CA2139868A1 - Drinking cup - Google Patents
Drinking cupInfo
- Publication number
- CA2139868A1 CA2139868A1 CA 2139868 CA2139868A CA2139868A1 CA 2139868 A1 CA2139868 A1 CA 2139868A1 CA 2139868 CA2139868 CA 2139868 CA 2139868 A CA2139868 A CA 2139868A CA 2139868 A1 CA2139868 A1 CA 2139868A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- mug
- lid
- suction tube
- drinking
- cup
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G21/00—Table-ware
- A47G21/18—Drinking straws or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G19/00—Table service
- A47G19/22—Drinking vessels or saucers used for table service
- A47G19/2205—Drinking glasses or vessels
- A47G19/2266—Means for facilitating drinking, e.g. for infants or invalids
- A47G19/2272—Means for facilitating drinking, e.g. for infants or invalids from drinking glasses or cups comprising lids or covers
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Pediatric Medicine (AREA)
- Table Devices Or Equipment (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A drinking mug, especially for small children, handicapped and hospital patients, comprising a cup (1), a lid (3) and a suction tube (5), is configured in an airtight manner so that the only access to the inside of the mug is through the suction tube (5).
Tightness is achieved by disposing the suction tube (5) on the inside of the lid (3) on a drinking spout (15), and by providing a sealing ring (29) in the joint between the lid (3) and the cup (1).
Due to the airtight construction, when liquid is sucked up an underpressure is created inside the mug which subsequently empties the suction tube of liquid. Correspondingly, an attempt by the liquid to run out through the suction tube (5) when the mug is tipped over is counteracted by the siphon effect which results from the airtight construction.
Tightness is achieved by disposing the suction tube (5) on the inside of the lid (3) on a drinking spout (15), and by providing a sealing ring (29) in the joint between the lid (3) and the cup (1).
Due to the airtight construction, when liquid is sucked up an underpressure is created inside the mug which subsequently empties the suction tube of liquid. Correspondingly, an attempt by the liquid to run out through the suction tube (5) when the mug is tipped over is counteracted by the siphon effect which results from the airtight construction.
Description
WO 94/01026 PCr/DK93/00238 A DRINKING CUP
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a drinking mug comprising a cup, a lid and at least one suction tube. Such drinking mugs, which are arranged to prevent spillage, are for example used for small children, the handicapped and hospital patients.
In addition to the mug being able to avoid the spillage of liquids, for example if it is tipped over, it is desirable for the mug to be of low weight, easy to use, easy to clean and able to be produced at low cost~
A mug of the kind described above is disclosed in US Patent ~o. 2,914,214, where the suction tube is secured to the lid, in that the mouth of the suction tube is found at the lid or over the lid outside the mug~ On the lid there are ~wo diametrically arrange~ mouthpieces each with a suction tube. ~he suction tubes extend right ~wn towards the bottom, but are hereafter extended in an arc upwards towards the lid, in that the inlet to the suction tubes ;
turns towards the lid or towards a space between two concentric walls in the cup. Although this mug is intended to prevent spillage, the li~uid which stands in the lowermost tube will run out because the uppermost tube functions as an air valve. A second and more significant disadvantage is that the tubes must be long and curved in order to be able to function as intended. This means a relatively complicated construction which is expensive to produce. Moreover, if disposable suction tubes are not used, the suction tubes will be difficult to clean which will result in bacterial growth, which is unacceptable in connection with the use of the mug by small children.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET
WO 94/01026 PCI`/DK93/0023~
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a drinking mug comprising a cup, a lid and at least one suction tube. Such drinking mugs, which are arranged to prevent spillage, are for example used for small children, the handicapped and hospital patients.
In addition to the mug being able to avoid the spillage of liquids, for example if it is tipped over, it is desirable for the mug to be of low weight, easy to use, easy to clean and able to be produced at low cost~
A mug of the kind described above is disclosed in US Patent ~o. 2,914,214, where the suction tube is secured to the lid, in that the mouth of the suction tube is found at the lid or over the lid outside the mug~ On the lid there are ~wo diametrically arrange~ mouthpieces each with a suction tube. ~he suction tubes extend right ~wn towards the bottom, but are hereafter extended in an arc upwards towards the lid, in that the inlet to the suction tubes ;
turns towards the lid or towards a space between two concentric walls in the cup. Although this mug is intended to prevent spillage, the li~uid which stands in the lowermost tube will run out because the uppermost tube functions as an air valve. A second and more significant disadvantage is that the tubes must be long and curved in order to be able to function as intended. This means a relatively complicated construction which is expensive to produce. Moreover, if disposable suction tubes are not used, the suction tubes will be difficult to clean which will result in bacterial growth, which is unacceptable in connection with the use of the mug by small children.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET
WO 94/01026 PCI`/DK93/0023~
2~39868 EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION
The special feature of the invention is that the suction tube is substantially $traight between its outlet and its inlet inside the mug, said inlet inside the mug being situated at a relatively short distance above the bottom, and that the mug is configured with substantially gastight joints, so that the flow of air to and from the interior of the mug is effected exclusively or almost exclusively through the suction tube. That the flow of air can take place almost exclusively through the suction tube is to be construed in the way that there can be leaks in the joints which, however, are so small that they have no influence on the p~operties of the mug according to the invention. For example, the leak of air to the interior of the mug is so ~ -small that it takes se~eral mi~utes before this gives rise to the flow of liquid out through the suction tube when the mug is not standing in its.normal upright position.
Since the suction tube is the only way in which the surrounding air can gain ingress to the inside of the mug, a partial vacuum will be creatPd above the liquid in the mug when the liquid influenced by gravity seek~ a way out through the suction tube, which happens fQr example when the mug is lying on its side or is turned upside down (the mouth of the suction tube is turned downwards). This underpressure~will prevent the liquid from running out of the suction tube. Furthermore, the negative pressure which is formed above the surface of the liquid due to the suction of liquid when a person is drinking, will empty the suction tube of liquid. Because of the length of the suction tube, the liquid will be able to find its way some distance up through the suction tube, but without being able to flow out, whereby sufficient underpressure is formed above the surface of the liquid to prevent spillage.
If the mug is turned upside down so that the first mouth of the tube faces downwards, the tube's second mouth will as a rule be free of liquid. Compared to the known technique, the mug according to the invention can be built up in a simple manner with low costs of production, and use can be made of disposable suction tubes or re-usable suction tubes which are easy to clean.
Furthermore, because of the underpressure which is created during use of the mug, it is easier for the parson drinking to control the amount which is sucked up. This is of special significance for small children, who when using known mugs or cups can get the milk down the wrong way, which can result in coughing and spillage of milk.
1~
In a preferred embodiment, a sealing ring is used to create a high degree of airtightness in the joint between the mug`~
and the lid.
, 20 In a second embodiment of the invention, the mug is configured with a running fit in the form of relatively smooth surfaces which c nstitute mutually abutting parts in the joint between mug and lid. Such a joint can provide sufficient airtightness without any great frictional forces 25 arising when the lid is turned or lifted ~from the mug.
To further prevent the spillage of liquid, the bottom of the mug can have at least one recess which, in the positionG
of use, is located opposite the inlet to the suction tube, 30 so that the inlet is down in the recess. When the bottom of the mug is turned upwards, a pocket is formed above the inlet of the suction tube, which is hereby protected against the ingress of liquid, especially if the mug is shaken. The liquid will then hit the bottom besides the ~-35 recess, and possible risk of liquid spillage is further -~
reduced since liquid will not gain ingress to the suction `
WO~4/01026 PCT/DK93/0023g 2l3ga68 tube.
In a simple-to-produce configuration`~of the invention, the recess is an~ular and disposed symmètrically in the bottom.
This embodiment will be preferred if, for example, a screw lid is used, where the suction tube can assume different positions above the bottom and along the side of the bottom.
It is moreover preferred that the lid can be secured on the mug by means of two or more bayonet locks, hereby enabling a secure connection to be achieved between the lid and the mug.
In order to ensure fixed positions of the lid in relation to the mug, while at the same time marking the position of the lid in the closed position, it is preferred that the bayonet locks are arranged with lateral pins which extend towards each other from the wall of the muy, and where in the lid there are cutouts which are configured in such a manner that by a mutual turning of the lid and mug they will cooperate with the pins so that the pins influence a flexible portion at the cutouts until the pins have passed a top point on the portions where the pins assume a locking position in relation to the cutouts, and rom which locking position no further turning can be ~ffected in the same direction, and where turning in the opposite direction can be effected qnly byjovercoming a force which is caused by the passage of the top point by the pins in the opposite direction. When the lid and herewith the bayonet locks are turned towards the locking position for the pins, it will be possible to feel when the top point on the flexible portions has been past.
- 35 In a further embodiment of the mug according to the invention, the lid constitutes the bottom of the mug, and WO94/01026 2 1 3 9 8 6 8 PCT/DK93/00~38 the cup is configured with a closed upper side except for the mouth of the suction tube which is located at or in the cup's upper side. With this construction, when tha mug is to be filled the bottom is turned upwards, the lid is removed and the liquid is pour~d in. The inlet of the suction tube faces upwards during the filling. The mug can be filled up to the inlet which, at the connection to the mouth on the downwardly-turning upper side, constitutes the only outlet for the liquid. The advantage is that when the lid, i.e. in this case the bottom, is put on, the overpressure which will normally arise can be equalized through the suction tube without any spillage of liquid as the surface of the liquid lies below the mouth.
If the lid constitutes the bottom of the mug, it is also advantageous for the suction tube to be configured as a channel which extends mainly in a thickened part of the side of the cup. A simplified embodiment of the mug is hereby achieved, in that the suction tube is integrated in the wall of the m~g, and the only disengageable joint required to be made airtight is the joint between the bottom and the cup.
2~ THE DRAWING
Embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawing, where fig. l shows a preferred embodiment of the drinking mug according to the invention seen in perspective from above and in partly dismantled condition, fiy. 2 shows a vertical section through the drinking mug in ~:
assembled condition, 3 g8 68 6 fig. ~a and 2b show two enlarged details in fig. 2, fig. 3 shsws a second embodiment for the bottom of the drinking mug seen from above, fig. 4 shows a third ambodiment for the bottom seen in section on the line IV-IV in fig~ 3, fig. 5 shows a second embodime~t of the joint between the lid and the mug, fig. 6 shows a third embodiment of the joint between the lid and the mug, fig. 7 shows a second embodiment of the drinking mug according to the invention, seen in section, and fig. 8 shows a section on the line VIII-VIII in fig. 7.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
A drinking mug for children, handicapped or hospital patients who are unable to use open cups, glasses or mugs, comprises a cup l, a lid 3 and a suction tube 5. It is preferred that ~he parts l and 3 are made of synthetic material, e.g. by injection moulding, while the suction tube 5 can be made of a synthetic material or a cellulose-containing material. In its preferred embodiment, the cup l, which is described in the following, is provided externally.with two mutually opposite handles 7~ Along the edge 9 of the cup and at a short distance from the edge 9 there are four pins ll which are arranged at mutually equal distances. It is preferred that the pins ll are cylindrical.
The lid 3 is configured with an arcuate upper side 13 .in which there is a assymmetrically-disposed mouthpiece in the form of a drinking spout 15 which extends upwards as a projection along edge 17. The spout 15 is provided with a ~;
single, through-going channel 19, although several channels can be envisaged. The channel 19 opens out on the inner -side of the lid through a pipe stub, and here the suction tube 5 is secured. Use can be made of both disposable and permanent suction tubes 5, which are ~nserted in the spout 21. Permanent suction tubes 5, as shown in fig. 2, can be removed for cleaning and have such a large wall thickness that a collar 23 or a shoulder can be provided which serves as an abutment against the end of the spout 21. When using disposable suction tubes, which can have thinner walls, the suction tube 5 can abut against a collar inside the spout 21.
The edge 17 is provided with a laterally-extending collar 25. An annular edge 27 extends down under the collar 25, and the edge has a groove in which there is mounted a sealing ring 29 in the f-rm of an O-ring of rubber or ~
another elastomer material. It is hereby ensured that the ~-joint between the lid 3 and the cup 1 is airtight.
.
With other embodiments, the seal can be effected by hard or soft jointing material, and it is possible for the seal to be vulcanized, glued or welded firmly to the lid or the cup,iand these arrangements can possibly be combined with the seal lying on an upwardly-facing or downwardly-facing 30 flange in the cup or in the lid, all of which arrangements ~-fall within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the seal can lie loose or be configured as a belt on a cylindrical surface in the joint.
The edge 27 is provided with four cutouts which are indicated in general by the reference number 30, and which ,.
';
WO94/01026 PCT/DK93~00238 2 ~3 9~ 6~ 8 together with the pins 11 function as bayonet locks in the fastening of the lid 3 on the cup 1. At each cutout there is a narrow slot 31 which allows the adjacent, projecting portion 33 to exercise flexing movements in the directions as shown by the arrow 35. The cutouts 30 are configured in such a manner that the lid is first led downwards so that the pins 11 pass an opening 37 in the edge 27. Hereafter, the lid 3 must be turned~, whereby the pins 11 force the lid 3 downwards when the pins 11 slide along the parallel and slightly inclined section 39 and 41 in the edge 27 and the portion 33 respectively. The sealing ring 29 is thus forced into engagement with the inside of the cup. The l:Ld 3 finds its locked position, as shown in fig. 2b, when the pins ll have passed a small upwardly-extending projection or top point 43, after which the portion 33, because of its flexible configuration, prevents any accidental movements away from the locked position. Upon p~ssage of the top point 43, there is at the same time achieved a registration which can be felt during the manual turning of the lid 3.
When the lid 3 is to be removed, it is necessary to overcome a resistance upon pass~ge of the top point 43, and upon influence by the section 39 on the pins ll, the sealing ring 29 is pushed out of engagement with the inside of the cup. The bayonet locks ensure that the spout l5 assumes the same position in relation to the cup every time, and at the same time it is ensured that the seal 29 is in airtight engagement.
, With the preferred embodiment, four bayonet locks are employed, but another number of locks can be envisaged, in particular two locks whereby the the lid 3 can be secured only in two different positions in relation to the cup 1, which can be of significance for the position of the spout 15 in relation to the handles 7.
Other configurations of the seal between the lid 3 and the "-: :-,-, - . - . : .
213986~
g ; .
cup 1 are possible. A second embodiment is seen in figs. 5 and 6, where mutually abutting, smooth surfaces 45 are provided on both the lid 3 and the cup l. In fig. 5 the surfaces 45 are conical, while in fig. 6 they 45 are horizontal. A proper sealing in the joint can also be obtained by a suitable choice of material.
With the embodiments described above, use is shown of bayonet locks, but the drinking mug according to the invention can naturally also be configured with threaded connections or snap-locks between the lid and the cup, or the joint between the lid and the cup can simply ble an interference fit.
In the preferred embodiment, the bottom 47 of the cup is plane, and as shown in fig. 2 the suction tube 5 opens out ~-at a relatively short distance over the bottom 47, so that `~
the last remaining li~uid can also be sucked up.
20 In a second embodiment, the bottom is provided with one or ~-two recesses 49, as shown in figs. 3 and 4. As indicated by the stippled line in $ig. 3, the recess can be annular so that the position of the suction tube is arbitrary. The suction tube 5 extends a short way down into the recess 49, which hereby creates a pocket where the liquid has difficulty in gaining ingress to the suction tube if the -mug is turned upside down.
In other embodiments within the scope of the invention, the lid 3 or the cup l, or the joint between lid 3 and cup 1 is provided with a not-shown, common~y-known air valve for the equalization of the overpressure on the inside of the drinking mug, which can arise particularly when the lid 3 is being put on the cup, and which will tend to press liquid out through the suction tube 5.
WO94/~l026 PCT/DKg3/0023~
2~-3g~\6~J 10 Moreover, the possibility exists of configuring the suction tube with a valve which opens for the through-flow of liquid when a person is sucking up liquid, bu~ which closes ~when no suction is applied, and where the closing function is reinforced by the negative pressure created inside the mug. Drops of liquid in the suction tube are hereby prevented from running out when the bottom o the mug is turned upwards.
Furthermore, the joint between the suction tube 5 and the lid 3 can be configured in different ways. The lid 3 and the tube 5 can have threads, and the drinking spout can be configured in one piece with the suction tube, in that the drinking spout can then be removed from the lid for cleaning together with the suction tube. The lid, drinking spout and suction tube can be made in one piece, e.g. by ~-the suction tube being welded or glued to the lid or the drinking spout. Moreover, the suction tube can be through-going in the lid, in that a seal is provided between the lid and the suction tube. The suction tube can have an angle in relation to the bottom 47, and the drinking spout and the suction tube's external opening can be disposed in the centre of the lid instead of near the edge 17, as described above.
A second embodiment of the mug according to the invention is shown in figs. 7 and 8. The cup 50 is configured with an upper side 51 which is in one piece with the cylindrical side wall 52. At the wall 52 there is provided a thickening 53 which has a through-going channel S4. The channel 54 extends from its mouth 55 in the drinking spout 15 on the upper side 51 to an inlet 56 near the bottom 57, which as shown is slightly conical so that the liquid will run out towards the edge where the inlet 56 is found. The bottom 57 is configured as a screw lid with thread 58, and has a tight joint 59 which is effected by the mutually abutting WO94~01026 - PCT/DK93/0023X
surfaces having a fine fit. When the bottom 57, which functions as the lid, is taken off, the cup S0 with the upper side 51 facing downwards can be filled up to the inlet 56, and the bottom 57 is screwed on. The possible sl~rplus air which stands over the surface of the li~uid in the cup S0 will be able to escape through the channel 54 when the bottom 57 is being screwed on, and overpressure is hereby avoided. Hereafter, the mug can be turned over into its normal position shown in fig. 7. Due to the airtight and liguid-tight joint 59, the same advantages are achieved as with the remaining embodiments described above~ Since the suction tube is configured as an integrated channel 54, the configuration of the mug is simplified.
The embodiment shown in figs. 7 and 8 can be varied in different ways, particularly by combLnation with the embodiments previously described, e.g. by having a separate suction tube which can be disposable instead o a channel 54. Moreover, the channel 54 can be extended as a short stub in the vicinity of the bottom 57, e.g. so that the inlet 56 can extend down into a recess in the bottom 57.
., , .. .-, .. :. .
The special feature of the invention is that the suction tube is substantially $traight between its outlet and its inlet inside the mug, said inlet inside the mug being situated at a relatively short distance above the bottom, and that the mug is configured with substantially gastight joints, so that the flow of air to and from the interior of the mug is effected exclusively or almost exclusively through the suction tube. That the flow of air can take place almost exclusively through the suction tube is to be construed in the way that there can be leaks in the joints which, however, are so small that they have no influence on the p~operties of the mug according to the invention. For example, the leak of air to the interior of the mug is so ~ -small that it takes se~eral mi~utes before this gives rise to the flow of liquid out through the suction tube when the mug is not standing in its.normal upright position.
Since the suction tube is the only way in which the surrounding air can gain ingress to the inside of the mug, a partial vacuum will be creatPd above the liquid in the mug when the liquid influenced by gravity seek~ a way out through the suction tube, which happens fQr example when the mug is lying on its side or is turned upside down (the mouth of the suction tube is turned downwards). This underpressure~will prevent the liquid from running out of the suction tube. Furthermore, the negative pressure which is formed above the surface of the liquid due to the suction of liquid when a person is drinking, will empty the suction tube of liquid. Because of the length of the suction tube, the liquid will be able to find its way some distance up through the suction tube, but without being able to flow out, whereby sufficient underpressure is formed above the surface of the liquid to prevent spillage.
If the mug is turned upside down so that the first mouth of the tube faces downwards, the tube's second mouth will as a rule be free of liquid. Compared to the known technique, the mug according to the invention can be built up in a simple manner with low costs of production, and use can be made of disposable suction tubes or re-usable suction tubes which are easy to clean.
Furthermore, because of the underpressure which is created during use of the mug, it is easier for the parson drinking to control the amount which is sucked up. This is of special significance for small children, who when using known mugs or cups can get the milk down the wrong way, which can result in coughing and spillage of milk.
1~
In a preferred embodiment, a sealing ring is used to create a high degree of airtightness in the joint between the mug`~
and the lid.
, 20 In a second embodiment of the invention, the mug is configured with a running fit in the form of relatively smooth surfaces which c nstitute mutually abutting parts in the joint between mug and lid. Such a joint can provide sufficient airtightness without any great frictional forces 25 arising when the lid is turned or lifted ~from the mug.
To further prevent the spillage of liquid, the bottom of the mug can have at least one recess which, in the positionG
of use, is located opposite the inlet to the suction tube, 30 so that the inlet is down in the recess. When the bottom of the mug is turned upwards, a pocket is formed above the inlet of the suction tube, which is hereby protected against the ingress of liquid, especially if the mug is shaken. The liquid will then hit the bottom besides the ~-35 recess, and possible risk of liquid spillage is further -~
reduced since liquid will not gain ingress to the suction `
WO~4/01026 PCT/DK93/0023g 2l3ga68 tube.
In a simple-to-produce configuration`~of the invention, the recess is an~ular and disposed symmètrically in the bottom.
This embodiment will be preferred if, for example, a screw lid is used, where the suction tube can assume different positions above the bottom and along the side of the bottom.
It is moreover preferred that the lid can be secured on the mug by means of two or more bayonet locks, hereby enabling a secure connection to be achieved between the lid and the mug.
In order to ensure fixed positions of the lid in relation to the mug, while at the same time marking the position of the lid in the closed position, it is preferred that the bayonet locks are arranged with lateral pins which extend towards each other from the wall of the muy, and where in the lid there are cutouts which are configured in such a manner that by a mutual turning of the lid and mug they will cooperate with the pins so that the pins influence a flexible portion at the cutouts until the pins have passed a top point on the portions where the pins assume a locking position in relation to the cutouts, and rom which locking position no further turning can be ~ffected in the same direction, and where turning in the opposite direction can be effected qnly byjovercoming a force which is caused by the passage of the top point by the pins in the opposite direction. When the lid and herewith the bayonet locks are turned towards the locking position for the pins, it will be possible to feel when the top point on the flexible portions has been past.
- 35 In a further embodiment of the mug according to the invention, the lid constitutes the bottom of the mug, and WO94/01026 2 1 3 9 8 6 8 PCT/DK93/00~38 the cup is configured with a closed upper side except for the mouth of the suction tube which is located at or in the cup's upper side. With this construction, when tha mug is to be filled the bottom is turned upwards, the lid is removed and the liquid is pour~d in. The inlet of the suction tube faces upwards during the filling. The mug can be filled up to the inlet which, at the connection to the mouth on the downwardly-turning upper side, constitutes the only outlet for the liquid. The advantage is that when the lid, i.e. in this case the bottom, is put on, the overpressure which will normally arise can be equalized through the suction tube without any spillage of liquid as the surface of the liquid lies below the mouth.
If the lid constitutes the bottom of the mug, it is also advantageous for the suction tube to be configured as a channel which extends mainly in a thickened part of the side of the cup. A simplified embodiment of the mug is hereby achieved, in that the suction tube is integrated in the wall of the m~g, and the only disengageable joint required to be made airtight is the joint between the bottom and the cup.
2~ THE DRAWING
Embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawing, where fig. l shows a preferred embodiment of the drinking mug according to the invention seen in perspective from above and in partly dismantled condition, fiy. 2 shows a vertical section through the drinking mug in ~:
assembled condition, 3 g8 68 6 fig. ~a and 2b show two enlarged details in fig. 2, fig. 3 shsws a second embodiment for the bottom of the drinking mug seen from above, fig. 4 shows a third ambodiment for the bottom seen in section on the line IV-IV in fig~ 3, fig. 5 shows a second embodime~t of the joint between the lid and the mug, fig. 6 shows a third embodiment of the joint between the lid and the mug, fig. 7 shows a second embodiment of the drinking mug according to the invention, seen in section, and fig. 8 shows a section on the line VIII-VIII in fig. 7.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
A drinking mug for children, handicapped or hospital patients who are unable to use open cups, glasses or mugs, comprises a cup l, a lid 3 and a suction tube 5. It is preferred that ~he parts l and 3 are made of synthetic material, e.g. by injection moulding, while the suction tube 5 can be made of a synthetic material or a cellulose-containing material. In its preferred embodiment, the cup l, which is described in the following, is provided externally.with two mutually opposite handles 7~ Along the edge 9 of the cup and at a short distance from the edge 9 there are four pins ll which are arranged at mutually equal distances. It is preferred that the pins ll are cylindrical.
The lid 3 is configured with an arcuate upper side 13 .in which there is a assymmetrically-disposed mouthpiece in the form of a drinking spout 15 which extends upwards as a projection along edge 17. The spout 15 is provided with a ~;
single, through-going channel 19, although several channels can be envisaged. The channel 19 opens out on the inner -side of the lid through a pipe stub, and here the suction tube 5 is secured. Use can be made of both disposable and permanent suction tubes 5, which are ~nserted in the spout 21. Permanent suction tubes 5, as shown in fig. 2, can be removed for cleaning and have such a large wall thickness that a collar 23 or a shoulder can be provided which serves as an abutment against the end of the spout 21. When using disposable suction tubes, which can have thinner walls, the suction tube 5 can abut against a collar inside the spout 21.
The edge 17 is provided with a laterally-extending collar 25. An annular edge 27 extends down under the collar 25, and the edge has a groove in which there is mounted a sealing ring 29 in the f-rm of an O-ring of rubber or ~
another elastomer material. It is hereby ensured that the ~-joint between the lid 3 and the cup 1 is airtight.
.
With other embodiments, the seal can be effected by hard or soft jointing material, and it is possible for the seal to be vulcanized, glued or welded firmly to the lid or the cup,iand these arrangements can possibly be combined with the seal lying on an upwardly-facing or downwardly-facing 30 flange in the cup or in the lid, all of which arrangements ~-fall within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the seal can lie loose or be configured as a belt on a cylindrical surface in the joint.
The edge 27 is provided with four cutouts which are indicated in general by the reference number 30, and which ,.
';
WO94/01026 PCT/DK93~00238 2 ~3 9~ 6~ 8 together with the pins 11 function as bayonet locks in the fastening of the lid 3 on the cup 1. At each cutout there is a narrow slot 31 which allows the adjacent, projecting portion 33 to exercise flexing movements in the directions as shown by the arrow 35. The cutouts 30 are configured in such a manner that the lid is first led downwards so that the pins 11 pass an opening 37 in the edge 27. Hereafter, the lid 3 must be turned~, whereby the pins 11 force the lid 3 downwards when the pins 11 slide along the parallel and slightly inclined section 39 and 41 in the edge 27 and the portion 33 respectively. The sealing ring 29 is thus forced into engagement with the inside of the cup. The l:Ld 3 finds its locked position, as shown in fig. 2b, when the pins ll have passed a small upwardly-extending projection or top point 43, after which the portion 33, because of its flexible configuration, prevents any accidental movements away from the locked position. Upon p~ssage of the top point 43, there is at the same time achieved a registration which can be felt during the manual turning of the lid 3.
When the lid 3 is to be removed, it is necessary to overcome a resistance upon pass~ge of the top point 43, and upon influence by the section 39 on the pins ll, the sealing ring 29 is pushed out of engagement with the inside of the cup. The bayonet locks ensure that the spout l5 assumes the same position in relation to the cup every time, and at the same time it is ensured that the seal 29 is in airtight engagement.
, With the preferred embodiment, four bayonet locks are employed, but another number of locks can be envisaged, in particular two locks whereby the the lid 3 can be secured only in two different positions in relation to the cup 1, which can be of significance for the position of the spout 15 in relation to the handles 7.
Other configurations of the seal between the lid 3 and the "-: :-,-, - . - . : .
213986~
g ; .
cup 1 are possible. A second embodiment is seen in figs. 5 and 6, where mutually abutting, smooth surfaces 45 are provided on both the lid 3 and the cup l. In fig. 5 the surfaces 45 are conical, while in fig. 6 they 45 are horizontal. A proper sealing in the joint can also be obtained by a suitable choice of material.
With the embodiments described above, use is shown of bayonet locks, but the drinking mug according to the invention can naturally also be configured with threaded connections or snap-locks between the lid and the cup, or the joint between the lid and the cup can simply ble an interference fit.
In the preferred embodiment, the bottom 47 of the cup is plane, and as shown in fig. 2 the suction tube 5 opens out ~-at a relatively short distance over the bottom 47, so that `~
the last remaining li~uid can also be sucked up.
20 In a second embodiment, the bottom is provided with one or ~-two recesses 49, as shown in figs. 3 and 4. As indicated by the stippled line in $ig. 3, the recess can be annular so that the position of the suction tube is arbitrary. The suction tube 5 extends a short way down into the recess 49, which hereby creates a pocket where the liquid has difficulty in gaining ingress to the suction tube if the -mug is turned upside down.
In other embodiments within the scope of the invention, the lid 3 or the cup l, or the joint between lid 3 and cup 1 is provided with a not-shown, common~y-known air valve for the equalization of the overpressure on the inside of the drinking mug, which can arise particularly when the lid 3 is being put on the cup, and which will tend to press liquid out through the suction tube 5.
WO94/~l026 PCT/DKg3/0023~
2~-3g~\6~J 10 Moreover, the possibility exists of configuring the suction tube with a valve which opens for the through-flow of liquid when a person is sucking up liquid, bu~ which closes ~when no suction is applied, and where the closing function is reinforced by the negative pressure created inside the mug. Drops of liquid in the suction tube are hereby prevented from running out when the bottom o the mug is turned upwards.
Furthermore, the joint between the suction tube 5 and the lid 3 can be configured in different ways. The lid 3 and the tube 5 can have threads, and the drinking spout can be configured in one piece with the suction tube, in that the drinking spout can then be removed from the lid for cleaning together with the suction tube. The lid, drinking spout and suction tube can be made in one piece, e.g. by ~-the suction tube being welded or glued to the lid or the drinking spout. Moreover, the suction tube can be through-going in the lid, in that a seal is provided between the lid and the suction tube. The suction tube can have an angle in relation to the bottom 47, and the drinking spout and the suction tube's external opening can be disposed in the centre of the lid instead of near the edge 17, as described above.
A second embodiment of the mug according to the invention is shown in figs. 7 and 8. The cup 50 is configured with an upper side 51 which is in one piece with the cylindrical side wall 52. At the wall 52 there is provided a thickening 53 which has a through-going channel S4. The channel 54 extends from its mouth 55 in the drinking spout 15 on the upper side 51 to an inlet 56 near the bottom 57, which as shown is slightly conical so that the liquid will run out towards the edge where the inlet 56 is found. The bottom 57 is configured as a screw lid with thread 58, and has a tight joint 59 which is effected by the mutually abutting WO94~01026 - PCT/DK93/0023X
surfaces having a fine fit. When the bottom 57, which functions as the lid, is taken off, the cup S0 with the upper side 51 facing downwards can be filled up to the inlet 56, and the bottom 57 is screwed on. The possible sl~rplus air which stands over the surface of the li~uid in the cup S0 will be able to escape through the channel 54 when the bottom 57 is being screwed on, and overpressure is hereby avoided. Hereafter, the mug can be turned over into its normal position shown in fig. 7. Due to the airtight and liguid-tight joint 59, the same advantages are achieved as with the remaining embodiments described above~ Since the suction tube is configured as an integrated channel 54, the configuration of the mug is simplified.
The embodiment shown in figs. 7 and 8 can be varied in different ways, particularly by combLnation with the embodiments previously described, e.g. by having a separate suction tube which can be disposable instead o a channel 54. Moreover, the channel 54 can be extended as a short stub in the vicinity of the bottom 57, e.g. so that the inlet 56 can extend down into a recess in the bottom 57.
., , .. .-, .. :. .
Claims (9)
1. Drinking mug comprising a cup, a lid and at least one suction tube which extends from a mouth at the top side of the cup, characterized in that the suction tube is substantially straight between its mouth and its inlet inside the mug, said inlet inside the mug being disposed at a relatively short distance over the bottom, and in that the mug is configured with substantially gastight joints so that the flow of air to and from the interior of the mug takes place exclusively or almost exclusively through the suction tube.
2. Drinking mug according to claim 1, characterized in that a sealing ring is provided in the joint between the lid and the mug.
3. Drinking mug according to claim 1, characterized in that in the joint between the lid and the mug there is an airtight fit between mutually abutting parts of the lid and the mug.
4. Drinking mug according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom of the mug has at least one recess positioned in such a manner that the inlet to the suction tube is disposed opposite to and down in the recess.
5. Drinking mug according to claim 4, characterized in that the recess is annular and positioned symmetrically in the bottom.
6. Drinking mug according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid can be secured on the mug by means of two or more bayonet locks.
7. Drinking mug according to claim 6, characterized in that the bayonet locks are configured with lateral pins which extend towards each other from the wall of the mug, and where cutouts are provided in the lid, said cutouts being configured to cooperate with the pins upon the mutual turning of lid and mug so that the pins actuates a flexible portion at the cutouts until the pins have passed a top point on the portions, where the pins assume a locking position in relation to the cutouts, where from said locking position no further movement can be made in the same direction, and in that turning in the opposite direction can only be effected by overcoming a force which arises with the passage by the pins of the top point in the opposite direction.
8. Drinking mug according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid constitutes the bottom of the mug, and in that the cup is configured with a closed top side with the exception of the mouth of the suction tube which is disposed at or in the top side of the cup.
9. Drinking mug according to claim 8, characterized in that the suction tube is configured as a channel which extends through a thicker part of the side of the cup.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DK90592A DK90592A (en) | 1992-07-10 | 1992-07-10 | drinking mug |
| DK0905/92 | 1992-07-10 | ||
| DK0790/93 | 1992-11-06 | ||
| DK79093A DK79093D0 (en) | 1993-07-02 | 1993-07-02 | DRINK MUGS |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2139868A1 true CA2139868A1 (en) | 1994-01-20 |
Family
ID=26064668
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2139868 Abandoned CA2139868A1 (en) | 1992-07-10 | 1993-07-12 | Drinking cup |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0649287B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2139868A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69321834T2 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK0649287T3 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2125988T3 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1994001026A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2327407B (en) | 1997-07-18 | 2001-04-18 | Vogue Housewares Ltd | Drinking flask |
| US5950857A (en) * | 1998-06-17 | 1999-09-14 | Rosen; Jay B. | Leak resistant and squeeze resistant liquid box container |
| WO2000049920A2 (en) * | 1999-02-22 | 2000-08-31 | Diamond Creek Corporation B.V. | Anti-spill drinking cup |
| DK2000545T3 (en) | 2001-06-20 | 2011-11-28 | Genentech Inc | Compositions and methods for diagnosis and treatment of lung tumor |
| CN106974512A (en) * | 2017-05-17 | 2017-07-25 | 中山市嘉升电器有限公司 | A kind of extracting cup |
| CN109674661B (en) * | 2019-02-14 | 2021-08-31 | 江西旺来科技有限公司 | Pipeline type anti-flatulence feeding bottle |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2312220A1 (en) * | 1975-05-28 | 1976-12-24 | Amsellem Salomon | Drinking cup with built in drinking straw - is plastics moulded with straw built into walls extending from bottom to above rim |
| DE8213392U1 (en) * | 1982-05-08 | 1982-08-19 | Bellaplast Gmbh, 6200 Wiesbaden | DRINKING TANK |
| US4631715A (en) * | 1985-05-06 | 1986-12-23 | Hoover Lawrence E | Audio straw and cup lid |
| US4775060A (en) * | 1987-09-09 | 1988-10-04 | Tom Pinney | Animal straw holder |
-
1993
- 1993-07-12 EP EP93914659A patent/EP0649287B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-07-12 CA CA 2139868 patent/CA2139868A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1993-07-12 ES ES93914659T patent/ES2125988T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-07-12 DK DK93914659T patent/DK0649287T3/en active
- 1993-07-12 DE DE69321834T patent/DE69321834T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-07-12 WO PCT/DK1993/000238 patent/WO1994001026A1/en active IP Right Grant
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU5462994A (en) | 1994-01-31 |
| AU684061B2 (en) | 1997-12-04 |
| DE69321834T2 (en) | 1999-07-08 |
| DE69321834D1 (en) | 1998-12-03 |
| DK0649287T3 (en) | 1999-07-12 |
| WO1994001026A1 (en) | 1994-01-20 |
| ES2125988T3 (en) | 1999-03-16 |
| EP0649287A1 (en) | 1995-04-26 |
| EP0649287B1 (en) | 1998-10-28 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |