22a…Locking part; 23…Filling element mounting part; 30…Hinge; 40…Cap locking mechanism; 43…Operating part; 44…Sliding force application part; 45…Locking part; 45a…Claw part; 46…Locking force application part; 47…Pushing force application part; 70…Cap filling element; 80…Cap locking mechanism; 85…Locking part; 85a…Locking part; 85b…Operating part; 86…Ring Stop; 87… Shaft support; 88… Force-applying component; 89… Eaves; α1, α2, α3… Angle; B1… Upper position; B2… Position; C1… Central axis; C2… Hole center position; H1… Height difference; J1, J2, J3… Rotation axis; P1, P2, P3, P4… Vertex; R1, R2… Shortest distance; U… Upper side; D… Lower side; F… Front side; B… Rear side; K… Circumferential direction.

Claims

1. A stopper for a beverage container, characterized in that, have: The cap body has a flow port for beverages to pass through; and The cover allows for opening and closing of the liquid inlet. The cap body has a drinking spout that is accessible to the user's lower lip when drinking from the beverage container. The spout is positioned on the outer periphery of the inlet and is formed as a curved plate along the lower lip. The drinking spout has the following features: Two protrusions are separately arranged in the outer peripheral direction of the liquid inlet, and are formed such that their upper ends bulge upwards; and The concave portion is located between the two convex portions in the outer peripheral direction, and its upper end is bent into a concave shape facing downward.

2. The stopper of the beverage container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The apex of the concave portion in the upper end face of the drinking spout is formed at the lowest position. The distance of the flow path connecting the front end and the apex of the recess in the beverage flow path from the front end of the drinking port to the upper surface of the drinking port is minimized.

3. The stopper of the beverage container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The curvature of the concave portion is smaller than that of the two convex portions.

4. The stopper of the beverage container according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: The cover locking mechanism is capable of locking the cover when it is closed relative to the cap body. The cap locking mechanism is located in the area other than the lower front surface of the drinking spout when the cap is open relative to the cap body.

5. The stopper of the beverage container according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: The cover locking mechanism is capable of locking the cover when it is closed relative to the cap body. The cap locking mechanism includes a locking component whose state changes between a locked state and an unlocked state according to user operation. The locking component is located on the lower side of the drinking spout on the outer peripheral surface of the cap body. The locking state is achieved by locking the cover with the locking component when the cover is closed relative to the cap body, thereby restricting the open state of the cover. The unlocked state is the state in which the locking component is not locked to the cover and the cover can be opened. The drinking spout is erected on the outer peripheral upper surface of the drinking spout on the outer peripheral side of the cap body. The upper end of the locking component is located below the outer peripheral upper surface of the cap body, or at a height within 2 mm of the outer peripheral upper surface of the cap body in the vertical direction.

6. The stopper of the beverage container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cap body has a base plate portion located in the area surrounded by the drinking spout, and forms the liquid inlet as a through hole. The center of the liquid inlet is located closer to the drinking spout than the central axis of the cylindrical beverage container.

7. A drinking spout for a user's lower lip to touch when the user drinks a beverage dispensed from a spout of a beverage container, and at least a portion of the outer periphery of the spout is formed as a curved plate along the lower lip. The drinking spout is characterized by having: Two protrusions are separately arranged in the outer peripheral direction of the liquid inlet, and are formed such that their upper ends bulge upwards; and The concave portion is located between the two convex portions in the outer peripheral direction, and its upper end is bent into a concave shape facing downward.

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