Beverage container stoppers and beverage containers using the same

Abstract

To provide a plug of a beverage container including a lock mechanism which does not cause malfunctions by pressing and a beverage container using the same.SOLUTION: A plug 1 of a beverage container includes a pump mechanism. An operation part 4 for operating the pump mechanism is constituted to vertically reciprocate. A cover 6 is connected to oscillate in conjunction with vertical movements of the operation part 4. A discharge port 12a of a discharge part 12 is pivotally supported to switch between a rising state and a lying-on state. In a stored state, the operation part 4 becomes in a receded state to the inside of a plug body 2, and the cover 6 covers the discharge port 12a in the lying-on state. The discharge port 12a is automatically in the rising state when the cover 6 opens since the discharge port 12a is energized in a rising direction. By rotating a locking part 8 in a circumferential direction, locking and cancellation of locking of the vertical movements of the operation part 4 are performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a stopper for a beverage container having a discharge port and excellent in portability, and a beverage container using the same.

Background Art

[0002] Some stoppers attached to the beverage inlet of a beverage container can be switched between an open state in which the beverage inside can be discharged and a closed state in which the beverage inside is closed so as not to leak for carrying, and have a locking structure that can be locked in the closed state.

[0003] Regarding the technology of the lid opening structure of a beverage container provided with a locking mechanism at such a discharge port, it is described in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, many of the locking structures provided in conventional inner stopper units and the like are push-button types. In such a configuration, for example, the lock may be released by accidentally pressing the button, the inner stopper may be in an open state, and there is a risk of liquid leakage. Also, in the case of a beverage container with excellent portability that is carried in a bag, there is a risk of an unintended operation on the locking mechanism due to interference with other luggage.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a stopper for a beverage container having a locking mechanism that does not cause malfunction due to pressing, and a beverage container using the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the stopper for a beverage container of the present invention is a stopper for a beverage container that is attached to a beverage inlet, and is characterized by comprising: a stopper body fixed to the inlet; a discharge port pivotally supported toward the stopper body so as to be switchable between an upright state and a prone state; a cover that can open and close the discharge port in the prone state; an operating part that is retractable in relation to the stopper body and links the opening and closing operation of the cover to the retraction operation so that the retracted state coincides with the closed state of the cover; and a locking part that can lock the operating part which maintains the closed state of the cover.

[0008] With this configuration, when the operating part is retracted, the cover closes the reclined outlet, and the retracted operating part is locked by the locking mechanism. This allows the operating part and cover, along with the outlet, to be compactly housed within the stopper body. Furthermore, by extending the operating part, the cover can be opened and the outlet raised simultaneously, simplifying operation. In addition, after opening, the operating part and cover can be operated independently relative to the outlet.

[0009] Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the stopper of the beverage container of the present invention is characterized in that the locking part is arranged to be rotatable relative to the operating part around an axis parallel to the direction of extension and retraction, and the locked state and unlocked state of the operating part can be switched by selecting the relative rotation position.

[0010] With this configuration, the locking mechanism is locked by selecting the relative rotational position to the operating mechanism. Since the locking mechanism is configured to allow switching between locked and unlocked states, the plug body on which the operating mechanism is located must be fixed in order to rotate the locking mechanism. In other words, simply applying external pressure will not unintentionally release the lock. Furthermore, if the locking mechanism covers the outer circumference of the operating mechanism, the locking mechanism can be operated from any position in the circumferential direction, making it easier to unlock the lock. In addition, since spring components required for button-type configurations are not needed, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0011] Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the stopper of the beverage container of the present invention is characterized in that the operating part is provided with a biasing means that biases the cover in the direction in which it is opened.

[0012] With this configuration, the cover can be opened simply by releasing the operating part using the biasing mechanism. Compared to configurations where unlocking and opening operations are performed separately, this reduces the effort required to drink the beverage and improves usability.

[0013] Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the stopper of the beverage container of the present invention is characterized in that the dispensing port is biased in a direction that changes from a prone position to an upright position.

[0014] With this configuration, when the lock is released, the cover that was covering the spout is released, and the spout automatically rises, allowing the user to drink the beverage with minimal effort. Furthermore, the automatic rising action also serves as a visually engaging feature for the user.

[0015] Furthermore, the stopper of the beverage container of the present invention is characterized in that, in addition to the above configuration, it is provided with a pump that is integrally provided with the operating unit and whose movement to send air into the beverage container is synchronized with the movement to open and close the cover.

[0016] With this configuration, the control unit serves both to operate the cover and the pump, allowing the pump to be locked with a minimal number of parts.

[0017] Furthermore, the stopper of the beverage container of the present invention is characterized in that, in addition to the above configuration, it has an engagement pair that can be switched between an engaged state and an unengaged state by relative rotation, so that movement in the extending and retracting direction is locked by engagement.

[0018] With this configuration, a simple locking mechanism can be provided that can be locked simply by rotating it to align it with the engagement position.

[0019] In addition, the cap of the beverage container of the present invention is characterized in that, in addition to the above configuration, between the lock portion and the cap body, there is provided a fitting pair that can be fitted to each other at the engagement position of the engagement pair and can relatively overcome each other in the rotational direction.

[0020] With such a configuration, even without direct visual observation, the locked state and the unlocked state can be recognized only by the feeling of manual operation, so that an operation feeling that is familiar to the hand can be obtained.

[0021] In addition, the beverage container of the present invention is characterized by comprising the cap according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is an overall perspective view showing the usage state of the cap of the beverage container of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a view showing the state where the cap of FIG. 1 is removed from the inlet of the liquid storage portion. [Figure 3] It is a central longitudinal sectional view of the cap, where (a) shows the state where the drinking mouth is stored, and (b) shows the usage state of the drinking mouth. [Figure 4] It is an exploded view of the operation portion and the lock portion. [Figure 5] It is a central longitudinal sectional view in the state where the discharge portion is taken out, where (a) shows the state where the cover is closed, and (b) shows the state where the cover is opened. [Figure 6] It represents the operation of the cap, where (a) shows the unlocking operation, (b) shows the state where the cover is opened and the discharge portion stands up, (c) shows the state where the discharge portion lies down after use, and (d) shows the state where the operation portion is locked. [Figure 7] It is an exploded perspective view showing the state where the lock portion is removed from the cap. [Figure 8] It shows the cross section of the cap, where (a) is a cross sectional view passing through the fitting convex portion of the cap body, and (b) is a cross sectional view passing through the engaging convex portion of the operation portion.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] The following describes, with reference to the figures, a stopper for a beverage container and a beverage container using the same according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view showing the stopper 1 of the beverage container 100 of the present invention in use. Figure 2 shows the stopper 1 from Figure 1 removed from the inlet 10a of the liquid storage section 10.

[0025] This beverage container 100 is equipped with a pump mechanism to assist in drinking. This pump mechanism is configured to compress air through linear reciprocating motion.

[0026] In Figure 1, the operating part 4 for supplying air protrudes upward from the stopper body 2. The stopper body 2 forms the general shape of the stopper 1, and in this embodiment, the components excluding the movable parts are conveniently referred to as the stopper body 2. This stopper body 2 is roughly divided into the upper part 2a and the lower part 2b. The discharge port 12a side of the discharge part 12 for dispensing beverages is also in an upright position facing upward.

[0027] The operating section 4 has a cylindrical side surface, and a notch is formed in the upper center, wide enough to accommodate the discharge section 12. In addition to the discharge section 12, a cover 6 is also provided in the notched space of the operating section 4.

[0028] Referring to Figure 2, the operating section 4, the dispensing section 12, and the cover 6 are all stored so that they are flush with the top surface of the stopper body 2. In this way, when not in use, it is stored with almost no protrusions, which prevents interference with other luggage and makes it easy to handle. The part hanging down below the stopper body 2 in Figure 2 is the straw 14 that makes up the dispensing section 12.

[0029] Next, we will describe the internal structure of stopper 1.

[0030] Figure 3 is a central longitudinal cross-sectional view of the stopper 1, cut by a plane parallel to the pivoting surface of the drinking spout 16. Figure 3(a) shows the drinking spout 16 in the retracted state, and (b) shows the drinking spout 16 in use.

[0031] In Figure 3(a), the outlet 12a (see Figure 1) of the dispensing section 12 is bent in a prone position near the pivot shaft 16a of the drinking spout 16. The cover 6 is closed to cover the drinking spout 16 in this prone position. The operating section 4 (see Figure 2) is recessed so that its surface is flush with the top surface of the stopper body 2.

[0032] As described above, since the straw 14 is made of an elastically deformable material, it can flexibly follow the movement of the drinking spout 16.

[0033] However, since it is designed to bend at an angle θ greater than 90 degrees, communication occurs at the bent portion. A deformation occurs that causes the passage 14a to become blocked. With this configuration, when the drinking spout 16 is retracted as shown in Figure 3(a), the beverage is blocked at the point where the passage 14a is blocked, thus preventing leakage during transport.

[0034] In this embodiment, the pivot point of the mouthpiece 16, which is the center of oscillation, is configured to be slightly shifted in the prone direction relative to the straw 14. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the pivot point of the mouthpiece 16 is set to overlap with the straw 14, the oscillation in the prone direction causes the trajectory of the tip of the mouthpiece 16 to trace a larger arc than the trajectory of the tip of the straw 14. Consequently, as shown in Figure 3(a), the tip of the straw 14 in the prone position is retracted further back than the tip of the mouthpiece 16. Therefore, since the mouthpiece 16 in this state is further covered by the cover 6, hygienic use is possible.

[0035] Furthermore, in order for the tip of the straw 14 to be retracted into the inside of the drinking spout 16 as the spout 16 moves, the straw 14 needs to be held slidably relative to the drinking spout 16.

[0036] Figure 3(b) shows the device in use with the cover 6 open.

[0037] As described above, since the straw 14 is made of an elastically deformable material, when the barrier provided by the cover 6 is removed, it extends upward by rotation due to the elastic restoring force, reaching the inclined outward position on the base 18. In the configuration according to this embodiment, silicone material is selected as the material that can withstand repeated bending and generate an appropriate elastic restoring force. When the straw 14 is in an upright position, the previously closed passage 14a is opened.

[0038] Next, the structure of the operating section 4 and the locking section 8 will be described.

[0039] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the operating section 4 and the locking section 8. As explained with reference to Figure 1, the operating section 4 has an outer shape in which the central side of a cylinder is cut out to accommodate the drinking spout 16 (one of the components of the dispensing section 12) and the cover 6. The pump 20 is integrally attached to the lower end of this operating section 4. Four engaging protrusions 4a are formed on the side surface of the operating section 4 at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0040] On the other hand, the locking section 8 has a structure in which large and small cylindrical members are stacked on top of each other in a double layer. On the inner wall of the inner cylindrical section 8a, an engaging recess 8a1 is formed, which allows the engaging projection 4a of the operating section 4 to engage in the vertical direction. Although not shown in Figure 4(b), the engaging recess 8a1 is formed in four locations opposite the four engaging projections 4a.

[0041] Furthermore, a release recess 8a2 is formed continuously with the engagement recess 8a1. The release recess 8a2 is a structure that releases the lock of the operating part 4 when it is in the retracted state, allowing it to move upward.

[0042] The engaging projection 4a of the operating section 4 is rotatable relative to the engaging recess 8a1 in the circumferential direction, and is rotatable relative to the engaging recess 8a2 in the retraction direction. Hereafter, the configuration of the engaging projection 4a and the engaging recess 8a1 will be referred to as an engaging pair.

[0043] When the engaging pair is engaged, the upper surface of the plug 1 is flat as shown in Figure 2. When the engaging projection 4a disengages from the engaging pair and moves to the release recess 8a2 side, the operating part 4 protrudes upward as shown in Figure 1.

[0044] As described above, in the configuration according to this embodiment, the locking and unlocking operations are performed in a direction of relative rotation around an axis that is the axis of the pump operation direction by reciprocating linear motion, so pumping There is no risk of malfunction during operation. Furthermore, even if external pressure is applied, the locking mechanism is perpendicular to the locking direction, preventing accidental unlocking. In addition, since the locking mechanism 8 is formed around the entire circumference, locking and unlocking operations can be performed with the same operation from any direction.

[0045] Next, we will explain the relationship between the operating unit 4 and the cover 6.

[0046] Figure 5 is a central vertical cross-sectional view with the discharge section 12 removed, where (a) shows the cover 6 closed and (b) shows the cover 6 open.

[0047] The cover 6 is pivotally supported on the side of the stopper body 2 (see Figure 1) and is configured to swing. The swing end 6b of the cover 6 slides within a slide groove 4b (see Figure 4(b)) formed inside the operating part 4. This action causes the cover 6 to open to the side opposite the discharge part 12.

[0048] A coil spring 22 is provided below the operating part 4. This coil spring 22 acts as a biasing means that biases the operating part 4 upward. Therefore, when the engagement state between the operating part 4 and the locking part 8 is released and the engagement projection 4a moves to the release recess 8a2 side, the operating part 4 is lifted upward by the biasing force of the coil spring 22.

[0049] In other words, when the lock on the operating unit 4 by the locking part 8 is released, the cover 6 opens along with the operating unit 4. Then, when the cover 6 opens, the dispensing unit 12 automatically returns to an upright position due to the restoring force of the straw 14.

[0050] Next, we will explain how to operate stopper 1.

[0051] Figure 6 shows the operation of the stopper 1, where (a) is the unlocking operation, (b) is the state with the cover 6 open and the discharge part 12 upright, (c) is the state with the discharge part 12 lying down after use, and (d) is the state with the operating part 4 locked.

[0052] As shown in Figure 6(a), to begin use, all that is required is to rotate the locking part 8 relative to the operating part 4. This operation causes the cover 6 to open in conjunction with the protrusion of the operating part 4, as shown in Figure 6(b). When the cover 6 is opened, the discharge port 12a side of the straw 14, which had been storing elastic restorative force due to deformation to a prone state, comes to an upright position.

[0053] Next, we will explain the valve body 2 and the operating unit 4.

[0054] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the stopper 1 with the locking part 8 removed. The operating part 4 can be seen positioned inside the stopper body 2. Below the operating part 4, the engaging projection 4a that constitutes the aforementioned engaging pair is visible. On the lower outer circumference of the stopper body 2, a fitting projection 2b1 is formed facing outwards. As shown in Figure 4(b), the fitting projection 2b1 is formed in a position to engage with a fitting recess 8b1 formed at the lower end of the inner wall of the outer cylinder part 8b of the locking part 8. This fitting recess 8b1 is formed in two locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0055] Here, I will explain while referring to the cross-sectional diagram.

[0056] Figure 8 shows a cross-section of the plug 1, where (a) is a cross-sectional view passing through the fitting projection 2b1 of the plug body 2 (see Figure 1), and (b) is a cross-sectional view passing through the engaging projection 4a of the operating part 4.

[0057] As can be seen from Figure 8, on the inner cylinder portion 8a side of the locking portion 8, an engagement pair consisting of an engagement recess 8a1 and an engagement projection 4a is formed with the operating portion 4, and on the outer cylinder portion 8b side, it fits with the plug body 2. A fitting pair is formed, consisting of a recess 8b1 and a fitting projection 2b1. As described above, the engagement pair is a locking structure for holding the operating part 4 in a retracted state relative to the stopper body 2. In contrast, the fitting pair is a structure that provides the user with a click sensation by forming a fitting state at the locked position and the unlocked position when switching between the locked state and the unlocked state by rotating the locking part 8 relative to the operating part 4. Specifically, the structure is configured so that a click sensation is obtained in two states: when the engaging projection 4a is positioned at the innermost part of the engaging recess 8a1, furthest from the release recess 8a2, and when it has moved to the release recess 8a2.

[0058] This allows users to easily recognize the locked and unlocked states simply by touch, resulting in superior operability. For example, even while moving during outdoor sports, reliable opening and closing operations can be performed without shifting one's gaze to the hands. Furthermore, in situations such as elderly care where posture cannot be easily changed, safe operation can be performed solely by hand.

[0059] Referring to Figure 8(b), it can be seen that the inner cylinder portion 8a of the locking portion 8 is formed with a thicker wall than the outer cylinder portion 8b. In other words, the inner cylinder portion 8a of the locking portion 8 has higher rigidity than the outer cylinder portion 8b. This is to suppress the upward protrusion of the operating portion 4 and to prevent deformation caused by the load on the locking portion 8 due to the up-and-down movement of the operating portion 4 during pump operation, as this load is directly applied to the inner cylinder portion 8a.

[0060] In contrast, in the outer cylinder portion 8b, in order to produce a click sensation, the projection of the fitting projection 2b1 needs to overcome the ridges forming the recessed structure in the circumferential direction when fitting into the fitting recess 8b1. Therefore, the outer cylinder portion 8b needs to be configured to deform so that it bulges slightly in the radial direction at the moment the fitting projection 2b1 passes over it. In other words, if the structure is too rigid, a smooth click operation cannot be performed.

[0061] In the configuration according to this embodiment, a relatively thin-walled structure is adopted for the outer cylinder portion 8b, which makes it possible to smoothly achieve a fitting between the mating pairs.

[0062] The configuration described above is just one example of the present invention, and further modifications are also included as follows.

[0063] (1) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which an engaging pair was formed by providing a convex structure (engaging convex part 4a) on the operating part 4 side and a concave structure (engaging concave part 8a1) on the locking part 8 side. However, as long as the operating part 4 can be locked in a immersed state inside the stopper 1, and the locking part 8 can be selected to lock and unlock by relative rotation in the circumferential direction of the locking part 8, a combination in which the operating part 4 side has a concave structure and the locking part 8 side has a convex structure is also acceptable. Furthermore, a combination in which both have convex structures is also acceptable as long as engagement is possible.

[0064] (2) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which four engagement pairs formed between the operating part 4 and the locking part 8 are formed at positions that are approximately equally spaced in the circumferential direction. However, the number of engagement pairs is not limited to four. While it is desirable for them to be formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction in order to operate in a balanced manner, it is sufficient to have at least one pair to realize a configuration that enables locking and unlocking.

[0065] (3) In the above embodiment, the locking portion 8 was shown as an example in which it is formed in a ring shape around the entire circumference of the operating portion 4. However, as long as it is provided so as to be rotatable relative to the operating portion, it may be formed in an arc shape on a part of its circumference.

[0066] (4) In the above embodiment, the fitting projection 2b1 of the plug body 2 that protrudes radially outward is An example configuration is shown in which a mating pair fits into a mating recess 8b1 having a concave structure facing inward. However, the relationship between the concave and convex structures may be reversed on the radially inner and outer sides. [Industrial applicability]

[0067] The beverage container stopper of the present invention and the beverage container using it are free from the risk of malfunction even when pressure is applied, and can be easily locked and unlocked with the same operation from any direction, making them safe for use in a wide range of fields, from outdoor sports to elderly care. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1 stopper 2. Stopper body 2a Upper part of the stopper body 2b Lower part of the stopper body 2b1 Mating projection (one of the mating pairs) 4 Control section 4a Engaging projection (one of the engaging pair) 4b Slide groove 6 Covers 6a Support shaft 6b Oscillating end 8. Locking mechanism 8a Inner cylinder part 8a1 Engaging recess (the other half of the engaging pair) 8a2 Release recess 8b Outer cylinder 8b1 Mating recess (the other half of the mating pair) 10 Liquid storage section 10a Inlet 12 Discharge part 12a Discharge port 14 straws 14a Communication path 16 Drinking spout 16a Support shaft 16b Through hole 18 base 20 pumps 20a Pressure relief valve 20b valve stem 20b1 Airway 20c packing 20d valve seat 22 Coil spring (biasing means) 24 filters 100 beverage containers θ is the angle of bending.

Claims

1. A stopper for a beverage container that is attached to the opening of the beverage container, A stopper body fixed to the aforementioned opening, A discharge port pivotally supported on the plug body side, which can be switched between an upright and prone position, A cover that can open and close the discharge port in the prone position, An operating unit is provided so as to be able to extend and retract relative to the stopper body, and the opening and closing operation of the cover is linked to the extension and retraction operation so that the retracted state coincides with the closed state of the cover, The operating part that maintains the closed state of the cover is equipped with a locking part that can lock the operating part, The stopper for a beverage container is characterized in that the locking part is arranged to be rotatable relative to the operating part around an axis parallel to the direction of extension and retraction, and the locking state and unlocked state of the operating part can be switched by selecting the relative rotation position.

2. The stopper for a beverage container according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating section is provided with a biasing means for biasing the cover in the direction in which it is opened.

3. The stopper for a beverage container according to claim 2, characterized in that the discharge port is biased in a direction that changes from a prone position to an upright position.

4. The stopper for a beverage container according to claim 3, further comprising a pump provided integrally with the operating unit, the pump's movement to supply air into the beverage container synchronizes with the movement to open and close the cover.

5. The stopper for a beverage container according to claim 4, characterized in that it has an engagement pair that can be switched between an engaged state and an unengaged state by relative rotation, such that the movement in the extending and retracting direction is locked by engagement.

6. The stopper for a beverage container according to claim 5, characterized in that a fitting pair is provided between the locking portion and the stopper body, which can be fitted together at the engagement position of the engaging pair and can relatively overcome each other in the rotational direction.

7. A beverage container characterized by being equipped with the stopper described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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