AU2005100041A4 - Closure - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Applicant(s): SMILESTRAW PTY LTD Invention Title:

CLOSURE

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: -2-

CLOSURE

The Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a closure which finds particular application as a closure for a drinking vessel such as a bottle.

Background to the Invention Many closures for drinking vessels have the dual purpose of sealing the bottle and providing a drinking conduit for draining or expelling liquid from within the drinking vessel. All these closure typically comprise a spout, tube or straw which is held between the lips of a user allowing the user to either suck or pour the liquid into their mouth. The liquid therefore flows past the user's lips, through or over some of the user's teeth, over the tongue and swallowed down through the throat into their stomach.

However, in some instances it is not desirable for the liquid being drunk through the closure to contact a user's teeth. For example, the liquid may have impart an undesirable colour stain to the user's teeth. Although, such a stain may be temporary, it would be advantageous if the user was provided with a means which allowed the user to drink such a liquid while avoiding significant contact of the liquid to the visible front teeth of the user.

This may be achieved by using a closure which provides a long straw or tube for the user to drink through, such as the bottle arrangement disclosed in United States Patent 5,048,705. However, the configuration of these types of tubes are not specifically adapted for use in this region of the mouth. In this respect, the H:\edwlnp\Keep\patent specis\Drinking vessel lid\complete.doc 13/01/05 3 dimensions and cylindrical nature of the drinking tube is not adapted for comfortable and easy positioning within a user's mouth. If positioned incorrectly, a user may have a gag response if the tube is inserted too deeply near throat region of the user's mouth.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a closure for a drinking vessel which in use can expel liquid from an attached vessel past the teeth of a user and also is adapted for use in this region of the user's mouth.

Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a closure for a drinking vessel comprising: a lid member adapted to engage an opening of the drinking vessel; and an elongate tubular member projecting from the lid member and having an outlet at one end thereof, the tubular member being able to be used as a conduit through which liquid can pass from the drinking vessel to a user, wherein the tubular member is of sufficient length for a user to insert the tubular member into their mouth so that the outlet can be located past their front teeth, and the exterior of the tubular member also having a generally flattened configuration that is adapted to rest on the user's tongue.

In a preferable embodiment of the invention, the shape of the exterior of the tubular member is further adapted having a generally flattened configuration that is adapted to rest on the user's tongue. This allows a user to close their mouth around the tubular member, and rest the tubular member between the lips, front teeth and tongue. This assists the user to direct the liquid away H:\edwinp\Keep\patent specis\Drinking vessel lid\complete.doc 13/01/05 4 from the front teeth of a user's when drinking through the closure.

Accordingly, the particular form of the tubular member has a dual purpose: Firstly, the length of elongate tubular member is adapted to direct liquid past the user's front teeth into their mouth. In this respect, the tubular member is designed to project away from the lid and any vessel the lid is attached from a sufficient distance so that when a user inserts the tubular member into their mouth the distal outer end of the tube can be inserted past the front teeth of the user. It is preferable therefore that the projected length of the tubular member from the end proximal to the lid or vessel to the distal end away from the lid or vessel is at least 15 mm in length.

Secondly, the shape of the tubular member should be suitable for resting the tubular member on a user's tongue, when expelling liquid from the vessel through the tubular member into a user's mouth. The generally flat exterior surface of the tubular member allows a user to easily position the tubular member against the tongue in a preferably comfortable position for drinking the contents of the vessel.

In one embodiment of the invention, the exterior surface of the tubular member has a substantially oval cross-sectional shape. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the interior conduit also comprises a substantially oval cross-sectional shape. The oval shape provides a generally flat exterior surface to each side of the oval shape parallel to the major axis of the oval. These flat regions are suitable for resting the tubular member on a user's tongue. The oval shape also provides more arcuate surfaces to each side of the oval H:\edwinp\Keep\patent specis\Drlnklng vessel lid\complete.doc 13/01/05 shape parallel to the minor axis of the oval. Accordingly, the substantially flat surface parallel to the major axis can be easily orientated within the mouth to rest against the user's tongue, while the smaller minor axis provides the tubular member a small height which is suitable for insertion between a user's teeth. Preferably, the dimension of the major diameter is at least 1.3x the dimension of the minor diameter of the oval.

In one embodiment of the invention, the tubular member has an asymmetrical oval shape, preferably being asymmetric about the major axis. In this embodiment of the invention, the sides of the oval parallel to the major axis comprise a first side having a substantially flat or very slightly curved profile and a second side having a more curved profile relative to the major axis. Accordingly, a user is able to orientate the flat side possibly against their tongue in preference to the curved side. This enables the user to position the tubular member in a discernable orientation within a user's mouth, and in particular, for comfort on the user's tongue.

It is preferable that the tubular member is designed to rest on a user's tongue around the area at the front of the Median Sulcus, so that this part of the tongue will block the end of the tubular member while swallowing, and also funnel fluid towards the back of the mouth for swallowing.

It is also preferable that the diameter of the tubular member is small enough to allow a user's tongue to conform to the shape of the exterior surface of the tubular member. This allows the user to form a duct to direct liquid being expelled through the tubular member into their mouth and towards their throat for the user's swallowing action.

H:\edwinp\Keep\patent specis\Drinking vessel lid\complete.doc 13/01/05 6 In one embodiment of the present invention, the size of the tubular member tapers from a larger diameter at the distal outer end to a smaller diameter at the end proximal to the lid member. Preferably, the smaller diameter is of a size which allows a user to control the flow of the liquid through the tubular member. More preferably, the smaller diameter is of a size which restricts the free flow of liquid through the spout.

In one embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the tubular member progressively tapers. In another embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the tubular member sharply tapers from a first diameter to a second smaller diameter at some point along the length of the tubular member. Preferably, the smaller proximal end diameter is of a size which can be comfortably accommodated between the teeth of a user. Accordingly, in use, a user is able to insert the tubular member in their mouth and between their teeth, and then rest the smaller proximal end on the user's tongue, the tapered shape guiding the tubular member between the users teeth so that their lips rest at the base of the tubular member.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the exterior of the tubular member has an asymmetrical cross-sectional shape relative to the central axis of the lid member. Preferably, the asymmetrical shape of the tubular member about the central axis of the lid member results in the tubular member having a more arcuate shape in one direction relative to the shape of the tubular member in the opposite direction. More preferably, in the embodiment of the invention in which the tubular member is of an asymmetrical oval shape about the major axis, it is advantageous to configure the shape of the tubular member with the substantially flat side profile of the asymmetrical oval on the less arcuate side of the tubular member and the curved profile of the asymmetrical oval on H:\edwlnp\Keep\patent specis\Drinking vessel lid\complete.doc 13/01/05 7 the more arcuate side of the tubular member. This therefore provides a further advantageous shape which can be used to accommodate and/or position the tubular member in a discernable orientation within a user's mouth, and in particular, with one side on a user's tongue.

The lid member is preferably any member in which the tubular member can be connected, mounted or otherwise integrated with and can be secured to the opening of a drinking vessel to preferably form a liquid tight seal. In this regard, the lid member may be produced separately or integrally with the tubular member. Furthermore, it can be of any shape, size or configuration which meets these functions.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lid member is a cap comprising a circular top plate having a depending annular skirt. The skirt is preferably adapted to removably engage the opening of the drinking vessel. In this regard, the skirt is provided with a means which interengages the opening of the bottle and more preferable creates a seal between the opening and the closure. In one embodiment of the invention, the interengaging means comprises internal thread situated within the skirt adapted to engage external thread around opening of drinking vessel. The closure is therefore attached to the vessel using a screwable coupling defined by the engagement of the threads. In another embodiment of the invention, the interengaging means comprises a twist lock interconnection or coupling.

In order to protect the contents of the drinking vessel from exposure to undesirable elements such as bacteria, pollutants or the like, it preferable that the path provided by the closure between the interior of the bottle and outside the bottle can be sealed closed. This requires the conduit defined by the tubular member to be H:\edwinp\Keep\patent specis\Drinking vessel lid\complete.doc 13/01/05 8 sealed. Various means can be employed to achieve this objective, including plugs, caps, lids tapes and the like.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the tubular member has a cap placed around the circumference of the distal end of the member. In another embodiment, the tubular member is constructed in a sealed state, which must be permanently broken to open the conduit to the liquid accommodating space.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the closure is sealed using a cover which is configured to surround and/or encapsulate the tubular member.

Preferably, the cover comprises a hood which is secured over the top of the tubular member. The hood can be of any suitable shape, however, a dome shape has been found to be advantageous.

Typically, the hood is secured onto or into a securing formation in the lid member. This securing formation can comprise any a lip, seat, step, annual projection or the like which can capture the cover when engaging the lid member. Furthermore, the cover can also be attached to the lid using a pivot or similar hinge like arrangement so to allow the cover to move from a closed position in which the cover is secured over the tubular member and engaged with the lid member to an open position where the cover is in a position exposing the tubular member allowing a user to drink through the tubular member.

This configuration has the advantage of securing the cover in close proximity to the lid member so that it is not easily separated and lost.

The cover can include an additional plug which is adapted to fit into the distal end of the tube an substantially prevent any liquid flow through this end.

H:\edwlnp\Keep\patent specis\Drinking vessel lid\complete.doc 13/01/05 -9- For example, in a hood configuration, the cover can include an internal projection which is configured to fit over the distal end of the tubular member when the hood is placed over the tubular member.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cover of the closure is secured to the lid member using locking mechanism. The locking mechanism ensures that the cover is secured to the lid member when in the closed position.

In one embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism comprises a locking arm which locks the cover in place between the lid member and the cover. Preferably, the locking arm is attached to the lid member via a hinge or pivot like structure and then is secured into a corresponding shaped recess in the cover. This recess, should capture the arm, locking the arm into the recess.

It is preferable that the cover also includes a tamper evident means which allows a user to visually identify that the cover has been moved from the closed position to the open position. This tamper evident means may comprise an external plastic wrapping which must be removed to move the cover, or a breakable plate attached over the cover, which must be broken to move the cover. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tamper evident device is formed as part of the locking means of the cover.

In one embodiment of the invention, the tamper evident can comprise a seal on the locking mechanism which must be removed for the locking means to be removed. For example, in the embodiment of the invention in which the locking mechanism comprises a locking arm, the tamper evident means can comprise a seal, such as a laser seal which seals the arm to the cover before use. A user must therefore break the seal before they are able to move the locking arm.

H:\edwlnp\Keep\patent specis\Drnking vessel lid\complete.doc 13/01/05 10 It is to be understood that the drinking vessel can be any container or form which defines a liquid accommodating space, and has an opening for accessing the liquid accommodating space. Particular examples of drinking vessels include a bottle, cup, container, canteen, carafe decanter, flagon, flask, glass, jar, jug, phial, urn, vial beaker, bowl, goblet, grail, mug, stein, taster, teacup, tumbler or the like. One preferable embodiment of the invention applies the closure of the present invention to a bottle.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate particular preferred embodiments thereof by way of non-limiting example, wherein: Figure 1 illustrates various views of a closure according to one embodiment of the present invention, the individual views being a plan view left hand elevation main elevation right hand elevation (Id) and rear view (le).

Figure 2 is a sectional view of the closure along line A-A of figure Ic.

Figure 3 is a sectional view of the closure along line B-B of figure Id.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the closure illustrated in figure 1, viewed from the left hand side of the closure.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the closure illustrated in figure 1, viewed from the right hand side of H:\edwinp\Keep\patent specis\Drinking vessel lid\complete.doc 13/01/05 11 the closure.

Figure 6 illustrates various views of another embodiment of the closure according to the present invention which includes a cover, the individual views being a plan view left hand elevation main elevation right hand elevation (6d) and rear view (6e).

Figure 7 is a sectional view of the closure along line C-C of figure 6c.

Figure 8 is a sectional view of the closure along line D-D of figure 6e.

Figure 9 is a front elevation view of the closure of figure 6 with the lid closed over the drinking tube.

Figure 10 is a sectional view of the closure along line E-E of figure 9.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the closure illustrated in figure 6 in which the lid has been closed over the drinking tube, viewed from the left hand side of the closure.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the closure illustrated in figure 6 with the lid open, viewed from the right hand side of the closure.

Figure 12A is a perspective view of the closure illustrated in figure 6 with the lid open, viewed from the left hand side of the closure.

H:\edwinp\Keep\patent specis\Drinking vessel lid\complete.doc 13/01/05 12 Detailed Description Figures 1 to 5 illustrate a first embodiment of a closure 10 of the present invention. The cover comprises an cylindrical cap 12 and a tubular spout 14.

The cylindrical cap 12 is used to attach the closure 10 to a bottle or similar drinking vessel (not illustrated). The tubular spout 14 is hollow and is used as a liquid conduit between a liquid accommodating space in the bottle or similar drinking vessel liquid and a user. The illustrated tubular spout 14 is integrally connected to the cylindrical cap 12 through the circular top plate 16 of the cap 12.

An annular skirt 18 depends from the circular top plate 16 of the cap 12. The annular skirt 18 comprises a continuous cylindrical surface projecting downwardly from the circular plate 16. The illustrated outer surface 19 of the annular skirt 18 has a smooth profile. However, it is to be understood that any surface profile such as corrugations, ribs, flutes, panels or the like could be used. Such surfaces could enhance the grip of the outer surface 19 and add to the aesthetic appeal of the closure The annular skirt 18 is adapted to fit over and secure to the opening of a drinking vessel such as a bottle (not illustrated). As shown in figures 2 and 3, the interior surface 20 of the annular skirt 18 includes an internal thread 22. The internal thread 22 is adapted to engage a corresponding external thread on the neck of a bottle or similar drinking vessel (not illustrated). The annular skirt 18 can therefore be placed over the threaded neck of the bottle, the cap 12 rotated to lock the corresponding bottle neck into place within the annular skirt 18. This locking arrangement preferably provides a tight enough fit so as to prevent any liquid contained in the internal liquid accommodating space of the bottle to H:\edwinp\Keep\patent specis\Drinking vessel lid\complete.doc 13/01/05 13 leak through the threaded engagement area when the thread 22 is engaged with the external thread of the bottle.

The circular top plate 16 can also act in conjunction with the thread 22 of the skirt 18 to prevent any liquid contained in the internal liquid accommodating space of the bottle to leak through the threaded engagement area. In this respect, the thread 22 of the skirt 18 is positioned so that the top edge of a bottle or other such drinking vessel(not illustrated)abuts the internal surface 26 of the circular top plate 16. If the top of the bottle engages the internal surface 26 of the circular plate 16 tightly enough, the abutting arrangement creates a further liquid seal between the closure 10 and a bottle of similar drinking vessel.

The tubular spout 14 is an upwardly projecting elongate tube having a first proximal end 30 extending from the centre of the plate 16 and a distal end 32 defining the opening 34 of the spout 14. As previously described, the tubular spout 14 is hollow and is used as a liquid conduit between a liquid accommodating space in a bottle or similar drinking vessel liquid and a user (not illustrated). The tubular spout 14 has a length appropriate for insertion between the teeth of a user and resting between a user's tongue. The spout 14 has a length which does not protrude into the throat region of a user and therefore cause a gag reaction for the user. Preferably, the length is no longer than 4.5 cm.

The spout 14 has a configuration which is designed to rest on a user's tongue around the area at the front of the Median Sulcus, so that this part of the tongue will block the opening 34 of the spout 14 while swallowing, and also funnel fluid towards the back of the mouth for swallowing. While it is still possible for the end 34 of the spout 14 to be blocked by the tip or apex of the tongue H:\edwinp\Keep\patent specis\Drinking vessel lid\complete.doc 13/01/05 14 when swallowing, this is not as desirable because of the increased likelihood of backwash to the front teeth.

Ideally, using this spout configuration, the fluid can be drawn further into the mouth, away from the user's front teeth when the spout 14 is resting on the user's tongue.

The spout 14 has a width which allows of a user to conform their tongue around the spout. Preferably, the width of the spout is no greater than 2cm. Furthermore, the narrow width of the spout 14 enables a user to shut their lips around the spout 14, with the front surfaces of the teeth being covered by the lips. This has the effect of reducing the likelihood of fluid circulating around the front surfaces of the front teeth.

In use, the proximal end 30 of the spout 14 is inserted into a user's mouth and rested on the user's tongue. The user then closes their mouth so that the proximal end can rests on the user's tongue. A bottle (not illustrated) having the closure attached can then be up turned and liquid allowed to flow from the interior of the closure 10, through the hollow 36 of the spout 14 and out into the user's mouth for swallowing. As will be described in more detail, the taper of the spout 14 acts as a constriction or valve, impeding the simultaneous egress of liquid and ingress of air through the opening of the spout 36. Accordingly, a user must suck, squeeze or shake the bottle to ensure liquid flows freely though the tubular member.

The direction of flow substantially avoids the liquid contacting the front teeth area of the user, particularly if the user does not divert the path of the liquid being expelled through the spout, for example by gargling or sloshing the liquid around their mouth.

The exterior of the spout 14 has an asymmetric H:\edwinp\Keep\patent specis\Drinking vessel lid\complete.doc 13/01/05 15 shape about the axis X-X of the cap 12 in order to comfortably rest the spout 14 on a user's tongue in a particular orientation'.

In this regard, the longitudinal shape of the exterior of the spout 12 firstly has two different arcuate shapes relative to an axis x of the cap 12. Looking at figure ic, it can be seen that these two different arcuate shapes 40 and 42 result in two discernable orientations for the spout 14. In a first direction, shown in figure lb, the bend defines a substantially concave wall 40. In a second direction, shown in figure id, the bend defines a substantially convex wall 42. The spout 14 can therefore be inserted in a user's mouth concave side 40 down or convex side down 42, each orientation being differentiatable visually and by feel, such as by the tongue of a user.

The spout 14 also has an asymmetric shape about the axis X-X of the cap 12 by virtue of its asymmetric oval exterior cross-sectional shape. As can be seen in figure la, the exterior cross-sectional profile of the spout 14 is of a substantially oval shape. The exterior oval shape provides a generally flat exterior surface parallel to the major axis of the oval. Each of these sides are parallel to the major axis of the oval. The remaining sides 44 and 46 parallel to the minor axis of the oval are of a thin very arcuate profile which are easily discernable from the combination of the differences in lateral profile and vertical shape of the major surfaces 40 and 42 of the spout 14. Furthermore, like the cylindrical shape of a straw, these arcuate profile of sides 44 and 46 parallel to the minor axis are not as comfortable to rest on the tongue as the flatter surfaces of the convex 42 and concave 40 sides.

Furthermore, the flat surfaces 40 and 42 of the sides of the spout 14 parallel to the major axis of the H:\edwinp\Keep\patent specis\Drinking vessel lid\complete.doc 13/01/05 16 oval shape have two slightly different flat profiles. In this respect, the oval shape has a first side, the concave side 40, having a more arcuate profile than a second side, the convex side 42. In this respect, the profile of concave surface 40 comprises an slight arcuate surface having a small arcuate profile.

The differences in shape of the convex 42 and concave 40 sides therefore serves two purposes: Like the bent shape of the spout 14, the differences in lateral profile arcuate as opposed to flat) allows each orientation to be differentiated by a user both visually and by feel such as by the tongue of a user. This slight wedged shape also tends to guide the spout into the mouth with the lips at the base of the spout 14.

Furthermore, the flat concave 40 and convex 42 surface are shaped for comfortable insertion and contact with the tongue of a user. Accordingly, it is intended when a user inserts the spout 14 into their mouth, that the spout 14 be orientated with the flatter surface of the convex side 42 resting on their tongue when they close their mouth. As noted above the difference in the lateral profile and vertical shape which can be rested on a user's tongue allow a user to selectively orientate the spout in their mouth. The flat profile of the concave 40 and convex 42 surfaces is intended to allow the tubular spout 14 to more comfortably rest against the tongue of a user as compared to other more cylindrical shaped tubes.

Therefore, a user is able to also differentiate between the two surfaces 40 and 42 based on the difference in the profiles of the surfaces 40 and 42 as well as the bent shape (concave vs. convex) H:\edwinp\Keep\patent specis\Drinklng vessel lid\complete.doc 13/01/05 17 The cross-sectional diameter of the tubular spout 14 also progressively changes along the length of the spout 14. In this regard, the distal outer end 32 of the spout 14 has a large diameter than the proximal end 30 of the spout 14, the effective diameter of the oval shape progressively tapering between these two extremes. It is thought that this shape is advantageous because it directs a user to insert the larger distal end 32 between the user's tongue and onto the user's tongue, while allowing the smaller diameter end near the proximal end 30 to be placed between a user's teeth. Furthermore, while the spout 14 is designed to be bidirectional, the necked or tapering acts as a constriction or valve, impeding the simultaneous egress of liquid and ingress of air through the opening of the spout 36 which allows liquid to freely flow though the spout 14. This allows the user to control the flow of liquid from the bottle, through the spout 14.

Furthermore, the cross-sectional diameter of the spout 14 is narrow Without wishing to be limited to any one theory, it is thought that liquid can only freely flow through a tube or spout 14 if the tube has a sufficient crosssectional area to allow the liquid to simultaneously flow out and air to flow in through the tube to replace the volume in the bottle left by the liquid. If the diameter of the tube is limited in some way, for example by reducing it to a critical diameter, then the liquid is restricted from freely flowing through the tube. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the spout 14 at the proximal end 30 is designed to be a diameter which impeded the free flow of liquid through the spout 14. Accordingly, when drinking through the closure 10, the user must apply an external force or pressure, such as for example by freely squeezing the bottle, sucking the liquid through the spout 14 or shaking the bottle, to expel liquid through the opening of the spout 36. This gives the user some control H:\edwinp\Keep\patent specis\Drinking vessel lid\complete.doc 13/01/05 18 over the rate at which they drink liquid out of the bottle and through the spout 14 of the closure 10. The control of the flow rate of water being expelled through the closure is enhanced by the limit to the amount a bottle can constrict. Both these effects limit the amount of liquid consumed before taking a breath.

Accordingly, the small opening 36 of the spout 14, together with the lack of a further opening for air intake, serves to impede fluid flow through the spout 14 unless the bottle (not illustrated) attached to the closure is shaken, squeezed or fluid is sucked from the bottle through the spout 14. This feature could be used to help people who can only handle small quantities of fluid in their mouth when drinking.

It must be noted, that when sucking through the spout 14, the negative pressure built up in the mouth will help direct the fluid (likely in the form of a column) to be drawn towards the back of the mouth, and therefore aid in preventing the fluid from contacting the front teeth.

When the closure 10 is attached to bottle (not illustrated) constructed of resilient or flexible material, it is likely that as fluid is drawn through the spout 14 of the closure 10, the bottle will gradually constrict. This has the effect of restricting the amount of fluid that can be drunk before the user can take another breath. In this respect, the greater the amount of fluid that is drawn into the mouth and swallowed, the greater the amount of negative pressure that is built-up in both the mouth and the bottle.

Accordingly, when attached to a bottle constructed of resilient or flexible material, it is only possible for a user to drink/draw-in a limited amount of fluid before having a break to let air back into the bottle through the spout. This is advantageous for sports persons, heath conscious persons or the like, as it is desirable to take- H:\edwinp\Keep\patent specis\Drinking vessel lid\complete.doc 13/01/05 1 19 in smaller quantities of fluid regularly, rather than a lot of fluid at once. Accordingly, this closure 10 naturally prompts a user to take a break between drinks.

It is to be understood that while a cover is not illustrated or described for the embodiment of the closure shown in figures 1 to 5, this closure 10 can be used in conjunction with any suitable cover which can be secured over the spout 14. In this respect, the circular plate 16 of the cap 12 is provided with an annular step 20 which can be utilised to engage and/or capture a corresponding annular edge of a cover in order to secure the cover in place.

One embodiment of the closure 48 having an attached cover 50 is illustrated in figures 6 to 12A. As can be observed, the tubular spout 14 and cylindrical cap 12 of this embodiment of the closure 48 are of the same configuration as the embodiment of the closure illustrated and described in relation to figures 1 to However, unlike the embodiment of the closure illustrated and described in relation to figures 1 to this embodiment of the closure 48 has an additional domed cover 50 and locking arm 56 attached to the outer annular edge of the top circular plate 16 through hinges 52 and 56 located at opposing sides around the circumference of the circular plate 16.

The dome cover 50 is a hollow hemispherical or half egg shaped dome which fits over the top of the tubular spout 14 completely enclosing the spout 14 in a protective shell. The dome cover 50 is attached to one side of the top circular plate 16 through hinge 52. The dome cover pivots between an open position where the spout 14 is exposed, as shown in figures 12 and 12A, to a closed position where the spout 14 is enclosed by the cover, as shown in figures 9, 10 and 11, about the hinge 52.

H:\edwinp\Keep\patent specis\Drinking vessel lid\complete.doc 13/01/05 20 Hinge 52 is a simple leaf hinge construction comprising two integrally formed planar leaves of material 53A and 53B joined at a flexible bending line 55 consisting of a piece of material of a smaller thickness than the leaves 53A and 53B. The two leaves 53A and 53B are therefore able to fold together and apart about the bending line 55. This hinge configuration is particularly advantageous when the hinge 52 is constructed from a flexible material such as plastic.

In the closed position, as illustrated in figures 9, 10 and 11, the dome cover 50 sits an annular step located in the outer edge of the circular plate 16. The size of the step 20 is adapted to accommodate the internal circumference edge 64 of the dome cover 50 so as to allow a tight friction fit engagement between the two surfaces. An internal tubular protrusion 62 projecting from the inner top surface 66 of the dome can also help to secure the dome in position in the closed position. This tubular protrusion 62 is positioned in the inner top surface in a central position which allows the protrusion 62 to engage and capture the distal end 32 of the tubular spout 14.

Ideally, the engagement is tight enough to plug the opening 34 in the distal end 32 of the spout 14 and prevent liquid leaking through the opening 34 when the cover 50 is in the closed position.

An additional locking mechanism in the form of locking arm 54 is also provided to lock the cover 50 in the closed position. Locking arm 54 is an elongate arm in the form of a laterally curved sheet which is attached to the cap 12 to one side of the top circular plate 16 through hinge 54 and is captured in a correspondingly shaped recess 60 built into one side of the cover dome 50. The locking arm 54 is therefore shaped to fit the contour of the dome, and at least friction fit into the recess 60. The edges 61 H:\edwinp\Keep\patent specis\Drinking vessel lid\complete.doc 13/01/05 21 of the recess 60 can also have a bevelled edge which corresponds to an oppositely angled bevelled edge 63 on the arm 54 allowing the arm to snap lock into the recess The locking arm 54 pivots about hinge 52 between an unlocked position where the arm 54 is outside the recess and a locked position where the arm is locked into the recess, as shown in figure 11.

Hinge 54 is of a similar construction to hinge 52 being a simple leaf hinge construction comprising two integrally formed planar leaves of material 57A and 57B joined at a flexible bending line 59 consisting of a piece of material of a smaller thickness than the leaves 53A and 53B.

The locking arm 54 can also be used as a tamper evidence device for the closure 48 by being sealed in place during manufacture, such as by laser techniques, moulding techniques or the like. Therefore, to use the closure, the arm must be removed from the recess 60 in the cover This would require removing the seal retaining the arm 54 in the recess 60. Other tamper evident devices such as external plastic seals, breakable rings or the like could also be used in conjunction with the illustrated closure 56.

It is to be understood that the closure of the present invention can be manufactured from any suitable material which can be attached to a liquid containing vessel. However, the preferred material of construction is a polymer or plastic. The closure can therefore be manufactured using a suitable plastic moulding or extrusion technique utilising a preformed die or mould as would be understood by a person skilled in the art.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate H:\edwlnp\Keep\patent specis\Drinking vessel lid\complete.doc 13/01/05 22 that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope.

It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country.

In the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

H:\edwinp\Keep\patent specis\Drinking vessel lid\complete.doc 13/01/05

Claims (3)

1. 2. A closure for a drinking vessel according to claim 1, in which the exterior surface of the tubular member has a substantially oval cross-sectional shape which provides a generally flat exterior surface to each side of the oval shape parallel to the major axis of the oval, the generally flat exterior surfaces being suitable during use of the closure for resting the tubular member on a user's tongue.
2. 3. A closure for a drinking vessel according to claim 1 or 2, in which the size of the tubular member tapers from a larger diameter at a distal outer end to a smaller diameter at a end of the tubular member proximal to the lid member, wherein the taper of the tubular member in use guides the tubular member into a user's mouth so that their lips rest at the end of the tubular member proximal to the lid member and the distal outer end of the tubular member rests on the user's tongue.
3. 4. A closure for a drinking vessel according to any H:\edwinp\Keep\patent specis\Drinking vessel lid\complete.doc 13/01/05 24 one of the preceding claims, in which the internal diameter of the tubular member has a minimum diameter of a size which restricts the free flow of liquid through the spout and allows a user to control the flow of the liquid through the tubular member. A closure for a drinking vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cover attached to and movable relative to lid member using a pivot or similar hinge like arrangement, the cover being movable between a closed position in which the cover surrounds and/or encapsulates the tubular member and engage with the lid member, and an open position in which the cover is in a position which exposes the tubular member allowing a user to drink through the tubular member, the cover also including a locking mechanism comprising a locking arm which extends from the lid member to the cover, the locking arm locking the cover in place when in the closed position. Dated this 13 day of January 2005 SMILESTRAW PTY LTD By their Patent Attorneys GRIFFITH HACK Fellows Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia H:\edwinp\Keep\patent specis\Drinking vessel lid\complete.doc 13/01/05