Trainer Cup Apparatus

Abstract

Trainer cup apparatus 10 comprises cup 12, lid 14, and straw device 16. The lid defines a sipping hole (fig.8,18). In one configuration, the lid is located in the opening (fig.15,22). The straw device

Description

Technical Field 5 The present invention relates to trainer cup apparatus, particularly but not exclusively trainer cup apparatus for use by an infant. Background 10 Conventionally, infants progress from drinking from a breast or a bottle, to a cup with a spout, to an open cup. In recent times, spouted cups have started to be replaced by cups with straws due to the belief of speech therapists that spouted cups can cause oral development issues. However, straws can be difficult for the child to manage. Furthermore, the step from drinking from a 15 cup with a lid and straw to drinking from an open cup can be difficult for the child. In this specification, the terms upward, downward and other similar orientation terms are used in relation to a cup which is located on a horizontal 20 surface such as a table, so that upward means away from the horizonal surface and downward means towards the horizontal surface. In this specification, the word “substantially” is used to include the meaning of “exactly or for practical purposes, as will be understood by a skilled 25 person in the technical field”. This includes some variation from “exactly” because of practical considerations. For example, in the technical field of this invention, “substantially horizontal” might include ±10° from the horizontal. Statements of Invention 30 According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided trainer cup apparatus as defined in claim 1 of the claims. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of training an infant to drink from a cup as defined in claim 13 of the claims. 5 Other possible features are as defined in the dependent claims. Figures 10 An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 15 20 25 30 Fig. 1 is a perspective view of training cup apparatus in one configuration; Fig. 2 is another perspective view of the training cup apparatus in the one configuration; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus as indicated by arrows III in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a relatively enlarged detail of part of Fig. 3 as indicated by the reference label IV; Fig. 5 is a relatively enlarged detail of part of Fig. 3 as indicated by the reference label V; Fig. 6 is a plan view of a part of the apparatus of Fig. 1, showing a straw device; Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus as indicated by arrows VII in Fig. 1; Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the training cup apparatus in a second configuration; Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Fig. 8 as indicated by arrows IX in Fig. 8; Fig. 10 is a relatively enlarged detail of part of Fig. 9 as indicated by the reference label X; Figs. 11 to 14 are further views of the apparatus in the second configuration, with Fig. 11 being a relatively enlarged detail of part of Fig. 13 as indicated by the reference label XI, Fig. 12 being a plan view, Fig. 13 a side view and Fig. 14 another side view; 5 Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the training cup apparatus in a third configuration; and Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Fig. 15 as indicated by arrows XVI in Fig. 15. 10 Description Figs. 1 to 16 show trainer cup apparatus 10 for use by an infant. The apparatus 10 comprises a cup 12, a lid 14, and a straw device 16. The lid 14 defines a sipping hole 18. In one configuration, the straw device 16 locates in 15 the sipping hole 18. CM The cup 12 defines an interior 20 and an opening 22. In use, liquid for drinking is located in the interior 20. CO 20 In the one configuration, the lid 14 is located in the opening 22. The straw device 16 includes a straw part 26, which defines a straw part drinking passage 36. In use, in the one configuration, liquid is delivered from the interior 20 to the user through the straw part drinking passage 36. 25 The apparatus 10 is movable to a second configuration, in which the lid 14 is located in the opening 22 and the straw device 16 is not located in the sipping hole 18, so that the sipping hole 18 is open and, in use, in the second configuration, liquid is delivered to the user through the sipping hole 18. 30 The apparatus 10 is movable to a third configuration, in which the lid 14 is separated from the cup 12, so that the opening 22 is open, and, in use, in the third configuration, liquid is delivered to the user through the opening 22. The straw device 16 includes a plug part 28, which extends outwardly laterally from the straw part 26. The straw part 26 and the plug part 28 are integrally formed. In the one configuration, the plug part 28 seals the sipping hole 18 to prevent liquid passing through the sipping hole 18 between the straw part 26 and the lid 14. 10 15 20 In use, in the one configuration, liquid is only delivered to the user through the straw part drinking passage 36. The lid 14 defines a vent hole 30 which permits venting of the interior 20. The cup 12 includes a side wall 32 and a base wall 34. The base wall 34 defines a recess 38, in which, in the one configuration, an end of the straw part 26 is located. The lid 14 comprises a lid wall 40 and a rim wall 42. The rim wall 42 extends peripherally around the lid wall 40, upstanding therefrom, to define a lid recess 50. The rim wall 42 has a thickness 52 and a height 62. The thickness 52 of the rim wall 42 tapers in the upward direction, reducing with the height 62. 25 The rim wall 42 includes a relatively higher projecting portion 44 and a relatively lower projecting portion 46. The relatively higher projecting portion 44 projects upwardly further than the relatively lower projecting portion 46. 30 The relatively higher projecting portion 44 is located adjacent the sipping hole 18. In the one configuration, the straw part 26 locates against and is supported by the relatively higher projecting portion 44. The relatively higher projecting portion 44 comprises an angled support surface 70 against which, in the one configuration, the straw part 26 locates. This improves the stability of 5 the straw part 26 in use. The angled support surface is angled to support the straw part 26 at a straw part angle 72, which could, in the example shown, be approximately 15° to the vertical. The plug part 28 defines a sealing channel 78 which, in the one 10 configuration, receives an edge 80 of the lid 14 defining the sipping hole 18. The rim wall relatively higher projecting portion 44 has a top edge 54, which has a thickness 64 and has a maximum height 74. The rim wall relatively lower projecting portion 46 has a top edge 56, which has a thickness 66 and a 15 height 76. The relatively higher projecting portion top edge thickness 64 is thinner than the relatively lower projecting portion top edge thickness 66. The relatively higher projecting portion top edge maximum height 74 is greater than the relatively lower projecting portion top edge height 76. CO 20 The relatively higher projecting portion top edge 54 is curved and has a maximum projection height 84 above the relatively lower projecting portion top edge 56 of no more than 4mm and no less than 2mm. In one example, the maximum projection height 84 is approximately 2.5mm. 25 Although the relatively higher projecting portion 44 only projects a relatively small amount, the Applicant has found that this surprisingly performs two functions in the second configuration: the shape provides a visual guide to correctly holding the cup relative to the sipping hole 18; and the gently rounded shape provides a tactile indication to the infant that his / her mouth is located 30 correctly relative to the sipping hole 18. The cup side wall 32 has a top edge 58. The side wall top edge 58 has a thickness 68 which is substantially the same as the relatively higher projecting portion top edge thickness 64. In one example, the cup side wall top edge thickness 68 and the relatively higher projecting portion top edge thickness 64 are each no more than 4mm and no less than 2mm. The cup side wall 32 includes a tapered portion 86 adjacent to the top 10 edge 58 of the cup side wall 32, in which the thickness of the cup side wall 32 reduces upwardly. The tapered portion 86 is substantially the same in cross-sectional size and shape as the cross-sectional size and shape of the relatively higher projecting portion 44. The relatively higher projecting portion 44 includes an upper part 100, which has a cross-sectional profile. The cup side wall 32 includes an upper part 102, which has a cross-sectional profile, which is the same or substantially similar to the cross-sectional profile of the relatively higher projecting portion upper part 100. The profiles of the upper part 100 of the relatively higher 20 projecting portion and the upper part 102 of the cup side wall are substantially congruent and thus feel similar to an infant. This similarity helps to ease the transition from using the apparatus 10 in the second configuration to using the apparatus 10 in the one configuration. 25 The lid 14 includes a downwardly extending side wall 82 which locates into the interior 20 of the cup 12 and abuts against the cup side wall 32. The lid 14 defines a side recess 92 which receives the cup side wall 32. The cup side wall 32 could include gripping formations 88 which grip the lid side wall 82. The straw part 26 protrudes a maximum length 98 from the plug part 28. The maximum protrusion length 98 could be no more than 30mm and more desirably could be no more than 25mm. The maximum protrusion length 98 could be no less than 13mm and more desirably could be no less than 18mm. 5 In one example, the maximum protrusion length 98 could be approximately 21 to 22mm. The trainer cup apparatus 10 provides an ideal first cup following breastfeeding at the age of 6 months. 10 The unique design facilitates progression through 3 stages and configurations to open cup drinking, whilst being very mindful of babies’ oral development at each stage. The child naturally progresses easily from each stage as they become more practiced and capable. 15 Stage 1: First apparatus configuration: Cup with straw (“Straw Cup”) • Ideal first cup, for transition from breast or bottle feeding. • Simple free flow straw (straw part 26) with no valve, to enable easy free flow sipping. 20 • Short er than typical protruding straw length 98 of 2cm, so that the tip of the straw part 26 just reaches the tip of the child’s tongue resting behind their lower front teeth. Longer straws that reach over the tip of the tongue prevent the tongue tip from elevating to the alveolar ridge, which is not ideal for the development of a mature swallowing pattern. 25 • Straw part 26 is firm, with outer diameter of 6mm and inner diameter of 3.5mm to facilitate the correct flow for safe and easy swallowing. Wider outer edge of straw allows for lips to round and pucker rather than biting or flattening their lips to drink (rounding of the lips is the same movement children use for many speech sounds and drinking from the right sort of 30 straw enables the development of those muscles). • The straw part 26 is formed integrally with the plug part 28 which locates in the sipping hole 18 defined by the lid 14. The integral formation means that the length 98 of the protruding straw part 26 is fixed. The plug part 28 locates tightly in the sipping hole 18 to form a seal and is held firmly to prevent it from being easily pulled out or pushed into the cup interior 20. • The vent hole 30 defined by the lid 14 allows for steam release from 5 warm drinks, such as milk. • The bottom end of the straw part 26 locates in the recess 38 defined by the base wall 34 of the cup 12, so that the straw part 26 is stable and movement during use is minimized / restricted. 10 Stage 2: Second apparatus configuration: Cup with lid (“Transition Cup”) • Facilitates transition from Straw Cup to Open Cup. • The straw device 16 is removed from the sipping hole 18 so that the sipping hole 18 is open. 15 • The rim wall 42 of the lid 14 has a relatively higher projecting portion 44 which has a top edge thickness 64 which mimics / replicates the top edge thickness 68 of the cup side wall 32, allowing children to learn to form their lips around the edge of an open cup, without the cup being fully open at this stage, thus minimizing the mess. • The relatively higher projecting portion 44 of the lid rim wall 42 visually guides the child to the sipping hole 18 and provides tactile feedback that the child’s mouth is correctly located. Stage 3: Third apparatus configuration: “Open Cup” • Simple open cup. 25 • Chunky double handles 90 for easy holding. • Cup widens to base 94 for stability, to prevent toppling. • Handy measure 96 on interior of cup side wall 32. • Cup side wall top edge thickness substantially the same as the relatively higher projecting portion top edge thickness 64, approximately 3mm. 30 While the different configurations have been termed “one” or “first”, “second” and “third”, and these generally follow the sequence of training, it will be realised that the apparatus 10 can be moved to and from any one of these configurations in any order. The components of the apparatus 10 are formed of plastics material 5 such as food grade silicone, suitable for both warm and cold drinks, as well as being dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe and pretty much indestructible. The components of the apparatus 10 are formed by moulding. Advantages of the training cup apparatus 10 are: 10 • the apparatus 10 provides a three-step solution to the problem of teaching an infant to drink from an open cup; • the straw part 26 is held stably by the plug part 28, the angled support surface 70 of the relatively higher projecting portion 44, and the base wall 15 recess 38, either individually or in combination; • the base wall recess 38 also allows the liquid to ‘pool’ under the end of the straw part 26; • the shape of the relatively higher projecting portion 44 and tapered portion 86 of the cup side wall 32 are the same / similar to ease the transition to an 20 open cup by accustoming the infant to the feel of these portions; • the thickness 64 of the top edge 54 of the relatively higher projecting portion 44 and the thickness 68 of the top edge 58 of the cup side wall 32 are the same / similar to ease the transition by accustoming the infant to the feel of this thickness, which are similar to / the same as the thickness of the adult 25 cups and glasses. Other Modifications Various other modifications could be made without departing from the 30 scope of the invention. The various components could be of any suitable size and formed of any suitable material (within the scope of the specific definitions herein). Any of the features or steps of any of the embodiments shown or described could be combined in any suitable way, within the scope of the overall disclosure of this document. 5 Final Remarks There is thus provided trainer cup apparatus for use by an infant, with a number of advantages over conventional arrangements. In particular, the 10 apparatus provides three configurations which help the infant move from drinking from a bottle to drinking from an open cup. 30 12 24

Claims

1. Trainer cup apparatus for use by an infant, the apparatus comprising a cup, a lid, and a straw device, the lid defining a sipping hole in which, in one5 configuration, the straw device locates; the cup defines an interior and an opening; in use, liquid for drinking is located in the interior; in the one configuration, the lid is located in the opening; the straw device includes a straw part which defines a straw part drinking passage; in use, in the one configuration, liquid is delivered from the interior to the user through the10 straw part drinking passage; the apparatus is movable to a second configuration, in which the lid is located in the opening and the straw device is not located in the sipping hole, so that the sipping hole is open, and in use, liquid is delivered to the user through the sipping hole; the apparatus is movable to a third configuration, in which the lid is separated from the cup15 so that the opening is open and in use, liquid is delivered to the user throughthe opening;the cup includes a side wall and a base wall;the lid comprises a lid wall and a rim wall; the rim wall extends peripherally around the lid wall, upstanding therefrom; the upstanding rim wall includes20 a relatively higher projecting portion and a relatively lower projecting portion; and the relatively higher projecting portion projects upwardly further than the relatively lower projecting portion;the rim wall relatively higher projecting portion has a top edge; the cup side wall has a top edge; the cup side wall includes a tapered portion, which is25 adjacent to the top edge of the cup side wall and in which the thickness of the cup side wall reduces upwardly; the tapered portion is substantially the same in cross-sectional size and shape to the cross-sectional size and shape of the relatively higher projecting portion.30 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the straw device includes a plugpart; the plug part extends outwardly laterally from the straw part; and in the one configuration, the plug part seals the sipping hole between the straw part and the lid.

3. Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2, in which the base wall defines a recess, in which, in the one configuration, an end of the straw part is located.5 4. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, in which the rim wall relativelyhigher projecting portion has a top edge, which has a thickness; the rim wall relatively lower projecting portion has a top edge, which has a thickness; and the relatively higher projecting portion top edge thickness is thinner than the relatively lower projecting portion top edge thickness.

105. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the rim wall relatively higher projecting portion has a top edge, which has a maximum height; the rim wall relatively lower projecting portion has a top edge, which has a height; and the relatively higher projecting portion top edge maximum 15 height is greater than the relatively lower projecting portion top edge height.CM6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the rim wall relatively higher projecting portion has a top edge; the rim wall relatively CO lower projecting portion has a top edge; the relatively higher projecting20 portion top edge is curved.

7. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the rim wall relatively higher projecting portion has a top edge; the rim wall relatively lower projecting portion has a top edge; the relatively higher projecting25 portion top edge has a maximum projection height above the relatively lower projecting portion top edge of no more than 4mm and no less than 2mm.

8. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the rim wall relatively higher projecting portion has a top edge, which has a thickness;30 the cup side wall has a top edge, which has a thickness, and the cup side wall top edge thickness is the same as or substantially similar to the relatively higher projecting portion top edge thickness.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, in which the cup side wall top edge thickness and the relatively higher projecting portion top edge thickness are each no more than 4mm and no less than 2mm.5 10. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the relativelyhigher projecting portion includes an upper part, which has a cross-sectional profile; the cup side wall includes an upper part, which has a cross-sectional profile; and the cross-sectional profile of the cup side wall upper part is substantially the same as the cross-sectional profile of the relatively higher 10 projecting portion upper part.

11. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the straw part protrudes a maximum length from the plug part; the maximum protrusion length is no more than 30mm and may be no more than 25mm.CM 1512. Apparatus according to claim 11, in which the maximum protrusion length is no less than 13mm and may be no less than 18mm.o 13. A method of training an infant to drink from a cup, the method including20 providing trainer cup apparatus for use by an infant, the apparatus comprising a cup, a lid, and a straw device, the lid defining a sipping hole in which, in one configuration, the straw device locates; the cup defines an interior and an opening; in use, liquid for drinking is located in the interior; in the one configuration, the lid is located in the opening; the straw device 25 includes a straw part which defines a straw part drinking passage; in use, in the one configuration, liquid is delivered from the interior to the user through the straw part drinking passage; the apparatus is movable to a second configuration, in which the lid is located in the opening and the straw device is not located in the sipping hole, so that the sipping hole is open, and in 30 use, liquid is delivered to the user through the sipping hole; the apparatus is movable to a third configuration, in which the lid is separated from the cup so that the opening is open and in use, liquid is delivered to the user through the opening;30 12 24the cup includes a side wall and a base wall; the lid comprises a lid wall and a rim wall; the rim wall extends peripherally around the lid wall, upstanding therefrom; the rim wall includes a relatively higher projecting portion and a relatively lower projecting portion; and the relatively higher projecting portion5 projects upwardly further than the relatively lower projecting portion; the rim wall relatively higher projecting portion has a top edge; the cup side wall has a top edge; the cup side wall includes a tapered portion, which is adjacent to the top edge of the cup side wall and in which the thickness of the cup side wall reduces upwardly; the tapered portion is the substantially the same10 in cross-sectional size and shape to the cross-sectional size and shape of the rim wall relatively higher projecting portion.

14. A method according to claim 13, in which the apparatus includes any of the features defined in claims 1 to 12.

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