MXPA01001819A - No-spill drinking cup apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A no-spill cup (22) and valve assembly (31) which provides an seal against accidental liquid flow. The sucking action at the cup spout creates negative pressure against a valve member (37, 39) near the spout (14) having an opening therein, causing the valve member (37, 39) and opening to move off of a protruding member, thereby unblocking the opening in the valve. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve and spout. When not in use, the valve sits in a closed position, with the opening in the valve sitting on a protruding member and pressed against the protruding member's base, sealing off the opening in the valve assembly (31). The closed position provides a seal against fluid leakage during inadvertent spills. The cup assembly allows variable liquid flow rates by rotating the position of the valve assembly in the cover (11) of the cup.

Description

SPILL-PROOF DRINKING CUP APPARATUS Related Applications The present application claims the priority rights of US Patent Application Serial No. 09 / 138,588, filed on August 21, 1998, and US Patent Application No. of Series 09 / 271,779 filed on March 18, 1999, whose disclosures are incorporated herein by reference. The disclosure of the US Provisional Patent Application No. 60,056,218, filed on August 21, 1997, is hereby incorporated by reference as well. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a spill-proof drinking cup assembly with an improved valve mechanism in order to prevent liquid from leaving the cup when it is not desired. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Spill-proof cup assemblies are well known in the art. In the past, several assemblies of this type have been developed and marketed. In general, the object of a spill-proof cup is to provide a construction that minimizes or prevents liquid from leaving the cup when a flow of liquid is not desired, that is, when the user is not drinking. However, even when the prior art assemblies are intended to avoid such accidents, their construction is such that they generally do not offer sufficiently secure protection against undesirable spills or leaks. Thus, when these cups are turned, or more importantly, when these cups are vigorously shaken, the liquid frequently comes out of them. This can be a particular problem in the case of young children for whom these cups are contemplated. Accordingly, there is a need for the technique of an improved cup assembly in order to avoid unwanted spills of liquids. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved spill-proof cup assembly. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cup assembly that prevents the flow of liquid from the cup when the user is not drinking. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cup assembly that minimizes and / or eliminates the flow or spillage of bumpy or undesirable liquid out of the cup. It is a further object of the invention to provide a cup assembly that offers the ability to regulate the rate of liquid flow out of the cup. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cup assembly that can be used by young children, & amp; ^^; > Z & to avoid accidental spillage of liquid there. Additional objects of the present invention will be apparent in combination with the present disclosure. In accordance with the invention, an improved cup construction and valve assembly is offered which offers an extremely safe seal against accidental flow of liquid from the cup peak. In accordance with the invention, a user places his / her mouth against the cup assembly spout to suck fluid out of the cup when desired. The act of sucking at the cup peak creates a negative pressure or a partial vacuum against the valve at the cup peak causing the valve to begin to reverse or turn, thus unblocking an opening such as a hole or a slit. in the valve. In the preferred embodiment, the application of negative pressure on the upper part of the valve causes an opening in a part of the valve for upward displacement away from the base of a projecting member extending through this opening. Once the opening is unblocked, the liquid can flow freely through the valve and the spout. In contrast, when not in use, the valve sits in a closed, resting position, with the opening pressed against the center seal, thus sealing the opening, slit or hole in the valve assembly. A) Yes, in the resting state, without application of negative pressure, the valve sits in a closed position with the fluid opening sealed by the center seal. In the preferred embodiment, the projecting member extends through the opening in a male and female relationship such that the hole is seated tightly on the projecting member against the bottom portion of the projecting member and the base of the seal member or center seal. In one embodiment, a double valve device having an adjacent valve similarly sealing is provided when no negative pressure is applied, thus blocking the air vents in the cup cover, and further avoiding the possibility of fluid flow. In each of the embodiments of the invention, the closed valve position provides an extremely secure seal against leakage of fluid, such that accidental spills or even deliberate attempts to extract liquid from the cup, such as by turning the head cup , or by shaking the cup, they are ineffective. In a further embodiment of the invention, the cup assembly allows the regulation of the flow of liquid between levels or regular or maximum flow rates and minimum levels or flow rates by rotating the position of the valve assembly in the lid or cover of the t.-5-feaSM-ß-l cup. The valve holder is constructed in the form of an assembly of two subunits, with a subassembly supporting a valve with a larger slit or orifice for fluid flow than the valve in the second subunit. Thus, by rotating the valve holder, either a low flow valve or a higher flow valve can be positioned in the hole leading to the spout. In this way, a two-position valve assembly is provided which allows either a regular flow condition or a minimum liquid flow condition. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 (a) is an enlarged front view of a spill-proof cup assembly in accordance with the present invention. Figure 1 (b) is an enlarged perspective view of the spill-proof cup assembly of Figure 1 (a). Figure 2 (a) is an enlarged front view of a second embodiment of a spill-proof cup assembly in accordance with the present invention. Figure 1 (b) is an enlarged perspective view of the spill-proof cup assembly of Figure 2 (a). Figure 3 is a perspective view of the valve assembly of the present invention. Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of another embodiment of the valve assembly of the spill-proof cup in accordance with the present invention. Figure 5 (a) is an enlarged front view of the cup assembly of the present invention, showing the rotation of the valve holder or assembly, in two alternative positions for placement on the lid or cover of the cup. Figure 5 (a) is an enlarged perspective view showing the positioning of the valve holder in the lid, in any of the two positions illustrated in Figure 5 (a). Figures 6 (a) - (e) are a series of additional views of the valve holder or assembly of Figure 3. Figure 6 (a) is a top view of the valve holder. Figure 6 (b) is a front view of the valve holder. Figure 6 (c) is a side view of the valve holder. Figure 6 (d) is a cross-sectional view of the valve holder where the valve is in a relaxed state, sealing the flow of fluid. Figure 6 (e) is a cross-sectional view of the valve holder, showing the valve in an inverted state, to allow fluid flow through the valve. Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of another embodiment of the valve assembly of the spill-proof cup in accordance with the present invention. Figures 8 (a) - (e) are a series of additional views of an additional embodiment of the valve assembly illustrated in Figure 6. Figure 8 (a) is a top view of the valve holder or assembly. Figure 8 (b) is a front view of the valve holder. Figure 8 (c) is a side view of the valve holder. Figure 8 (d) is a cross-sectional view of the valve holder, where the valve is in a relaxed state, sealing the fluid flow. Figure 8 (e) is a cross-sectional view of the valve holder, showing the valve in an inverted state, to allow fluid flow through the valve. Figures 9 (a) - (e) are a series of additional views of another embodiment of the valve assembly illustrated in Figure 8. Figure 9 (a) is a top view of the valve holder or assembly. Figure 9 (b) is a front view of the valve holder. Figure 9 (c) is a side view of the valve holder. Figure 9 (d) is a cross-sectional view of the valve holder where the valve is in a relaxed state, sealing the fluid flow. Figure 9 (e) is a cross-sectional view of the valve holder, showing the valve in an inverted state, to allow fluid flow through the valve. Figure 10 is a side view of a spill-proof cup with a soft grip area, in accordance with the present invention. Figures 11 (a) - (c) are a series of additional views of another embodiment of the lid of the present invention. The goes. Figure 11 (a) is a partial cross-sectional view of a lid with an insert molded or glued in a joint, according to the invention. Figure 11 (b) is a side cross-sectional view of the lid of Figure 11 (a). Figure 11 (c) is a top cross-sectional view of the lid of Figure 11 (b). Figures 12 (a) - (c) are a series of additional views of another embodiment of the lid of the present invention. Fig. 12 (a) is a partial cross-sectional view of a lid with a molded lip resting in a wedge-shaped manner on the inner surface of the cup, in accordance with the invention. Figure 12 (b) is a side cross-sectional view of the lid of Figure 12 (a). Fig. 12 (c) is a top cross-sectional view of the lid of Fig. 12 (b). Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a lid having a soft peak, in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. Figure 14 is a side cross-sectional view of a lid having a reduced volume peak, in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. Figures 15 (a) - (f) are a series of additional views of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which the center detent has been modified, and the opening in the valve is an approximately circular orifice.

Figure 15 (a) is a top view of the valve support, which supports the modified valve, according to the invention. Figure 15 Cb) is a cross-sectional view of the valve holder of Figure 15 (a) showing the modified valves, including a modified center detent having a projecting member. The valve includes an approximately circular opening in the valve which is blocked by the projecting member, which extends through. Fig. 15 (c) is a side view of the valve holder of Fig. 15 (a). Figure 15 (d) is an end view of the valve support of Figure 15 (a). Figure 15 (e) is a cross-sectional view of the valve within the valve holder of Figure 15 (a), showing the quick-flow valve, in accordance with the embodiment of the invention wherein the center stopper has been modified to include an outgoing member that extends from there. Fig. 15 (f) is a cross-sectional view of the valve within the valve holder of Fig. 15 (a), showing the slow-flow valve, in accordance with the embodiment of the invention wherein the center retainer has been modified to include an outgoing member that extends from there. Figures 16 (a) - (d) are a series of views of one of the valve support subunits of the valve holder illustrated in Figure 15 (a) - (f). Figure 16 (a) is a top view of the valve support sub-unit, for attachment to a lid of a spill-proof cup. Figure 16 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the valve support sub-unit of Figure 16 (a). The figure 16 (c) is a side view of the valve support sub-unit illustrated in Figure 16 (a). Figure 16 (d) is a perspective view of the valve support sub-unit. Figures 17 (a) - (d) are a series of views of the valve, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 15 (a) - (f), and Figures 16 (a) - ( d). Figure 17 (a) is a top view of the valve, for placement within a valve support sub-unit, as shown in Figures 16 (a) - (d) and / or placement in a valve holder, as shown in figures 15 (a) - (f). Figure 17 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the valve of Figure 17 (a). The figure 17 (c) is a side view of the valve illustrated in Figure 17 (a). Figure 17 (d) is an enlarged view of a portion of the valve shown in Figure 17 (b). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND PREFERRED MODALITIES As shown in combination with the accompanying drawings, a novel cup assembly is shown to prevent accidental spills of liquid. Figures 1 (a) and 1 (b) are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of a cup assembly embodiment, in accordance with the present invention. The volume of the cup or portion that holds the liquid in the assembly can be adjusted as desired. In one embodiment, a drinking cup of 198.45 grams (7 ounces) is provided, as shown in figure 1. Alternatively, a drinking cup of 255.15 grams (9 ounces) can also be provided, as shown in the figure. 2, a cup of 184.27 grams (6 ounces), or any other desired size. The sides of the cup may not have a handle, a handle, two handles or any number of handles, so the user can grab the cup. This handle or these several lugs are preferably sized for a child's hand. In addition, the external appearance of the cup and / or lid can be a single color or it can present printing with any desired design. In a further embodiment of the invention, a spill-proof cup with a soft grip area can be provided, as shown in FIG. 10. In accordance with this embodiment, a soft ring 102 is provided around the outside of the cup. Cup. The ring can be of any desired width, and serves as a grip for a finger, to facilitate the firm grip of the cup. Preferably, the ring has a width of approximately 5.08 cm (2 inches). In a preferred embodiment, the soft ring 102 has shapes or patterns 106 cut out such as stars, ovals, etc. The hard cup, in turn, has raised areas or protuberances that correspond to these shapes or designs. The soft ring fits comfortably in these raised areas of the cup, each of the hard protruding shapes fitting into the cutouts of the soft ring, and the surface of the raised areas and the soft ring are flush when the ring is inserted into the ring. Cup. In one embodiment of the invention, the cup is constructed of polycarbonate. In an alternative embodiment, the cup is constructed of polypropylene. If desired, clear polypropylene can be used. Alternatively, any other material suitable for the components of the spill-proof cup can be used. The components of the cup are made of durable materials, resistant to breakage, safe in fret washing machines, and preferably with resistant color. According to the invention, the cup 7 includes a spill-proof cap or cover 11, a valve holder or assembly 31 and a cup-like cup 22. A spill-proof cap 11 includes a spout 14 for drinking liquid from the cup. The beak is of adequate size to allow an individual to place his mouth in his beak to drink from there. In the preferred embodiment, the peak is sized for a child's mouth, particularly for a young child. A spill-proof lid 11 forms a cover for placement over the cup-type cup 22. When it is fixed on the cup 22, a secure seal is formed in such a way that no liquid can emerge through the connection between the cup and the cup. lid 11 and the cup 22. In use, the lid 11 is placed firmly enough on the cup 22 in such a way that the agitation of the cup assembly, the fact of dropping the cup on the floor, or any other Vigorous movement of the cup assembly, or the application of a strong force there, is insufficient to separate the lid from the cup. In one embodiment, a spill-proof lid 11 and a cup-type cup 22 include screw threads of the male and female type, such that the lid 11 is a screw-on lid that can be easily rotated in the cup 22 of the type vessel, as shown in Figure 2. In an alternative embodiment, a snap-on lid is employed., as shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, a resilient ring portion of the cap 11 fits tightly on the lip 10 of the cup-like cup 22, as is known in the art. Although a screw-on lid or snap-on lid is presented as two preferred embodiments, alternatively other suitable mechanisms can be employed to hold the lid on the cup-type cup. Any of the screw-in lid and / or snap-on lid may have a gasket 110 between the cup-type cup and the lid, in order to further seal the connection between the cup and the lid. This gasket may be part of the cup-type cup 22 or the lid 11, or it may be a separate element inserted between the lid and the cup. In a preferred embodiment, the seal 110 is part of the cover 11, as shown in Figures 11 (a) - (c). Alternatively, the lid may be equipped with a small annular inner lip, on the inside of the lid, which acts as a seal. This lip, as shown in Figures 12 (a) - (c), is wedged into the cup when the lid is screwed or placed on the cup. The lip acts to additionally prevent the possibility of liquid flow thanks to the contact between the cup and the lid. In a preferred embodiment, gripping areas for fingers are provided on the outside of the lid, such as grooves or the like. These gripping areas facilitate the removal and placement of the lid, especially in the mode that requires the screwing and unscrewing of the bowl. The lid is also preferably interchangeable with numerous cup-type cups of different sizes. In this embodiment, the rim of the cups of the cup type all have the same diameter, even though the cup-type cups themselves are of different volumes. For example, the same size lid could be used in a 184.27 gram (6 ounce) cup and / or a 198.4 gram (7 ounce) cup and / or a 255.15 gram (9 ounce) cup, etc. In a further embodiment of the lid, the lid has a soft peak 130 in accordance with that illustrated in FIG. 13. Preferably, the peak is made of a thermoelastimero. The spout 130 can be inserted and molded into a polypropylene cap, providing a cap combination having a hard section for attachment to the cup and a soft spout portion. Preferably, the spout has a small channel that extends through to reduce the volume of liquid that may be trapped within the peak portion. In a further embodiment of the lid, the lid has a reduced volume peak as shown in Figure 14. A reduced volume peak 140 is designed to reduce the volume of liquid may be trapped within the peak. A reduced volume peak 140 has a volume reduction member 144 inserted there to reduce the internal volume of the peak, and to provide a channel 148 for liquid flow. Preferably, a valve assembly subunit 142 extends into the peak 140 to further reduce the amount of liquid that may be trapped in the peak 140. A valve assembly subunit 142 may, for example, extend into a reduction member. of volume 144. Accordingly, this mode reduces the space between the valve and the opening of the drinking spout, in order to reduce the amount of liquid potentially trapped in this area. As shown in Fig. 1 (b), a spill-proof lid 11 includes valve assembly carriers 16 and 18. In the preferred embodiment, valve assembly carriers 16 and 18 are tapered holes provided in the lower lip of the valve. the lid. The valve assembly vehicle or tapered orifice 18 carries an open spout 14, which provides a route for liquid flow. Thus, a valve assembly vehicle or hole 18 is in the fully open position on both sides, both on its upper surface, which leads to the spout 14, as in its lower surface opposite the cup type 32, so that the liquid flows out of the cup type 22 through the hole 18 and through the spout 14 towards the mouth of the user. A valve assembly vehicle or tapered orifice 16, in Sute Vi JS?% H >; In contrast, it provides a passage for the flow of air into the cup during use, allowing the liquid to exit through an opposite hole 18 and peak 14. The orifice 16 is open on one side, ie in its lower surface opposite the cup-like cup 22. On the opposite side, the hole 16 is combined on the inner surface of the lid 11. The inner surface of the lid 11 is further provided with one or more vents, preferably small or orifices for air flow, allowing air to flow through the vents in the lid 11 and through the orifice 16 in the cup assembly during use. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a spill-proof cup 7 further includes a valve holder or an assembly 31. The valve holder 31 is preferably constructed from a high temperature ABS material, and dimensions to fit exactly in the lid 11. In the preferred embodiment, the valve holder is a separate assembly that fits over the lid 11. Alternatively, the valve holder can be provided as an integral part of a lid 11 and / or cup 7. For example, the valve holder 31 may be molded as part of a lid 11, such that the valve holder is inseparable from the lid. In the preferred embodiment, the valve holder 31 is an assembly of two subunits connected by a bridge 34. Each subunit of the assembly of two subunits is sized to fit friction and to be held by any of the tapered holes 16 and 18 The space between the tapered holes 16 and 18 is the same as between the 5 subunits of the valve holder 31, such that the valve holder can easily be held within the lid 11. The dimension and the tapered nature of the holes 16 and 18 as well as the size of the valve holder 31 are such that they offer a firm, exact correspondence between the valve assembly and tapered holes. In a preferred embodiment, the upper part of the valve holder (ie, the side facing the peak) and the bottom of the valve holder (ie, the side facing the cup) have two different diameters. The upper part provides for it to fit exactly in the tapered hole, and the bottom part is provided in such a way that it can not be inserted in the hole 16 or in the hole 18. In this way, a mechanism is provided to prevent the valve holder be inserted into the holes in the wrong orientation, that is, head. Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the valve holder of the present invention. The valve holder 31 consists of two valve support subunits 37 and 39, connected through a bridge 34. Each subunit of valve holder is intended to support a valve • v '- & amp; & amp; ~ ~ - to iA¿ &only there. As shown in the figure, a valve or valve member 42 is designed to be placed in the sub-unit 37, and the valve or valve member 45 is provided to be placed in the sub-unit 39. The valves 42 and 45 each include a Slit or hole for the passage of the liquid. The slit or orifice is preferably through the center portion of the valve, and is sized to allow a predetermined level or flow rate of liquid through, as desired. The valve support sub-units 37 and 39 are opened in seal units 37a and 39 (a) and valve retainers or end caps 37b and 39 (b), respectively. Taking the subunit 37 of the function of each subunit as an example, as shown in FIG. 3, subunit 37 is initially in an open position in which the seal unit and the valve retainer have been separated by means of pulling or articulation. In one embodiment, the seal unit and the valve retainer have a tab 60 that connects them, to avoid that the components are permanently separated accidentally. Alternatively, the valve retainer may be welded in place (e.g. by sonic welding), as shown in Figures 4 and 7. The seal units each have at least one open section 58, such that, in the disassembled state of the valve assembly, a fluid can pass unobstructed through the seal unit since no valve is in this location. In the same way, the valve retainers are open on both sides for an unobstructed passage of fluid through the valve retainer in the disassembled state when there is no valve in place. To assemble the valve assembly, the valve 42 is inserted into the valve holder by placing the valve between the seal unit 37a and a valve retainer 37b. After communication of a valve in one or both of the subunits, the valve retainers can be bent or hinged about the tab 60, over the seal unit 37 (or from below the seal unit 39, in the orientation shown in the figure) and snapped into place to close the subunits, as shown in Figure 5. The elasticity of the seal unit allows for the establishment of an airtight seal between the valve retainer and the seal unit . When closed, each sub-unit holds or encapsulates a valve narrowly there, holding the valve in place in the valve holder. For clarity, subunit 37 is first referenced, even though subunits 37 and 39 are preferably the same in all their characteristics outside the size of the valve opening. For the purposes of the present comment, subunit 37 is considered to be the intended subunit for its initial placement in hole 18. As shown in Figures 5, 6, 8 and 9, when closing a subunit (e.g. subunit 37 in Figure 3), the valve 42 sits firmly against the center seal retainer or center seal 52 in the seal unit 37a, with the opening 70 in the valve 42 flush against the center seal retainer 52 The valve 42 includes a proximal upper side that will face the peak of the cap, and a distal side that abuts against the center seal retainer when the valve is placed in the valve holder 31. A center detent 52 functions as a seal member or blocking element of the valve assembly that seals and blocks the flow of fluid through the valve. In one embodiment, a center detent 52 consists of a substantially flat solid central area or portion 56 that is impenetrable to the flow of the liquid therethrough. In a further preferred embodiment, a center seal or seal 101 is provided with a protruding member 108 extending from the base seal base, as shown in Figure 15. Surrounding the central area or portion 56, a peripheral area or region 58 having open areas such as grooves etc. may be provided to allow passage of liquid therethrough, as shown, for example, in Figure 8 (a). A central area 56 or center retainer 52 may further include rods 74. As shown in Figure 9, rods 74 may be further reinforced with clamps 72, which are reinforcement elements, which offer additional strength to the connection between the rods. Rods and valve support. When in the normal rest position, the valve 42 is firmly seated against the center detent 52, as shown in Fig. 8 (d). In this rest position, the opening or orifice 72 of the valve 42 presses firmly against the central area 56 of the central detent 52, preventing fluid flow through the valve, and maintaining the valve in a closed configuration. In an alternative embodiment, the hole can be firmly seated against or on an outgoing member 108., as shown in figure 15. To drink from the cup, a user raises the cup towards the mouth and begins to suck liquid through the beak 14. In the process, the user creates a negative pressure or a partial vacuum against the upper part of the valve 42 in the sub-unit 37. In one embodiment, a valve 42 is constructed of a flexible material designed to be inverted or fully overturned or to start inverting and turning over, by creating a partial vacuum against the top of the valve 42, as shown in Figure 8 (e). For example, a valve 42 may have a membrane, either in its entirety or in part. Preferably, the valve is constructed of Kraton or silicone. If silicone is used, a durometer silicone 45 is preferred, for example Lims 6045, which is available from General Electric or from Wacker (a subsidiary of Bayer) of Germany. The materials used for the valve assembly and its components are sufficiently durable and heat resistant so that the entire valve assembly can be placed in a fret washing machine or boiled. In one embodiment, the valve material is constructed of a single material with a greater thickness of material in the central area that seals on a central retainer, and with a thinner portion of material on the side walls. Providing a thinner side wall portion contributes to the valve's flexibility at its edges, which additionally aids and encourages valve reversal, causing the valve to flex in the side walls when a negative pressure is applied there. The preferred dimensions of the valve thickness are approximately 0.4 mm in thickness in the side walls and approximately 0.9 mm in thickness in the center area. In a first embodiment, when the valve 42 is inverted, the opening or orifice 70 is displaced out of the central area 56 of the center detent 52. The reversal of the valve consequently unblocks the opening 70 allowing the fluid to flow through the subway. Idad When the negative pressure is applied on the upper surface of the valve 42 placed next to the peak, it is likely that a negative pressure on the bottom of the adjacent valve in the other sub-unit located in the other is applied in the same way. tapered hole in the cup lid. Thus, this negative pressure also opens the second valve by displacing the opening in the other valve away from its center stop. The reversal of the valves 42 allows fluid flow to be effected through both subunits of the assembly. The liquid will flow through a subunit of the valve assembly, the subunit is connected to the peak, concurrently accompanied by air flow through the other subunit of the assembly, the subunit connected to the air vents. In this way, a constant and easy flow of liquid is obtained through the valve assembly, the spout and out of the cup. In a further embodiment, the valve assembly is provided with a flow bridge 84. A flow bridge 84 blocks the movement or expansion of the valve 42 beyond a certain maximum distance to prevent the valve from over-extending, or either to prevent said valve from being subjected to excessive deformation or excessive distension, as shown in Figure 8 (e). Thus, the bridge Ká * jtíi? fc¡te «sf« of flow prevents the valve from reversing beyond the point at which it can no longer easily be reverted to its original position. In addition, the flow bridge provides a guard or barrier preventing the valve from being damaged. Thus, it prevents objects such as spoon, etc., either in a fret washing machine or otherwise, from easily damaging the valve. When the negative pressure is released or when said pressure is removed from the spout, the valve reverts to its rest position, and fluid can not flow through the slit or orifice closed in the valve. In the resting position, or liquid spills out of the cup. Additional modes of valve support and assembly are presented in Figures 4, 7-9 and 15-17. As shown in Figure 4, instead of the valve retainer shown in Figure 3, a removable pressure adjusting valve holder 81 is provided, alternatively. Or, as shown in Fig. 7, a valve retainer 94 may also be provided. Valve retainers 81 and 94 serve the same function as valve retainers 37b and 39 (b), supporting and holding the valve within of the valve assembly. It is preferred that the valve retainer, whatever the mode employed, be sonically welded to ensure that the valve can not be removed or displaced from the support.

Accordingly, in accordance with the invention, a system is provided for maintaining an airtight seal against fluid flow when the cup is not in use. An extremely secure seal is provided, such that excessive or vigorous agitation is not effective in expelling fluid from the cup. Significantly, the disclosed valve construction results in a much more watertight seal than is observed in the spill-proof cup assemblies of the prior art. In accordance with the invention, unless the user sucks through the spout, no liquid will flow through the valve. In the preferred embodiment, the subunits 37 and 39 are preferably identical in all respects except for the size of the hole or slit in the valve 42, and as to the hole or slit in the valve 45. It is preferred that a valve be Provide with a larger opening than the other valve, such as a longer gap or larger hole in one valve than in the other. In one embodiment, a valve with an aperture in the form of a slit of approximately 0.508 cm is provided. (two hundred thousandths (200/1000) of an inch) in length, while the second valve is provided with a slit of approximately 0.13 cm (fifty thousandths (50/1000) of an inch). Alternatively, they can be used S & ß ^^^^^ jj ^ te? Sys iA. obviously other lengths or other sizes in accordance with the present invention. By varying the size and / or the shape of the opening in the valve, the present inventor has also provided a flow system that acts in a double, novel way, to regulate the flow of fluid. In this system, the level of fluid flow out of the cup during use can be easily regulated. The regulation is achieved by a simple rotation of the valve assembly which converts the cup between a faster or higher liquid flow, and a slower or lower flow system. As shown in Figure 5, a valve holder 31 may be inserted in the lid 11 in any of two configurations. In a first configuration, the valve 45 having an opening or orifice or slit is placed in the hole 18, the orifice is in communication with the peak 14. In this configuration, a first level of liquid flow is established, more High, through the valve, when the user sucks liquid through the peak, due to the use of the valve that has the largest opening. By removing the valve holder 31 from holes 16 and 18, and by shaking the valve holder 31 to 180 degrees (180 ° C), the other valve 42, having the smallest opening, can be inserted in the orifice 18. This valve 42 offers a second lower flow state, in where the liquid can still flow out of the peak, but with a flow rate lower than the flow through the first valve. In this way, one of the parents can regulate the fluid flow regime out of the cup. Even when a two-tier flow system is disclosed, higher or lower flow levels may be provided by varying the number of sub-assemblies that have valves there, or by providing replacement valve supports having apertures of different sizes there. In all configurations, however, the liquid only flows through the valve when the user sucks through the spout, as disclosed above. Any form of desired opening suitable for the passage of a desired level of liquid can be employed in the valve. The opening 70 can be, for example, a slot, a slot, a hole (including any hole shape), etc. In the same way, the term opening contemplates multiple openings of these types or of any other type as well. In one embodiment, the opening 70 is a "X" shaped slit 78, as shown in Figure 7. In another preferred embodiment, the opening is a "T" shaped slit 76 as also shown in Figure 7. The use of the X-shaped slit 78 illustrated in Figure 7 offers a higher flow rate than the T-shaped slit 76 shown. The flow rate obviously depends on the total length of the slits or, in general, on the size of the opening. Accordingly, both the X-shaped groove and the T-shaped groove can be used in a single valve assembly, each placed in its respective sub-unit. In this preferred embodiment, a two-tier flow system is provided, as discussed above. In a further embodiment, both openings are X-shaped, with one opening larger than the other. An opening of 7mm (the length from one end to the other end of each bar of the "X") can be used for the fast side, and a 6mm opening for the slow lacto. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the valve includes a valve member 126 and a center or seal retainer with a projecting member. The preferred configurations and dimensions of the valve appear in Figures 15-17. As shown in Figure 17 (a), a valve member 126 includes an opening, for example a hole or a hole 118, and is preferably a membrane or a flexible portion of material. The valve member and, likewise, the projecting member, can be made of a suitable flexible or plastic material, such as silicone, kraton, latex, or ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene). A valve member 126 is preferably encapsulated within a valve assembly subunit 114, 116, or 130, the valve assembly subunit is shown in Figures 15 (a) and 16. The valve assembly subunit 130 is equipped with openings for the passage of liquid through one side of the sub-unit, then through the valve when the valve is in the open position, and then through the other of the sub-unit allowing a user to drink when a liquid is applied. Negative pressure or suction to the valve. The valve subunit or other suitable anti-inversion member or flow bridge positioned in the vicinity of the valve member may additionally serve to block excessive inversion of the valve member. According to this embodiment, the side of the valve subunit or the anti-inversion member is positioned at a sufficiently close distance from the valve member such that upon applying a negative pressure or suction to the valve member, the valve member make an impact with the side of the subunit before a full investment. In the preferred mode, a center seal or seal member 101 is provided with an outgoing member 108 extending from a base 104, as shown in Figure 15 (b) and Figures 15 (e) - (f). A projecting member 108 is a male seal member which in the closed valve state is extended through the orifice 118. Preferably, a circular or approximately circular hole is used, although any form of orifice consistent with to the invention. Additionally, a male or outgoing seal member 108 is a post or needle, such as a frustoconical or conical post, or a finger-shaped member. A male seal member or projection 108 extends from the base 104 as a projection toward the hole 118. Preferably, the seal member or projection 108 is tapered. Specifically in the preferred embodiment, the outgoing member 108 has a larger diameter in its bottom portion (near base 104 of the center seal) than its diameter at the top. In the preferred embodiment the base 104 is substantially planar. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, a projecting member 108 is provided opposite the female orifice 118, with the projecting member 108 and the hole 118 in the center seal forming a male-to-female correspondence relationship. In the idle state, without application of negative pressure, the center seal 101 presses to count the hole 118, with the projecting member 108 extending hermetically through the hole and forming a seal against the flow of fluid through the valve. Due to the correspondence between the seal member and the hole, and due to the tapered character of the seal member with the larger diameter provided in the base of the outgoing member, ? tSß 3u £ BaB% firt í ¿£ - > *? the orifice is seated exactly against the wider diameter bottom portion of the projecting member 108 to form a very watertight seal against the fluid or u. Further, in the preferred embodiment, the projecting member 108 is extended beyond the hole 118 ie, in the closed valve state, the upper portion of the projecting or sealing member 108 extends both through the hole 118 and beyond the orifice 118 to additionally secure an airtight barrier fluid flow through the valve and to prevent the orifice from presenting an exaggerated displacement and being safe from the protruding member. In accordance with the invention even if the cup with the valve is vigorously agitated, no fluid flows through it. In fact, the stirring of the cup can place the protruding member 108 still further in the hole 118, m causing greater sealing of the seal between the projecting member and, the edges of the hole. In this preferred embodiment, when the child or user tilts the cup backwards to drink from it and sucks on the top of the valve the negative pressure that is applied on the upper part of the valve will open the valve pulling the limb of the valve. valve that contains the opening up and out of the valve and away from the outgoing member. Accordingly, with the opening or hole pulled out of the projecting member, the opening or hole is unlocked and liquid can flow through the opening into the user's mouth. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, a variable flow valve is provided in such a way that the more the user sucks at the peak, the greater will be the fluid of the liquid exiting through the valve. Since the valve member preferably rests on a tapered projection member, such as a conical or frustoconical member, the greater the negative pressure on the upper part of the valve member, ie, the more the user sucks at the peak , the greater the removal of the cone valve member. As the valve member is pulled out of the base and up to its height (eg, up to the height of a cone), the opening or hole in the valve member becomes progressively less blocked by the tapered shoulder member 108, providing a Increasing cross section area so fluid can flow there. Still in accordance with the embodiments illustrated in Figures 15-17, the application of negative pressure on the upper part of the valve causes the valve to partially reverse, raising the valve out of the projecting member, but preferably without fully inverting it. As the valve begins to reverse, the orifice is elevated fura of the projecting member, partially unblocking the orifice resulting in a fluid flow in accordance with what is disclosed above. In the preferred embodiment, the hole in the valve member 124 is circular and has a diameter of about 0.24 cm (3/32 inch) in the case of the slow side of the valve, +/- 5 0.16 cm (1/16 inch) ), and is approximately 0.32 cm (1/8 inch) in diameter in the case of the quick-flow valve, also +/- 0.16 cm (1/16 inch). Preferably, the protruding member has a diameter slightly greater than 1/32 inch (0.32 cm) at its base, and a diameter of approximately 0.16 cm (1/16 inch) on top of the quick-flow valve, and a diameter greater than 0.24 cm (3/32 of an inch) at its base and approximately 0.08 cm (1/32 inch) on top of the slow-flow valve. An opening u hole in the valve member 124 also presents a curve in the face, as shown in Figure 17 (b) and in the detailed, enlarged view of the hole in Figure 17 (b), to allow the valve member 124 moves more easily up and down the outgoing member, and so that it does not stick on the outgoing member during the operation. In the preferred embodiment, the radius is 0.025 cm (0.0100 inches). In one embodiment, the valve is part of one or more subunits 114 and / or 116 of a valve assembly 120 for hold onto a spill-proof drinking cup, from the cup itself. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the valve is an integral part of the lid or cover of the drinking cup. In a preferred version of this embodiment, the valve holder is molded onto the cup lid or cup cover, or the cover is molded with the valve inserted there. In a further preferred version of this embodiment, only a single valve is employed, this valve has a projecting member with a taper of approximately seven (7) degrees. In one embodiment of the invention, two valves are provided, one on each side of the lid or cover of the cup. In this embodiment, the outgoing member on the fast flow side has a taper of approximately seven (7) degrees, and the outgoing member on the slow flow side has a taper of approximately nine (9) degrees. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a single valve is employed, this valve has a projecting member with a taper of approximately seven (7) degrees. In the various embodiments of the invention, it is further preferred that the valve holder be marked to indicate which subunit is suitable for a faster flow, and which unit is suitable for a slower flow of liquid there. Accordingly, the valve supports can be clearly marked "fast" and "slow" as shown in Figures 7 and 9, respectively. Alternatively, or in addition, the subunits of the valve supports can be marked with a hare or a rabbit, which means fast flow, and a turtle, which means slow flow, as also shown respectively in Figures 7 and 9. The subunit connected to the peak is evidently the subunit that controls the liquid flow regime. The valve holder may be marked, for example, on the subunit itself, or on the bridge in an area directly adjacent to the subunit, as shown in the figures. In one embodiment, the valve holder is marked at the top and bottom (i.e., the sides facing the peak and the cup, respectively), such that symbols and / or words can be seen from the top when the valve support is inserted, or from the bottom once it has been inserted to determine which speed valve is at the peak. In an alternative embodiment, the words and / or symbols are only found at the bottom of the valve, so that the user can see them from the bottom when he is inserting the valve holder, and can also see the valve holder from the background, once inserted. Having described this invention in relation to specific modalities, it is understood that the description is not a limitation since additional modifications may obviously be suggested or may be apparent to the person skilled in the art. The application covers all these modifications and improvements.

Claims (27)

1. CLAIMS An apparatus to prevent spills during the drinking action, said apparatus comprises: a valve, said valve comprises a projecting member and an opening, said valve having a closed position and an open position, said closed position is a configuration in which said The projecting member extends through said opening to block the passage of liquid through said opening, said open position being a configuration in which said projecting member and said opening are more than in said closed position to allow the passage of liquid. through that opening.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said protruding member is at least partially tapered, said opening is within a flexible valve member, and said valve member begins to reverse when applied to a negative pressure on said member. of valve, for raising said tapered protruding member.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises a lid for a cup.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises a drinking cup.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises a valve assembly.
6. An apparatus for preventing spillage during the action of drinking, said apparatus comprises: a valve, said valve comprises a projecting member and a valve member, said valve member comprises an opening, said valve having a closed position and an open position, said valve Closed position is a configuration in which said outgoing member extends through said opening of said valve member to block the liquid passage through said opening, said valve further being able to move in an open position in which said member The valve is pulled from said projecting member for the passage of liquid through said opening, said valve moving from said closed position to said open position upon applying a negative pressure on said valve member.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said apparatus comprises a lid for a cup.
8. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said apparatus comprises a drinking cup.
9. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said apparatus comprises a valve assembly.
10. 10. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said apparatus comprises a valve assembly and a cover, said valve is part of said valve assembly, said valve assembly and said cover are configured in such a way that said valve assembly can hold onto said lid.
11. 11. An apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a seal member, said seal member comprising said outgoing member and a base, said outgoing member being fastened on said base.
12. 12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said base is approximately planar.
13. 13. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said outgoing member is a post.
14. 14. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said outgoing member is conical.
15. 15. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein at least a portion of said post is tapered.
16. 16. A spill-proof drinking apparatus, comprising: a valve, said valve comprising a seal member and a flexible valve member, said seal member comprising a projecting member and a base, said valve member comprising an opening therein; said valve has a closed position and an open position, said closed position is a configuration in which said valve member abuts near said base on said projecting member extending through said opening to block the passage of liquid to through said opening; said valve can further move to an open position, said open position is a position in which said valve member is distant relative to said base, with said opening 10 being at least partially unlocked, to allow the passage of liquid through said valve.
17. 17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said valve is supported in said closed position, 15 and begins to reverse when a negative pressure is applied on said valve member, to move from said closed position towards said open position.
18. 18. A spill-proof drinking device, which 20 comprises: a valve, said valve comprises a seal member and a valve member, said seal member comprising a projecting member and a base, said valve member comprising an opening substantially Circulate there, said outgoing member has a portion : z ^ & T7-ji-í.¿ _ .. ^ íi: ¿, i- ^ upper and a lower portion, said upper portion is of a smaller diameter than said lower portion; said valve has a closed position and an open position, said closed position is a configuration in which said valve member abuts near said base on said projecting member extending through said opening to block the passage of liquid to said valve. through said opening; said valve moves in an open position to 10 a negative pressure is applied to said opening by the mouth of a user for the purpose of drinking from the apparatus, said open position is a position in which said valve member moves distant relative to said base for 15 separates from said opening, such that said opening is at least partially unlocked to allow the passage of liquid through said opening and said valve.
19. 19. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said apparatus comprises a lid for a cup.
20. 20. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said apparatus comprises a drinking cup.
21. 21. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said apparatus comprises a valve assembly.
22. 22. An apparatus according to claim 18, in A. ^^^, a & ^ A¡ ^^ á i ^^ i ^ & ^^^^ & amp; & where the said outgoing member is tapered.
23. 23. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein at least a portion of said projecting member is tapered at an angle of seven (7) degrees.
24. 24. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein at least a portion of said projecting member is tapered at an angle of nine (9) degrees.
25. 25. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said protruding member extends through said opening and beyond said opening in said closed position.
26. 26. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said apparatus further comprises an anti-inversion member, said anti-inversion member can be positioned at a sufficiently close distance from said valve member such that said valve member impacts with said valve member. anti-inversion member and an additional investment is blocked before said valve member is fully inverted.
27. 27. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said valve member comprises a flexible material.