Straw adapter and bottle with same

Abstract

A straw adapter and a bottle having the same are provided. The straw adapter may receive a straw in the straw receiving cavity, and an upper tubular portion of the straw adapter may be received by the lid. A retaining ring surrounding the straw receiving cavity and the upper tubular portion may provide a frictional coupling. The straw adapter may include a valve including a plurality of self-sealing flaps. The self-sealing flap may be configured to open or close in response to a pressure change. In this way, when the self-sealing flap is oriented vertically, the valve may allow fluid to flow through the pipette adapter. Instead, when the self-sealing flap is oriented horizontally, the valve may prevent fluid flow through the pipette adapter. Thus, the straw adapter may help limit accidental spillage.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 482,224, filed on January 30, 2023, entitled “STRAW ADAPTER WITH SELF-SEALING VALVE FOR WATER BOTTLES,” currently under review, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a valve that can be used in a bottle. The valve can be configured to couple a straw to a lid of the bottle. Additionally, the valve can be self-sealing, such that the valve reduces the likelihood of accidental spills. The valve can be particularly beneficial when used in a children's water bottle. Background Art

[0004] Like adults, toddlers and children consume fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated and healthy. Unfortunately, children and toddlers are prone to tipping over and spilling their drinks. These spills result in waste, puddles that must be cleaned up, and potential fabric stains.

[0005] Existing solutions to reduce the risk of spills include self-sealing valves. In children's water bottles, self-sealing valves are traditionally designed to be coupled to a connector. The connector then frictionally engages with a straw and a lid to form the top portion of the water bottle. The interface of the connector with the lid and straw may include threads or rubber washers. However, when a user drinks from the mouthpiece on the lid of the water bottle, each interface inevitably allows some air to enter the fluid flow. In order to compensate for air infiltration, the user must apply additional suction to draw the fluid to the top of the straw. This can be particularly challenging for children.

[0006] When cleaning a children's water bottle constructed as described above, the self-sealing valve, connector, and gasket are additional components that must be disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled. In addition, the threaded interface presents small cracks that can be difficult to clean. The effort required to clean the small cracks and disassemble and reassemble the extra components may cause parents to neglect thorough cleaning. This may also lead to mold and bacterial growth, which is particularly harmful to children. Therefore, an improved self-sealing valve is needed to address the aforementioned deficiencies. Utility Model Content

[0007] A straw adapter is provided for coupling a straw to a lid of a bottle. The straw adapter includes an upper tubular portion for coupling the straw adapter to the lid and a lower tubular portion for coupling the straw adapter to the straw. For example, the upper tubular portion may be received in the lid, and the lower tubular portion may include a straw receiving cavity for receiving the straw. Additionally, the upper tubular portion may include an outer retaining ring for retaining the straw adapter in the lid, and the lower tubular portion may include an inner retaining ring for retaining the straw in the straw adapter.

[0008] The straw adapter may further include a valve that opens and closes in response to changes in pressure. In the closed configuration, the valve prevents fluid from flowing through the straw adapter. However, when the user drinks from the bottle, the valve may transition to an open configuration to allow fluid to flow through the valve. Then, when the user has finished drinking, the valve may transition again to a closed configuration. Thus, the valve may reduce the likelihood that the user will accidentally spill fluid out of the bottle.

[0009] These aspects are merely illustrative of the numerous aspects associated with the present invention and should not be considered to be limiting in any form. These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 A front elevation view of a bottle is illustrated according to an example embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 Example Figure 1 A bottle from which its jar is removed.

[0012] Figure 3 Example Figure 1 and Figure 2 A stereoscopic view of a bottle lid.

[0013] Figure 4 Example Figure 1 and Figure 2 A top perspective view of a pipette adapter for a bottle.

[0014] Figure 5 Example Figure 4 Bottom perspective view of a pipette adapter.

[0015] Figure 6 Example Figure 4 and Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of the pipette adapter.

[0016] Figure 7 Example Figure 4-6 A partial top view of a pipette adapter.

[0017] Figure 8 Example Figure 4-7 A partial bottom view of the pipette adapter.

[0018] Fig. 9 A partial top view illustrating an alternative straw adapter.

[0019] Before explaining the embodiments disclosed in the utility model in detail, it should be understood that the utility model is not limited to the details of the specific arrangement shown in its application, because the utility model can have other embodiments. Example embodiments are shown in the figures of the accompanying drawings with reference numerals. It is intended that the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this article will be considered as illustrative rather than restrictive. In addition, the terms used in this article are for the purpose of description rather than limitation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Although the utility model allows for many different forms of embodiments, there are specific embodiments shown in the drawings and described in detail herein, while understanding that the disclosure is an example of the principles of the utility model. It is not intended to limit the utility model to the specific exemplified embodiments. The features of the utility model disclosed in the specification, drawings and claims herein, whether alone or in any desired combination, may be important for the operation of the utility model in its various embodiments. Features from one embodiment may be used in other embodiments of the utility model.

[0021] Figure 1 A bottle 1 configured to contain a liquid is illustrated. The bottle 1 includes a jar 5 and a lid 10. The lid 10 may include a spout 15 from which a user may drink. The lid 10 also includes a handle 20 extending outwardly and away from the lid 10. The handle 20 may allow a user to carry the bottle 1 easily and safely.

[0022] exist Figure 2 5. The bottle 1 without the jar 5 is shown in more detail in FIG. As shown, the lid 10 may also include threads 25 for selectively coupling the lid 10 to the jar 5. However, in alternative embodiments, the method of coupling may vary. For example, in some alternative embodiments, the lid 10 and the jar 5 are coupled together using a friction fit, a snap fit, or other forms of coupling as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0023] The bottle 1 may further include a straw 30 and a straw adapter 35. The straw adapter 35 is preferably used as a means for selectively attaching the straw 30 to the lid 10. In addition, the straw adapter 35 may be a single component formed integrally. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottle 1 is configured so that when a user drinks from the spout 15, fluid is drawn from the jar 5 by the straw 30 and the straw adapter 35 and enters the spout 15.

[0024] like Figure 3 As provided in the foregoing, the lid 10 includes an underside 40. The adapter receiver member 45 can extend downwardly and away from the underside 40 of the lid 10. In particular, the adapter receiver member 45 can be integrally formed from the underside 40 of the lid 10. In addition, the adapter receiver member 45 can include a mating cavity 50 in which the straw adapter 35 can be frictionally retained (see Figure 2 ).

[0025] Go to Figure 4 , illustrating the top side 55 of the straw adapter 35. As illustrated, the straw adapter 35 includes a tubular body 60 having an inner circumference 65 and an outer circumference 70. The tubular body 60 further includes an upper tubular portion 75 positioned and located near the top side 55 and a lower tubular portion 77 positioned and located opposite and concentric to the upper tubular portion 75.

[0026] In the upper tubular portion 75, the outer circumference 70 can be approximately the same size as or slightly smaller than the mating cavity 50. Thus, when the bottle 1 is assembled, the upper tubular portion 75 of the straw adapter 35 can be frictionally retained within the mating cavity 50 of the cap 10 (see Figure 2 ). To facilitate this frictional engagement, the outer circumference 70 of the upper tubular portion 75 can be surrounded by a series of outer retaining rings 80. However, in other embodiments, the upper tubular portion 75 of the straw adapter 35 can alternatively be retained using a threaded connection, a snap fit, or other connection means as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0027] The straw adapter 35 may further include a valve 85 that is substantially circular as defined by the inner circumference 65. The valve 85 may be comprised of four self-sealing valve flaps 90 ( Figure 4 In response to a change in pressure (such as a user sips from the spout 15), the self-sealing valve flaps 90 can flex outward. When the self-sealing valve flaps 90 flex outward so that they are oriented substantially vertically (in the open configuration), fluid can pass through the straw adapter 35. Figure 4 When oriented substantially horizontally as illustrated (in a closed or sealed configuration), the self-sealing flap 90 can prevent fluid from flowing through the straw adapter 35. In this way, the self-sealing flap 90 of the valve 85 can reduce the likelihood that a user will accidentally spill fluid from the bottle 1.

[0028] In addition, the straw adapter 35 may include an outer end stop ring 95 extending outwardly from the tubular body 60, preferably between the upper tubular portion 75 and the lower tubular portion 77. The outer end stop ring 95 may include side wing members 100 positioned and located on opposite sides of the tubular body 60. The side wing members 100 may be sized and configured such that the straw adapter 35 is wider than the mating cavity 50 proximate the side wing members 100. In this way, the side wing members 100 may prevent the straw adapter 35 from being fully disposed within the mating cavity 50.

[0029] The outer end stop ring 95 may also include an annular member 105. When removing the straw adapter 35 from the lid 10, the user may firmly grasp the straw adapter 35 via the annular member 105 and pull the straw adapter 35 away from the lid 10. Thus, the annular member 105 may facilitate removal of the straw adapter 35 from the mating cavity 50.

[0030] exist Figure 5 , the underside 110 of the straw adapter 35 is illustrated. At the underside 110, the tubular body 60 may include a straw receiving cavity 120 surrounded by the inner circumference 65. When assembling the bottle 1, the end (not shown) of the straw 30 is inserted into the straw receiving cavity 120. In this way, the straw 30 can be frictionally retained within the lower tubular portion 77 and a portion of the upper tubular portion 75. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, there can be an inner retaining ring 125 surrounding the straw receiving cavity 120. When the straw 30 is retained in the straw adapter 35 (as shown in FIG. 1 ), the straw 30 can be frictionally retained within the lower tubular portion 77 and a portion of the upper tubular portion 75. Figure 2 ), the inner retaining ring 125 can increase the frictional engagement of the straw 30 and the straw adapter 35. In other embodiments, the straw 30 can alternatively be retained in the straw adapter 35 using threaded coupling, snap fit, or other coupling methods that will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0031] exist Figure 6 , the self-sealing flap 90 of the straw adapter 35 is in an open configuration. As further illustrated, the straw receiving cavity 120 may include a tapered portion 130, wherein a diameter 135 of the inner circumference 65 decreases from the lower side 110 toward the top side 55. The tapered portion 130 may be positioned and located near an entrance 132 of the straw receiving cavity 120. Thus, the tapered portion 130 may allow a user to more easily initially insert the straw 30 into the straw adapter 35. As the straw 30 is further inserted, the tapered portion 130 may help the user align the straw 30 within the straw adapter 35.

[0032] like Figure 6As further illustrated, the inner end stop ring 140 may protrude radially inward from the inner circumference 65. The inner end stop ring 140 may have a smaller diameter than the straw 30. Therefore, when the straw 30 is inserted into the straw receiving cavity 120, the inner end stop ring 140 may prevent the straw 30 from abutting the self-sealing valve flap 90.

[0033] Go to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , respectively, illustrate the top side 55 and the underside 110 of the straw adapter 35, wherein the self-sealing valve flaps 90 are in a closed configuration. The four self-sealing flaps 90 of the valve 85 are formed by the first slits 145 and the second slits 150 in the film 155. The film 155 abuts and spans the inner circumference 65 and can be formed integrally with the straw adapter 35. In the illustrated embodiment, the first slits 145 and the second slits 150 are substantially perpendicular to each other, but other patterns are also foreseeable. When viewed from the top side 55 (e.g. Figure 7 ), the film 155 is concave. When viewed from the lower side 110 (as shown Figure 8 As shown), the film 155 is convex.

[0034] exist Fig. 9 , an alternative straw adapter 160 is provided. The straw adapter 160 is substantially similar to the straw adapter 35 described above. However, unlike the slits 145, 150, the first slit 165 and the second slit 170 of the straw adapter 160 include a crab cut 175 at each distal end 180. More particularly, the crab cut 175 includes a first auxiliary slit 185 and a second auxiliary slit 190, which intersect at the distal ends 180 of the slits 165, 170. The auxiliary slits 185, 190 can be at an angle of approximately 90° to each other. Thus, an alternative arrangement of the self-sealing valve flap 195 is formed. Such an arrangement of the self-sealing valve flap 195 can bend outward under a reduced pressure gradient. In this way, the straw adapter 160 may require less suction from the user and may therefore be easier to drink from.

[0035] In further alternative embodiments of the straw adapter, the number of self-sealing flaps can vary. In some of these embodiments, the number of slits can also vary (i.e., six self-sealing flaps can be formed by three slits). Additionally, in other embodiments, the configuration of the slits and self-sealing flaps can vary (i.e., in some embodiments, four self-sealing flaps can be formed by four slits). However, in all embodiments, the slits should be precisely cut to help ensure an airtight seal and reduce the possibility of accidental spills.

[0036] For the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the present invention can be made and used, a specific embodiment of a straw adapter for a bottle according to the present invention has been described. It should be understood that other variations and modified embodiments of the present invention and its different aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described. Features described in one embodiment may be implemented in other embodiments. The present disclosure should be understood to cover the present invention and any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the basic underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein.

Claims

1. A straw adapter for use in a bottle having a straw and a lid, characterized in that The straw adapter includes: a main body portion having a top side and an underside; an upper tubular portion extending outwardly from the top side of the body portion, the upper tubular portion being configured to be received in the cap; a straw receiving cavity extending into the underside of the body portion, the straw receiving cavity being configured to receive the straw; and A valve is integrally formed with the upper tubular portion.

2. The straw adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that The straw adapter further includes an inner retaining ring surrounding an inner circumference of the straw receiving cavity, the inner retaining ring being configured to retain the straw in the straw receiving cavity via a friction fit.

3. The straw adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that The straw adapter further includes an outer retaining ring surrounding an outer circumference of the upper tubular portion, the outer retaining ring being configured to retain the straw adapter in the lid via a friction fit.

4. The straw adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that The straw adapter further includes an outer end stop ring that abuts against an outer circumference of the upper tubular portion such that the lower side of the straw adapter is positioned and located outside of the lid.

5. The straw adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The straw adapter further includes a ring member for separating the straw adapter from the cover.

6. A straw adapter for use in a bottle having a straw and a lid, characterized in that The straw adapter includes: an upper tubular portion configured to couple with the cover; a lower tubular portion disposed concentrically with the upper tubular portion, the lower tubular portion being configured to couple with the straw; and A valve is integrally formed with at least one of the upper tubular portion and the lower tubular portion.

7. The straw adapter according to claim 6, characterized in that The valve is configured to open and close in response to changes in pressure.

8. The straw adapter according to claim 6, characterized in that The valve includes a self-sealing flap abutting an inner circumference of the upper tubular portion, the self-sealing flap being configured to regulate fluid flow through the valve.

9. The straw adapter according to claim 6, wherein: The straw adapter further includes an inner end stop ring that abuts an inner circumference of at least one of the upper tubular portion and the lower tubular portion, and the size and shape of the inner end stop ring are designed to prevent the straw from abutting the valve when the straw is received in the straw adapter.

10. The straw adapter according to claim 6, wherein: The lower tubular portion includes a straw receiving cavity for receiving the straw therein.

11. The straw adapter according to claim 10, characterized in that The straw receiving cavity includes a tapered portion such that a diameter of the straw receiving cavity changes size along the length of the tapered portion.

12. The straw adapter according to claim 11, characterized in that The tapered portion is positioned and located proximate to the entrance of the straw receiving cavity.

13. A bottle, characterized in that: The bottle comprises: A can for containing a beverage; a lid selectively coupleable to the jar; a spout positioned and located on the lid, the spout configured for drinking from the lid; a straw adapter configured to couple with the lid; and a straw configured to be received in the straw adapter, Wherein, the straw adapter is integrally formed as a single component.

14. The bottle according to claim 13, characterized in that The straw adapter includes an inner retaining ring configured to couple the straw to the straw adapter.

15. The bottle according to claim 13, characterized in that The straw adapter is retained in the lid via a friction fit.

16. The bottle according to claim 13, characterized in that The straw adapter includes a valve integrally formed with the straw adapter, and wherein the valve is configured to regulate fluid flow through the straw adapter.

17. The bottle according to claim 16, characterized in that The straw adapter further includes an inner end stop ring configured to prevent the straw from abutting the valve when the straw is retained in the straw adapter.

18. The bottle according to claim 13, characterized in that The straw adapter is directly coupled to the lid and the straw.

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