US20020166864A1 - Drink spout system - Google Patents
Drink spout system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20020166864A1 US20020166864A1 US10/177,388 US17738802A US2002166864A1 US 20020166864 A1 US20020166864 A1 US 20020166864A1 US 17738802 A US17738802 A US 17738802A US 2002166864 A1 US2002166864 A1 US 2002166864A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- drink
- valve assembly
- dispensing
- spout system
- drink spout
- 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
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
- B65D47/2018—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure
- B65D47/2025—Flexible bung-type elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
- B65D47/2018—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure
- B65D47/2031—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure the element being formed by a slit, narrow opening or constrictable spout, the size of the outlet passage being able to be varied by increasing or decreasing the pressure
- B65D47/2037—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure the element being formed by a slit, narrow opening or constrictable spout, the size of the outlet passage being able to be varied by increasing or decreasing the pressure the element being opened or closed by actuating a separate element which causes the deformation, e.g. screw cap closing container slit
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
- B65D47/2018—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure
- B65D47/2056—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure lift valve type
- B65D47/2081—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure lift valve type in which the deformation raises or lowers the valve port
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
- B65D47/24—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat
- B65D47/248—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat the valve being opened or closed by imparting a motion to the valve stem
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/32—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with means for venting
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to drink spout systems and drink containers that include a drink spout system for selectively dispensing drink fluid from the container.
- An aseptic drink pouch is a flexible pouch that is typically formed from plastic, or plastic and foil, and which is free or freed from pathogenic microorganisms.
- An aseptic drink box is a box that is free or freed from pathogenic microorganisms.
- Aseptic drink boxes are typically formed of cardboard, paper, plastic, foil and combinations thereof.
- Drink boxes typically include a plastic liner, wax coating or other suitable liner or coating to provide a waterproof enclosure for a drink fluid.
- An aseptic drink pouch or box typically includes a hole in the top of the pouch or box covered by thin layers of plastic and/or foil.
- the pouch or box is sold with a straw that is used to pierce the foil and plastic and extend through the hole for drinking.
- drink pouches and boxes have the drawback of allowing liquid to spill.
- drink pouches and boxes often spill when the straw is inserted because the user is holding the pouch or box in one hand while trying to insert the straw through the foil and plastic into the straw hole.
- the pressure of holding the pouch or box and pressing the straw against the foil and plastic covering the hole often causes the liquid to spray out of the hole or out of the straw as the foil and plastic are pierced.
- Drink pouches and boxes also spill when tipped because the straws used to pierce and drink from the pouches or boxes do not include a closable valve for preventing liquid from being dispensed through the straws.
- Drinks are also packaged and sold in drink bottles, which are typically formed of plastic or glass. These bottles often include a foil or plastic seal that covers the opening of the bottle and that must be removed before a user can drink out of the bottle. Once removed, the drink may spill if the bottle is tipped. Drink bottles may be refilled for multiple uses, and in some cases, are originally sold without a drink fluid.
- the inventions described herein include various drink spout systems, as well as drink containers that include a drink spout system.
- the drink spout system includes an air return system to permit improved dispensing from the drink container.
- the drink spout system is actuated by a user sucking on the system.
- the system is actuated by a user depressing or bending at least a portion of the system.
- the system is actuated by other user-imparted forces to the system.
- the drink spout system includes a biasing system adapted to preload the system's valve assembly to a closed configuration.
- the drink spout system includes components formed from different materials via two-shot molding or a similar molding process, and in some embodiments, the materials used are selected to provide improved opening of the system's valve assembly.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevation view of a drink spout system according to the present invention and mounted on a drink container.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic side elevation view of a drink spout system according to the present invention and mounted on a drink container.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevation view of a drink spout system according to the present invention that does not include a valve assembly.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic side elevation view of a drink spout system according to the present invention that includes an air return system and a flow restrictor.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic side elevation view of another drink spout system according to the present invention that includes an air return system and a flow restrictor.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic side elevation view of another drink spout system according to the present invention that includes an air return system and a flow restrictor.
- FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, partial cross-sectional view of a drink spout system with another air return system constructed according to the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the drink spout system of FIG. 7, with the dispensing portion schematically illustrated.
- FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, partial cross-sectional view of a drink spout system with another air return system constructed according to the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the drink spout system of FIG. 9, with the dispensing portion schematically illustrated.
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a drink spout system constructed according to the present invention and including an air return system and flow restrictor according to the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a drink spout system with another air return system and flow restrictor according to the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of the drink spout system and flow restrictor of FIG. 12.
- FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of another drink spout system constructed according to the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of the drink spout system of FIG. 14.
- FIG. 16 is an exploded top perspective view of the drink spout system of FIG. 14.
- FIG. 17 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the drink spout system of FIG. 14.
- FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the drink spout system of FIG. 14.
- FIG. 19 is an exploded top perspective view of the flow restrictor and valve assembly of the drink spout system of FIG. 14.
- FIG. 20 is an assembled view of the flow restrictor and valve assembly of FIG. 19.
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the flow restrictor and valve assembly of FIG. 19.
- FIG. 22 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a drink spout system according to the present invention that includes a preloaded valve assembly.
- FIG. 23 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of another drink spout system according to the present invention that includes a preloaded valve assembly.
- FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a drink spout system according to the present invention that includes a plug valve assembly shown in its closed position.
- FIG. 25 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the drink spout system of FIG. 24, with the plug valve assembly shown in its dispensing position.
- FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of another drink spout system constructed according to the present invention.
- FIG. 27 is a bottom perspective view of the drink spout system of FIG. 26.
- FIG. 28 is an exploded top perspective view of the drink spout system of FIG. 26.
- FIG. 29 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the drink spout system of FIG. 26.
- FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the drink spout system of FIG. 26.
- FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the drink spout system of FIG. 26.
- FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of another drink spout system constructed according to the present invention.
- FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the drink spout system of FIG. 32.
- FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of another drink spout system constructed according to the present invention.
- FIG. 35 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of another variation of the drink spout system of FIG. 34.
- FIG. 36 is a top plan view of the dispensing portion and valve assembly of a variation of the drink spout systems shown in FIGS. 34 and 35.
- FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing portion and valve assembly shown in FIG. 36, taken along the line 37 - 37 in FIG. 36.
- FIG. 38 is a top plan view of another dispensing portion and valve assembly constructed according to the present invention.
- FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing portion and valve assembly of FIG. 38 taken along the line 39 - 39 in FIG. 38.
- FIG. 40 is an exploded top perspective view of another embodiment of a drink spout system constructed according to the present invention.
- FIG. 41 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the drink spout system of FIG. 40.
- FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the drink spout system of FIG. 40.
- FIG. 43 is an exploded view of the valve assembly and flow restrictor of the drink spout system of FIG. 40.
- FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly and flow restrictor shown in FIG. 43.
- a drink spout system according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 and generally indicated at 10 .
- Drink spout system 10 includes a body 11 .
- the body includes a dispensing portion 12 and a base portion 14 .
- the drink spout system also includes a valve assembly 16 .
- the dispensing portion, base portion and valve assembly of drink spout system 10 are coupled together.
- these components are either removably or permanently secured together as a group, but each of these components does not have to be in direct contact with both of the other two components when the drink spout system is assembled and operational.
- FIG. 1 A drink spout system according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 and generally indicated at 10 .
- Drink spout system 10 includes a body 11 .
- the body includes a dispensing portion 12 and a base portion 14 .
- the drink spout system also includes a valve assembly 16 .
- valve assembly 16 may be removably or permanently mounted on one of base portion 14 or dispensing portion 12 , and not the other one of base portion 14 or dispensing portion 12 , yet the valve assembly would still be described as being coupled to the base and dispensing portions.
- drink spout system 10 is shown mounted on a drink container 18 .
- Drink container 18 defines an internal compartment 20 that is adapted to receive a volume of a drink fluid 22 , such as water, juice, sports drinks, fruit-flavored drinks, carbonated beverages, water-based beverages, milk products, health or dietary beverages, and the like.
- a drink fluid 22 such as water, juice, sports drinks, fruit-flavored drinks, carbonated beverages, water-based beverages, milk products, health or dietary beverages, and the like.
- drink container is meant to refer to hand-held containers that contain a drink fluid and which a user may drink directly from.
- the term includes drink boxes, drink pouches and drink bottles, including aseptic versions of the same.
- the drink containers contain less than approximately a gallon of drink fluid, and more typically contain approximately a liter or less of drink fluid.
- the drink containers may be prepackaged or adapted to be filled by a user.
- the drink containers may be disposable single-use containers or they may be adapted to be refilled by a user.
- Illustrative examples are drink containers that are prepackaged to hold 4, 6, 8, 12, 16 and 20 ounces of drink fluid.
- drink container 18 takes the form of a drink bottle
- the drink container takes a generic form to indicate any of the above-described types of drink containers.
- the drink spout systems described herein may be implemented on any type of drink containers, including drink bottles, pouches and boxes.
- the Figures forming a part of this application will illustrate various versions of drink containers.
- an embodiment of a drink spout system according to the present invention should not be limited to use only on the particular form of drink container shown in the Figures. Instead, it is within the scope of the invention that the drink spout systems described and illustrated herein may be used on any type of drink container. Accordingly, the base portion of the drink spout systems may vary as the systems are adapted to use on different types of drink containers.
- Drink container 18 or drink spout system 10 may, but does not necessarily, include a seal, or piercing region, 24 that is adapted to be pierced to initially dispense the drink fluid from the container or to initially fill the container with drink fluid.
- a seal, or piercing region, 24 is adapted to be pierced to initially dispense the drink fluid from the container or to initially fill the container with drink fluid.
- An example of a drink container with a piercing region is schematically illustrated in FIG. 2. It should be understood that region 24 may be a specialized region on the drink container, such as a region of decreased thickness or a region that requires less force to pierce. However, region 24 may also be the particular user-selected region on the drink container that is pierced by a portion of the drink spout system. Drink boxes and drink bottles generally have defined piercing regions, while drink pouches typically have either defined piercing regions or piercing regions selected by the user.
- Dispensing portion 12 includes any suitable structure for dispensing drink fluid 22 from the drink container for drinking, such as to a user's mouth.
- Dispensing portion 12 includes an outlet 26 , through which drink fluid 22 exits drink container 18 through drink spout system 10 .
- Outlet 26 may form part of a mouthpiece 28 that is adapted to be received into a user's mouth.
- the dispensing portion may additionally or alternatively include at least a portion of a straw structure 30 interconnecting the valve assembly 16 and outlet 26 . Illustrative examples of dispensing portions are shown in FIGS. 1 - 3 .
- dispensing portion 12 includes a mouthpiece 28 and a relatively short straw structure 30 .
- dispending portion 12 includes a mouthpiece and an elongate straw structure 30 .
- dispensing portion 12 includes a straw structure without a mouthpiece.
- Base portion 14 includes any suitable structure adapted to couple the drink spout system to the drink container.
- the base portion provides a mount or support for the dispensing portion and/or the valve assembly.
- Base portion 14 may be releasably mounted on the drink container, permanently mounted on the drink container, or base portion 14 may include both releasably and permanently mounted portions.
- releasably mounted it is meant that the corresponding portion is designed to be removed and replaced relative to the drink container.
- a threaded cap is releasably mounted on a corresponding set of threads on a drink bottle, such as schematically illustrated in FIG.
- base portion 14 including a cap 32 with threads 34 that threadingly engage corresponding threads 36 on drink bottle 38 .
- permanently mounted it is meant that the corresponding portion is designed not to be removed from the drink container without destroying or impairing the intended operability of at least one of the drink container and the drink spout system.
- a base portion that is integrally formed with or adhered or otherwise bonded to a drink container is permanently mounted on the drink container, such as schematically illustrated in FIG. 2.
- An example of a base portion 14 that includes both permanently and releasably mounted portions includes a first portion that is permanently mounted on the drink container, and a second portion that is releasably mounted on the first container, thereby also releasably mounting the second portion on the drink container.
- dispensing portion 12 and/or valve assembly 16 are releasably or permanently mounted on base portion 14 .
- dispensing portion 12 may be permanently mounted on base portion 14 , such as by being integrally formed with the base portion, or it may be joined to the base portion during assembly of the drink valve system.
- the dispensing portion may alternatively be releasably mounted on the base portion, thereby enabling the dispensing portion to be repeatedly removed and replaced relative to the base portion.
- Valve assembly 16 includes any suitable structure that is selectively configurable between a dispensing position, or orientation, in which drink fluid may be dispensed from the drink container through the dispensing portion, and a closed position, or orientation, in which drink fluid cannot be dispensed from the drink container through the dispensing portion.
- Valve assembly 16 may be described as defining a gate structure that selectively permits drink fluid to flow therethrough, depending upon the position or orientation of the valve assembly. Still another way to describe valve assembly 16 is that it defines an inlet 64 to a dispensing fluid conduit 66 through which drink fluid from container 18 may flow to outlet 26 , as shown in dashed lines in FIGS. 1 - 2 .
- fluid conduit 66 may vary, such as a very short fluid conduit that is formed when valve assembly 16 is located proximate the outlet of the dispensing portion, such as with a push-pull valve, and a longer fluid conduit that is formed when valve assembly 16 is located further away from outlet 26 .
- Valve assembly 16 may require user manipulation to configure the valve assembly from its closed configuration to its dispensing configuration and/or to return the valve assembly from its dispensing orientation to its closed orientation.
- valve assembly 16 may be a push-pull valve, such as is used on many conventional water and sports drink bottles, and which requires user manipulation to open and close the valve assembly.
- valve assembly may be self-sealing, in that it is biased to return automatically to the closed orientation upon release of user-imparted forces deforming the valve assembly to its dispensing orientation.
- a benefit of a self-sealing valve assembly 16 is that the valve assembly will reduce or prevent spills because the valve assembly automatically returns to its closed position upon removal of any user-imparted, or user-applied, forces that urged the valve assembly to its dispensing position.
- Another benefit of a self-sealing valve assembly is that it takes less time and effort to use, because the user does not have to exert the effort, or even remember, to return the valve assembly to its closed position after every use.
- a self-sealing valve assembly 16 is a pressure-differential valve assembly that is actuated by a pressure differential on opposing sides of the valve assembly, such as when the user sucks on the dispensing portion or when the drink container is squeezed or otherwise collapsed by a user.
- a self-sealing valve assembly may, but does not necessarily, requite user manipulation of the valve assembly to configure the valve assembly to its dispensing configuration.
- “user manipulation” is meant to refer to reconfiguration of the valve assembly caused by a user exerting force upon the valve assembly other than by sucking on the dispensing portion or squeezing or collapsing the drink container. Examples of user manipulation include pulling, pushing, tilting or rotating a portion of the drink spout system, such as the dispensing portion.
- the drink spout system may be formed without a valve assembly.
- drink fluid may pass through the dispensing portion at all times after the seal, if any, of a drink container has been pierced by the drink spout system.
- An example of such a drink spout system is schematically illustrated in FIG. 3.
- a cap, clamp or other closure mechanism 32 may be used to prevent drink fluid from being dispensed through the drink spout system.
- a cap may be releasably mounted on the end of straw structure 30 , such as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 3 and indicated at 33 .
- the drink spout system may include a clamp that temporarily closes the fluid passage within straw structure 30 , such as by crimping or compressing the sides of the straw structure together.
- a clamp that temporarily closes the fluid passage within straw structure 30 , such as by crimping or compressing the sides of the straw structure together.
- an example of such a clamp is illustrated schematically in dashed lines a 35 in FIG. 3.
- the dispensing and/or base portions of the drink spout system will define the inlet of the dispensing fluid conduit, which drink fluid may at all times flow through, absent the use of a closure mechanism 32 .
- a drink spout system that includes an air return system 40 .
- Air return system 40 is adapted to enable air from external the drink container to return to the drink container's compartment 20 as drink fluid is being dispensed from the drink container. This improves the flow rate of fluid by reducing the pressure differential required to dispense drink fluid from the drink container.
- Air return system 40 also enables drink fluid to be continuously drawn from the drink container because the air return system releases the pressure differential that otherwise would accumulate as drink fluid is drawn from a drink container without an air return system.
- a conventional drink container such as a drink bottle, a drink box, or another drink container other than a collapsible drink pouch.
- the amount of pressure that must be applied to dispense drink fluid increases as a function of how much fluid has been dispensed during a drinking interval.
- the drink container then relieves the accumulated pressure differential by drawing air into the drink container through the valve assembly.
- the gurgling or sucking noises produced by conventional drink bottles exemplify this event.
- a user is forced to interrupt the flow of drink fluid from the drink container so that the drink container can release the accumulated pressure.
- the accumulated pressure differential often reaches a level that substantially or completely stops the flow of drink fluid from the conventional drink spout system.
- the accumulated pressure is at least substantially as great as the suction or other user-applied force urging drink fluid from the drink container.
- a drink spout system with an air return system according to the present invention enables drink fluid to be dispensed more quickly than a corresponding drink spout system without an air return system according to the present invention.
- a drink spout system with an air return system according to the present invention may dispense drink fluid in the range of approximately 25% and approximately 100% (or more) of the rate at which a comparable drink spout system without an air return system dispenses drink fluid under similar conditions.
- the drink spout system may dispense fluid in the range of approximately 50% and approximately 90% of a comparable system without an air return system
- the drink fluid may be dispensed in the range of approximately 90% and 110% of the comparable rate of a drink spout system without an air return system according to the present invention
- the drink fluid may be dispensed at a rate that is more than 100% greater than the comparable rate of a drink spout system without an air return system according to the present invention.
- Air return system 40 includes at least one air return passage 42 with an air return inlet 44 external the drink container and an air return outlet 46 internal the drink container. It is within the scope of the present invention that the air return system may include two or more passages, such as several passages radially spaced around the base portion, such as around the perimeter region of the base portion. Preferably, the size and number of air return passages 42 used in air return system 40 are selected to be sufficient to offset the pressure differential established as drink fluid is dispensed from the drink container. Generally, the number of passages may vary, with more passages typically being used as the cross-sectional dimension of the passages decreases and a fewer number of passages being used as the cross-sectional dimension of the passage or passages increases.
- Air return system 40 is typically used on drink containers such as drink bottles and drink boxes that do not substantially collapse as drink fluid is removed therefrom. Because drink pouches typically collapse as drink fluid is withdrawn therefrom, the flow of drink fluid from these drink containers is not impaired by a pressure differential that builds up as the user drinks from the corresponding drink spout assembly. Instead, the drink pouch collapses inwardly. However, drink pouches constructed according to the present invention may include an air return system, such as when the pouch has sufficient resiliency to resist being collapsed inward as drink fluid is removed from the drink container.
- Air return system 40 may be positioned in any suitable location on drink container 18 , including positions in which the air return system is separately formed from the dispensing portion, base portion and valve assembly of the drink spout system.
- drink container 18 may include an air return system, with or without a return valve assembly 70 at one location on the container, and a drink spout system 10 at another location on the container spaced-apart from the first location.
- the air return system is integrated with the other components of the drink spout system so that the air return system may be mounted on the drink container with the rest of the drink spout system.
- the air return and drink spout systems may utilize a common fluid conduit formed in the drink container.
- the air return system When the air return system is integrated with the rest of the drink spout system, it may produce a composite, or integrated, drink spout system that has less components and/or requires less assembly than a comparable system having separate air return and drink spout systems.
- an integrated system may utilize a common fluid conduit formed in the drink container, whereas separately formed components may require separate fluid conduits, or passages, in the container, which in turn may increase the manufacturing cost of the container.
- drink container 18 when drink container 18 is a drink bottle, it may be desirable for air return system 40 to be integrated with the rest of the drink spout system, or at least the base portion of the drink spout system, so that it may be mounted on the drink container with the rest of the system.
- drink bottles tend to have rather narrow necks 50 with openings 52 having diameters less than six centimeters, and in some embodiments having openings with diameters that are less than 4 or 5 centimeters or in the range of 3 and 4 or 3 and 5 centimeters.
- suitable diameters for opening 52 include diameters that are (or are approximately) 2.6 centimeters, 2.8 centimeters, 3.05 centimeters, 3.8 centimeters and 4.3 centimeters. This sizing does not readily enable the air return system to be separately formed and mounted on the drink container unless the drink container includes a separate fluid conduit through which air return system 40 may selectively return air to the container. Although this is within the scope of the invention, it requires that the drink container have more than one opening, and/or that the air return system be mounted on the drink container in a separate manufacturing or assembly step.
- inlet 44 of the air return system When the drink spout system and air return system are integrated together, such as with the air return system extending generally radially outward relative to the fluid conduit of the valve assembly, it is preferable for inlet 44 of the air return system to be located in a position where the user's mouth will not obstruct the inlet when the user drinks from the dispensing portion. Otherwise, the benefit of having an air return system may be impaired or lost if the user's mouth occludes the inlets of the air return system. For example, this may be accomplished by locating the mouthpiece sufficiently far away from inlet 44 so that a user's mouth does not block the inlets of the air return system when the user drinks from dispensing portion 12 .
- air return system 40 An example of another suitable configuration for air return system 40 is for the system to include a cover portion 54 on dispensing portion 12 or base portion 14 that prevents a user's lips from covering the inlet. Still another example is for the inlet or inlets of the air return system to be positioned on the drink spout system so that it/they will not be obstructed by a user's mouth if the user drinks directly from the mouthpiece, straw structure or other form of dispensing region adapted to have a user drink directly therefrom.
- FIGS. 4 - 6 Examples of the above constructions are schematically illustrated in FIGS. 4 - 6 , with FIG. 4 showing a drink container in the form of a bottle, and FIGS. 5 and 6 demonstrating generically any suitable drink container.
- dispensing portion 12 includes a flange distal outlet 26 that forms cover portion 54 and thereby prevents a user's lips from covering inlet 44 when a user drinks from the drink spout system.
- base portion 14 includes air return system 40 and dispensing portion 12 includes a straw structure 30 of sufficient length that a user's lips do not, or typically do not, reach inlet 44 when a user drinks from straw structure 30 .
- base portion 14 includes air return system 40 with an inlet 44 oriented generally transverse to outlet 26 .
- the base portion includes a sidewall 55 and the air return system includes an inlet 44 in sidewall 55 .
- FIGS. 7 - 10 additional examples of drink spout systems with air return systems 40 are shown.
- the air return system includes an inlet 44 formed in the upper surface 53 of body portion 14 , which as shown, is adapted for use on a drink bottle.
- System 40 further includes a cover 54 that is supported above the inlet of the air return system. As shown, a plurality of supports 57 extend between cover 54 and upper surface 53 .
- cover 54 takes the form of a surface that at least partially extends over inlet 44 .
- cover 54 may have any suitable shape that prevents a user's lips from blocking inlet 44 when drink spout system 10 is used.
- cover 54 may be simply a member or framework of members extending above inlet 44 .
- cover 54 may be smaller than inlet 44 , such as shown in FIG. 7, as large as inlet 44 , or larger than inlet 44 .
- Illustrative examples of these sizes for cover 54 relative to inlet 44 are shown in FIG. 8, in which it should be understood that a drink spout system will typically include a single size of cover and corresponding inlet.
- a plurality of inlets 44 are shown radially spaced around dispensing portion 12 . It should be understood that the number of inlets may vary, from a single inlet, to multiple inlets.
- the air return system 40 will typically include at least three radially spaced-apart inlets.
- FIG. 9 another example of an air return system 40 is shown and demonstrates an additional mechanism to prevent or reduce the likelihood of a user's lips from blocking the inlets of the air return system.
- system 40 includes a channel or recess 59 in the upper surface 53 of base portion 14 .
- Channel 59 is larger than inlet 44 so that air may still flow into inlet 44 even if a portion of channel 59 is obstructed by a user's lips.
- channel 59 is also open laterally to the sidewall 55 of the base portion to further reduce the likelihood that a user's lips may obstruct the flow of air into inlet 44 . It is within the scope of the present invention that channel 59 may not be open laterally to sidewall 55 .
- a plurality of channels 59 and corresponding inlets are shown radially spaced around the dispensing portion 12 of the drink spout system.
- drink spout systems 10 are shown with body portions 11 , and more particularly, base portions 14 that are adapted to be mounted on a drink container in the form of a drink bottle with a relatively narrow neck. It should be understood that the air return systems shown in FIGS. 7 - 10 may be used on any of the embodiments of the drink spout systems and drink containers shown and described herein.
- air As air is introduced into compartment 20 by air return system 40 , it will either be introduced into a region of compartment 20 that is already occupied by air, or it will be introduced as air bubbles into a region of compartment 20 that is occupied by drink fluid 22 .
- drink container 18 When drink container 18 is oriented at an angle relative to a vertical orientation, oriented downward or oriented at a downward angle, air will typically be introduced into a region of compartment 20 that is occupied by drink fluid. Because the air bubbles are introduced in the drink fluid and the drink fluid is being drawn into the drink spout system to be dispensed to a user, there is a tendency for the air bubbles to be dispensed through valve assembly 16 along with the drink fluid. If this occurs, it reduces the flow rate of drink fluid received by the user and may introduce air into a user's stomach. Neither of these events is desirable.
- air return system 40 may, but does not necessarily, further include a flow restrictor 60 .
- Flow restrictor 60 is adapted to prevent, or reduce the likelihood of, air bubbles returned by system 40 from being recycled, or dispensed, through dispensing portion 12 as the user is drinking from the dispensing portion.
- Flow restrictor 60 may also be referred to as a bubble barrier, in that it restricts air bubbles introduced into the drink container through air return system 40 from being recycled into fluid conduit 66 .
- a flow restrictor may be desirable when the air return system and dispensing portion share a common opening in the drink container.
- a flow restrictor may be especially desirable, although not required in all embodiments, with drink bottles in which the opening of the bottle is relatively narrow or confined, thereby introducing air bubbles in close lateral proximity to inlet 64 .
- Flow restrictor 60 includes any suitable structure designed to separate the return air stream from the stream of drink fluid that is being dispensed from the container. It should be understood that once introduced into drink fluid in compartment 20 , an air bubble will travel through the drink fluid along a path dictated by the gravitational and buoyant forces exerted on the air bubble, forces imparted to the air bubble by the drink fluid being drawn into and through the drink spout system, and the shape of the drink container with which the air bubble comes into contact. Generally speaking, air bubbles will tend to rise and travel along the portions of the drink container with which they come into contact.
- a flow restrictor may be shaped or positioned to direct the path of the air bubble, with the goal being to cause the air bubble to not reach a position in which it will be drawn through inlet 64 .
- Flow restrictor 60 may accomplish this goal either directly, by defining a particular path or conduit along which the air bubbles will travel, or indirectly, by obstructing the path of the air bubble to cause the restrictor to impede the flow of the air bubble along the path it would otherwise follow if the obstruction was not present.
- suitable flow restrictors 60 include partitions 61 or sleeves 62 that extend into drink container 18 a sufficient distance to at least substantially, or completely, block the flow of air bubbles from outlet 46 to the inlet 64 of the drink spout system's dispensing fluid conduit 66 .
- Partitions 61 and sleeves 62 may have a variety of configurations, such as tubes and portions thereof, baffles, internal walls, and the like.
- the flow restrictors are shaped to prevent all or at least a substantial portion of the air bubbles returned by air return system 40 from being drawn into inlet 64 , regardless of the radial orientation of the drink container about a central axis extending in the direction of fluid flow through its dispensing portion.
- FIGS. 4 - 6 Illustrative examples of suitable flow restrictors 60 are shown in FIGS. 4 - 6 . As shown, flow restrictors 60 may extend between outlet 46 of air return system 40 and inlet 64 of valve assembly 16 , partially or completely around outlet 46 , or partially or completely around inlet 64 . It should be understood that the length of the flow restrictors 60 shown in FIGS. 4 - 6 are shown for purposes of illustration and that the flow restrictors may be formed with different lengths.
- FIG. 4 an example of a flow restrictor is shown in the form of a partition 61 that separates, along the length of the partition, the drink fluid being dispensed from the drink spout system and the air being returned to the drink container.
- the partition extends completely between the sidewalls of the drink container along its length so that air bubbles cannot pass laterally around the partition. More particularly, in the orientation shown in FIG. 4, the partition preferably provides a boundary that extends partially or completely between generally opposing sidewalls of the drink container.
- the partition When the partition extends completely between the opposed sidewalls of the drink container, it requires air bubbles to pass downwardly along the length of the partition and then around the bottom portion of the partition before being able to enter inlet 64 .
- the partition When a partial barrier is formed, the air bubbles still must travel around the partition, which should be sized to divert the air bubbles toward the sidewalls of the drink container and/or away from inlet 64 .
- FIG. 5 an example of a flow restrictor 60 that includes a sleeve 62 that defines a fluid conduit around inlet 64 is shown.
- the sleeve includes an inlet 68 , through which drink fluid is drawn into the sleeve, where it may travel through a fluid conduit 67 that is defined at least in part by the flow restrictor.
- Fluid conduit 67 may at all times be in fluid communication with dispensing fluid conduit 66 , such as when the drink spout system does not include a valve assembly 16 , or may be selectively in fluid communication with dispensing fluid conduit 66 , such as when the valve assembly is in its dispensing position.
- flanges that extend radially outward from at least a portion of flow restrictor 60 to increase the path along which an air bubble travels and/or to direct the air bubble radially around the sleeve instead of along the sleeve.
- air returned by system 40 will generally take the form of bubbles introduced into drink fluid 22 .
- the air bubbles will tend to flow upward because of the buoyant force on the bubbles.
- the bubbles strike or approach sleeve 62 , they will tend to flow radially around the sleeve.
- the bubbles may also tend to flow along the surface of the sleeve.
- the use of one or more flanges 63 provides an additional obstruction, or flow-restricting device, that directs the air bubbles away from a position where it may be dispensed from the drink spout system along with the drink fluid.
- a pair of flanges 63 are shown in FIG. 5 for purposes of illustration, and it should be understood that the flow restrictor may include as few as zero or one flange, as well as a plurality or multiplicity of flanges spaced along the length of the partition or baffle forming flow restrictor 60 .
- flange 63 extends radially away from the flow restrictor's sleeve or baffle in a direction generally toward the outlets 46 of air return passages 42 so that the flanges are positioned to interact with the returned air bubbles.
- air return system 40 includes two or more outlets, it may be desirable for flanges 63 to extend at least substantially or completely around the sleeve or partition.
- FIG. 6 an example of a flow restrictor is shown that includes a sleeve that defines a fluid conduit around outlet 46 of air return system 40 .
- a flange 63 is also shown in Pig. 6 to indicate that one or more flanges may also be used with embodiments of flow restrictor 60 that define a sleeve around the outlet or outlets of air return system 40 .
- flow restrictor 60 takes the form of a partition 61 that defines with neck 50 of drink bottle 38 a partial or complete sleeve through which air bubbles flow, such as perhaps best seen in FIG. 12.
- partition 61 has a generally concave configuration relative to the neck of the drink container, in that the partition has lateral edges 69 that extend toward or to the sidewalls of the drink container.
- Air return systems and air return systems that include a flow restrictor 60 may be either direction independent or direction specific.
- direction independent it is meant that the air return system may perform the same or essentially the same regardless of the radial orientation of drink container 18 relative to the direction of fluid flow through the drink spout system.
- direction specific it is meant that the performance of the air return system is dependent at least in part upon the radial orientation of the drink spout system relative to the direction of fluid flow through the drink spout system.
- examples of drink spout systems with air return systems that are direction specific are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,890,620 and 6,0789,589, the complete disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
- the air return system will introduce air bubbles from only a single position relative to the fluid conduit of the drink spout system and the air return systems do not include flow restrictors 60 . Therefore, the air bubbles will simply flow along the path dictated by the forces exerted upon the bubbles. Therefore, if the drink container is oriented with the air return system above the dispensing portion, the air bubbles will be less likely to enter the fluid conduit, and if the drink container is oriented with the air return system below the dispensing portion, the air bubbles will tend to enter the fluid conduit.
- the drink spout systems shown in FIGS. 7 - 12 illustrate examples of drink spout systems with air return systems that may be direction independent, even if the air return system does not include a flow restrictor. More specifically, these drink spout systems contain air return systems that have a plurality of outlets 46 radially spaced apart around the dispensing portion of the drink spout system. More specifically, although at least one of outlets 46 may be below or generally below the inlet to the dispensing portion, there will also be others that are above the inlet.
- air entering compartment 20 via the air return system will follow the path of least resistance, it will tend to enter through the outlets positioned above the dispensing portion, especially if the outlets introduce the air into a region of the drink container that already contains air instead of drink fluid.
- air return system 40 includes a flow restrictor, it may be direction independent even if the air return system only includes a single outlet 46 because the flow restrictor directs or defines the path of any air bubbles introduced into the drink fluid to prevent the air bubbles from being dispensed through the drink spout system with the drink fluid.
- Air return system 40 may further include a return valve assembly 70 that is selectively configurable between a dispensing position, in which air may enter the drink container through the air passage(s) 42 while fluid is being dispensed through the drink spout system, and a closed position, in which air (or drink fluid) may not pass through the air passage(s).
- Return valve assembly 70 may have any suitable form and components, including those discussed, illustrated and incorporated therein with respect to valve assembly 16 .
- the return valve assembly may include a pressure-differential valve assembly that automatically returns to the closed position, thereby preventing drink fluid from being able to pass through passage 42 . It is within the scope of the present invention that valve assembly 16 and return valve assembly 70 may be integrally formed or separately formed.
- FIG. 13 An example of a drink spout system containing an air return system 40 having a return valve assembly 70 is shown in FIG. 13.
- the drink spout system includes a self-sealing valve assembly 16 that is formed from an elastomeric material, which deflects away from outlet 26 upon urging of mouthpiece 28 generally toward the valve assembly. When this occurs, the dispensing portion slides along guide portion 78 and a lower portion 80 of the dispensing portion engages valve assembly 16 to deform the valve assembly to, or toward, its dispensing position.
- air return system 40 is shown having at least a pair of air passages 42 , and mouthpiece 28 provides a cover 54 that prevents the inputs of the air passages from being obstructed when a user drinks from the spout system.
- one of the air passages is shown in dashed lines to indicate that the passages may be radially spaced around the base portion, and that at least two such passages may be used. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiment is generally cylindrical in shape, and that the air return system may include additional passages 42 spaced radially or otherwise around fluid conduit 66 .
- the illustrated embodiment also provides an example of an air return system 40 that includes a return valve assembly 70 .
- the drink spout system of FIG. 13 may be formed without a return valve assembly, without an air return system, or without a valve assembly 16 , as discussed herein.
- valve assembly 16 and return valve assembly 70 are integrally formed, with each valve assembly including respective portions 72 and 74 that are adapted to deflect from their closed positions responsive to the pressure differential established when drink fluid is dispensed from the drink container and to user-applied forces to the drink spout system, respectively.
- portions 72 of return valve assembly 70 are adapted to engage and extend at least partially against base portion 14 , and more specifically an interior, or inner, sidewall 76 thereof. It should be understood that portions 72 may be radially spaced-apart regions of return valve assembly 70 , or alternatively, may be a continuous ring or skirt of elastomeric material.
- portions 72 have been illustrated as extending into the sidewall to represent the neutral position of portions 72 .
- these portions cannot reach their neutral positions in an actual embodiment of the return valve assembly, and therefore the portions are preloaded, or biased against, the corresponding portion of base portion 14 , such as shown in dashed lines.
- the base portion may include a recess 73 that is shaped to receive the terminal regions of portions 72 , as shown in solid lines in FIG. 13.
- valve assembly 16 may be similarly preloaded.
- portions 74 are biased against each other to close slits 75 that are formed between the portions.
- restrictor 60 extends generally around inlet 64 of fluid conduit 66 so that air bubbles introduced through air passages 42 are not drawn into the fluid conduit as a user drinks from dispensing portion 12 .
- the length of restrictor 60 may vary, depending upon such factors as the shape and size of the drink container and fluid conduit 66 , the flow rate of drink fluid being dispensed through drink spout system 10 , the intended orientation of the drink container when spout system 10 is used, etc.
- restrictor 60 includes a restrictor inlet 68 through which drink fluid must pass prior to entering fluid conduit 66 .
- the restrictor may extend around the air return system and have an outlet through which air bubbles must pass, such as illustrated previously with respect to FIG. 6.
- the restrictor is preferably located sufficiently distal inlet 64 that the air bubbles are not drawn into the fluid conduit.
- FIGS. 14 - 21 Another example of a drink spout system according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 14 - 21 and generally indicated at 90 .
- system 90 includes a base portion 14 that is adapted to be mounted on a drink container in the form of a drink bottle and as such includes a threaded neck 91 that is adapted to be screwed onto a drink bottle having a corresponding set of threads.
- system 90 may be mounted on other drink containers, such as bottles having different configurations, drink pouches and drink bottles.
- the base portion of system 90 , and the other drink spout systems disclosed and illustrated herein may vary, such as depending upon the particular drink container with which the drink spout system is used.
- Drink spout system 90 further includes a valve assembly 16 that is formed from an elastomeric material and which is adapted to be urged to its dispensing position by user-applied forces to dispensing portion 12 . More specifically, when a user urges dispensing portion 12 toward or generally toward valve assembly 16 , the dispensing portion engages the valve assembly and deflects the valve assembly from its closed position to its dispensing position, such as discussed above with respect to the drink spout system shown in FIG. 13 and incorporated by reference herein.
- System 90 includes a locking mechanism 92 and as such is selectively configurable between an open, or unlocked configuration, in which the valve assembly may be urged to its dispensing position and drink fluid may be dispensed from the system, and a locked configuration, in which the valve assembly cannot be configured to its dispensing position until the lock mechanism is returned to its unlocked configuration.
- the system may be configured so that forces that would otherwise cause drink fluid to be dispensed through outlet 26 are prevented from doing so.
- the lock mechanism enables the dispensing of drink fluid to be prevented without requiring a cap or other cover that is removable from the drink spout system and thereby may be lost or requires a lanyard to tether the cap to the drink spout system.
- locking mechanism 92 includes corresponding members 94 and 96 on the dispensing and base portions of the drink spout system.
- member 96 includes a seat 97 and a stop 99
- member 94 includes a catch 95 that is adapted to be selectively received into seat 97 , thereby defining the locked configuration of mechanism 92 . More specifically, as the base and dispensing portions are rotated relative to each other, catch 95 and seat 97 eventually abut each other.
- Stop 99 prevents the catch from being removed from the seat by over-rotating the portions. Stop 99 may also be described as limiting the degree of rotation of the members relative to each other.
- a user may determine the configuration of the lock mechanism by feel, simply by trying to rotate the dispensing portion relative to the base portion. If the portions rotate easily, then the lock mechanism is in its unlocked configuration. If the portions resist rotation, then the lock mechanism is in its locked configuration. In some embodiments, the lock mechanism may, but does not necessarily, emit an audible sound when the catch is seated into seat 97 , thereby providing an audible indicator to a user that the lock mechanism is in its locked configuration.
- lock mechanism 92 (and members 94 and 96 ) may have any suitable structure that is adapted to perform the function described above. Examples of variations to the above-described embodiment include placing one or more of members 94 on base portion 14 and one or more of members 96 on dispensing portion 12 , forming all or at least one of members 96 without stop 99 , forming all or at least one of members 94 with a stop 99 to limit the relative rotation of the members, and/or substituting the positions of all or one of the seats and catches.
- lock mechanism 92 is illustrated with three sets of members 94 and 96 , any selected number of such members may be used, from a single one of each member, to more than three of each member.
- portions 12 and 14 may have a different number of the corresponding portions 94 and 96 , such as one of portions 12 and 14 having only a single member ( 94 or 96 ), and the other having a plurality of the other member.
- the members should be formed without stops 99 so that the members may rotate in a complete or at least substantially complete revolution relative to each other.
- drink spout system 90 When members 94 and 96 are rotationally aligned for engagement with each other, drink spout system 90 is in its locked configuration.
- the members may also be described as at least partially overlapping with each other so that forces, such as user-applied forces, that would otherwise urge the dispensing portion toward the valve assembly and thereby configure the drink spout system to its dispensing orientation, instead only cause members 94 and 96 to be pressed more firmly against each other.
- the engagement of these members prevents these forces from being applied to the valve assembly, thereby retaining the valve assembly in its closed position.
- the dispensing portion When the members are not aligned for engagement with each other, the dispensing portion may be urged toward the drink container and thereby configure the drink spout system to its dispensing orientation.
- locking mechanism 92 may be used, and that the other drink spout systems shown, described and incorporated herein may also include a locking mechanism. Also shown in FIG. 18 are projections, or stops, 98 that define the upper and lower range of travel of dispensing portion 12 relative to base portion 14 .
- system 90 may be referred to as a push-to-drink spout in that the valve assembly is actuated by a user urging dispensing portion 12 generally toward the drink container, such as with the user's teeth or lips as the user drinks from the dispensing portion.
- the drink spout system includes a return valve assembly 70 that is integrally formed with valve assembly 16 .
- the assemblies may be separately formed and/or installed, forming the assemblies together enables them to be installed as a unit. In many embodiments, this produces an integrated valve assembly that is more durable and easier to install than two separately formed and installed valve assemblies.
- Drink spout system 90 also provides an illustrative example of a drink spout system having components formed from two-shot molding or a similar molding process.
- Two-shot molding may also be referred to as overmolding, insert molding, or more generally as co-molding.
- flow restrictor 60 includes a sleeve 62 and a mount 100 that is spaced apart from sleeve 62 by supports 102 that define apertures 103 therebetween.
- Valve assemblies 16 and 70 collectively extend around the supports and through apertures 103 , with valve assembly 16 extending internal of sleeve 62 and return valve assembly 70 extending external sleeve 62 .
- Valve assemblies 16 and 70 are typically formed from an elastomeric material, such as silicone or a thermoplastic elastomer, with the rest of the drink spout system being formed from a relatively hard plastic material, such as polypropylene, that retains its shape during normal use of the drink spout system. It should be understood that two-shot molded components are not required and that any other suitable mechanism for coupling together components of the drink spout systems may be used, such as heat sealing, adhesives, mechanical fasteners and the like.
- valve assembly 16 is urged to its dispensing position when lower portion 80 of dispensing portion 12 engages the valve assembly internal mount 100 .
- Mount 100 also provides an illustrative example of a suitable structure for including a preload mechanism for at least valve assembly 16 . Preload mechanisms are discussed in more detail subsequently.
- Mount 100 also provides an illustrative example of a suitable structure to couple the flow restrictor, which may have any of the previously discussed structures, to the rest of base portion 14 .
- spaced-apart vanes or other supports 104 may extend between the base portion and flow restrictor, such as schematically illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 18.
- drink spout systems may include a valve assembly 16 and/or return valve assembly 70 that include a preload mechanism 120 .
- preload or “preloaded,” it is meant that the valve assemblies are biased toward a neutral position that is not obtained during normal operation of the valve assembly. Because of this, the preloaded portions exert a stronger sealing force against the structure that they engage in the closed position and thereby provide a better seal against unintentional passing of fluid through the valve assembly.
- valve assemblies including one or more slits that are made during manufacturing of the valve assembly are within the scope of the invention
- preloaded valve assemblies offer the advantages that they are biased to return beyond a closed position, instead of to or toward the closed position. In some embodiments, this may enable less expensive materials, such as thermoplastic elastomers, to be used to form the corresponding valve assembly because the seal of the valve assembly is enhanced, or strengthened, by the preload mechanism.
- portions 72 of return valve assembly 70 are sized and oriented in a configuration in which portions 72 are larger than the corresponding passage in air return passage 42 . Because of this, portions 72 are deflected from their neutral positions, even when the return valve assembly is in its closed position. When the valve assembly is in its dispensing position, in which air passes through passage 42 into drink container 18 , portions 72 are further deflected away from their neutral positions.
- FIG. 22 Another example of a preload mechanism 120 is shown in FIG. 22 and illustrated with respect to valve assembly 16 .
- base portion 14 includes a preload mechanism 120 in the form of a projecting member 122 on base portion 14 that exerts a biasing force F on the valve assembly to urge portions 74 of the valve assembly toward, and even beyond, the closed position shown in FIG. 22.
- Member 122 may have any suitable shape adapted to provide the above-described preloading on the valve assembly.
- member 122 may be a continuous or intermittent ridge, plurality of projections or the like.
- valve assembly 16 Another example of a suitable preload mechanism 120 is shown in FIG. 23 and illustrated with respect to valve assembly 16 .
- the valve assembly includes a peripheral flange 124 that is mounted to base portion 14 in a deflected orientation.
- the neutral, or unbiased, orientation of flange 124 is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 23. Because the flange cannot move relative to the portion to which it is mounted, the rest of the valve assembly is thereby biased toward a neutral position that is beyond its closed position.
- beyond its closed position it is meant that the flaps or other corresponding portions of the valve assembly remain biased even when in their closed positions.
- the portions are adapted to continue moving in the biased direction if the corresponding structure that prevents this movement in the closed position is removed.
- a generally planar disc of elastomeric material that is sliced to form one or more slits will be biased to return to its generally planar configuration (when urged or deflected away from this configuration), but the portions defined by the slits are not biased against each other, or beyond their closed position.
- FIG. 24 Another example of a drink spout system constructed according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 24 and generally indicated at 200 . Similar to the previously described embodiments, system 200 includes a dispensing portion 12 , base portion 14 and valve assembly 16 . In the illustrated embodiment, system 200 is shown including an air return system 40 , a flow restrictor 60 , and a return valve assembly 70 . However, and as discussed previously, it should be understood that system 200 may be formed without some or all of the components, and that system 200 may include any of the variations and features described, illustrated and/or disclosed herein.
- System 200 may be referred to as including a valve assembly 16 in the form of a “plug” valve assembly because the valve assembly includes a seal formed by the engagement of corresponding portions of the drink spout system that are biased into engagement with each other by a biasing mechanism.
- dispensing portion 12 is coupled to a plug member 206 around which the inlet 64 of fluid conduit 66 is defined. In the closed position shown in FIG. 24, it can be seen that plug member 206 engages a seal region 208 on base portion 14 to provide a seal through which drink fluid cannot be dispensed when the dispensing system is in its closed position.
- the dispensing portion When the dispensing portion is urged toward base portion 14 (or the valve assembly), such as by a user pressing on the dispensing portion with the user's mouth, the user-applied forces are transmitted to the plug member to urge the plug member away from contact with seal region 208 , thereby defining a cylindrical inlet 64 through which drink fluid may flow to enter fluid conduit 66 .
- the plug member Expressed another way, in its dispensing position, the plug member is spaced-apart from seal region 208 and thereby defines an inlet 64 that extends radially around the cross-sectional area bounded by the seal region and has a height generally defined between the seal region and plug member.
- the plug valve assembly shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 may also be described as being free from slits, in that the valve assembly does not require a seal formed between opposing portions of an elastomeric membrane that has been cut or slit to provide openings when the membrane is stretched.
- the plug valve assembly may also be described as preventing spills even if the drink container is squeezed or collapsed, in that forces that would otherwise urge drink fluid to be dispensed from a valve assembly, such as the subsequently discussed suction valve assembly, actually cause the plug valve assembly to form a tighter seal.
- Plug member 206 may also be described as a plunger that is moved into and out of a sealing position responsive to user-applied forces that are adapted to urge the plunger away from its closed (or sealed) position and a biasing mechanism that is adapted to return the plunger to its closed position.
- Dispensing portion 12 may be described as including a contactor, or contacting portion, 204 that extends from the dispensing portion and which urges the plug member away from the seal region responsive to user-applied forces to the dispensing portion.
- contactor 204 may be described as including a plurality of spaced-apart vanes, but other structures may be used that meet the criteria set forth above.
- Contactor 204 may be mounted on both the plug member and the dispensing portion, or even integrally formed therewith.
- the contactor may be mounted on, or extend from, only one of the dispensing portion and the plug member, with the contactor engaging the other of the plug member and the dispensing portion as the dispensing portion is urged toward the valve assembly, namely toward the drink container on which the drink spout system is mounted.
- dispensing portion 12 is configured to slide or otherwise move generally toward and away from plug member 206 , and body 11 includes a guide portion 78 that guides the movement of the dispensing portion between its dispensing and closed positions. As the dispensing portion is moved generally toward drink container 18 , such as toward plug member 206 , the dispensing portion urges the plug member away from its closed position.
- guide portion 78 includes an upper portion 230 that engages the inner surface 232 of dispensing portion 12 . When portion 230 and 232 engage each other, they provide a stop that defines the lower extent to which the dispensing portion may be moved toward the drink container.
- the drink spout system may utilize other structure to limit the degree to which the dispensing portion may be moved toward the drink container, or in the case of a drink spout system with a plug valve assembly, the degree to which the plug member may be urged away from its closed position.
- drink spout system 200 is configured so that drink fluid cannot pass between dispensing portion 12 and guide portion 78 , and thereby be dispensing from the drink spout system through an opening other than outlet 26 .
- drink spout systems with movable dispensing portions preferably, but do not necessarily, include a seal between the dispensing and guide portions.
- upper portion 230 and inner surface 232 may engage each other to form such a seal when the drink spout system is in its dispensing position.
- the surfaces of the guide and dispensing portions that extend generally parallel to the direction of fluid flow may form such a seal.
- the drink spout system may include a seal member that extends between portions 12 and 78 , such as shown in FIG. 25 at 233 .
- Seal member may be formed from any suitable material that enables portions 12 and 78 to move with respect to each other but which also prevents fluid (such as air or drink fluid) from passing therethrough. Examples of suitable materials include, but should not be limited to, the above-described elastomeric and deflectable materials.
- drink spout system 200 may be configured with a plug valve assembly that is actuated by a mechanism other than moving the dispensing portion generally toward the plug member.
- the drink spout system may include a manually-depressible element, such as a lever arm or button, that a user presses to urge the plug member to its dispensing position. The element may be pressed by a user's hand that is holding the drink container on which the drink spout system is mounted, and the plug member may return this element to its closed-position orientation when the user releases the element.
- the plug valve assembly includes a seal member 210 that interconnects and forms a seal between the seal region and plug member when the valve assembly is in its closed position.
- suitable seal members 210 include gaskets, washers, fittings and similar structures that are formed of a deformable material and are adapted to provide a fluid-tight seal between seal region 208 and plug member 206 .
- Seal member 210 enables the valve assembly to prevent drink fluid from passing therethrough without requiring a precise fit between member 206 and region 208 by deforming to conform to the contours of members 206 and region 208 . Because seal member 210 is deformable, it provides a fluid-tight seal even if there otherwise may be small gaps between member 206 and region 208 .
- seal member 210 is located on plug member 206 .
- seal member 210 may be mounted on seal region 208 instead of plug member 206 , or both region 208 and member 206 may include a seal member 210 .
- the valve assembly may be formed without seal member 210 , and that member 206 and region 208 may be shaped to provide a sufficient seal without seal member 210 being present.
- member 206 and region 208 may have a planar surface of contact.
- one or both of the regions are shaped to provide a non-planar contact region, or contact surface, and thereby provide additional leak prevention to the valve assembly.
- seal region 208 includes a projecting member, or ring, 211 that in the illustrated embodiment engages seal member 210 .
- plug member 206 may include a corresponding recess or notch 213 , which is adapted to receive at least a portion of the ring to provide an improved seal therewith and which is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 25 for purposes of illustration.
- the position of ring 211 and notch 213 may be reversed, or any other suitable configuration for the mating surfaces of seal region 208 and plug member 206 may be used.
- Member 206 is biased to the closed position shown in FIG. 24 by a biasing mechanism 212 , which as shown urges the plug member toward outlet 26 and into engagement with region 208 .
- a biasing mechanism 212 Any suitable biasing mechanism may be used that urges the plug member into a sealing engagement with region 208 , yet is sufficiently deflectable to permit the drink spout system to be configured to its dispensing position, which is shown in FIG. 25.
- biasing mechanism 212 includes a portion 215 that interconnects the plug member with the body of the drink spout system for movement of the plug member between its closed and dispensing positions.
- Portion 215 may be formed from any suitable material that enables the portion to repeatedly deflect to enable the plug member to move away from its closed position, and then return the plug member to its closed position when user-applied forces to the dispensing portion are removed.
- Portion 215 may be at least partially, substantially or completely, formed from an elastomeric material.
- portion 215 may be formed from or include other materials.
- portion 215 may be formed from a material that is non-elastomeric, but which is sufficiently deflectable to provide the above-described function of portion 215 . Deflectable, non-elastomeric materials should have sufficient memory to repeatedly return the plug member to, or even urge the plug member beyond, its closed position.
- portion 215 takes the form of a ring or collar, but other shapes and configurations may be used so long as the resilient portion includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of, supports, ribs or other portions that interconnect the plug member and body 11 and bias the plug member into engagement with seal region 208 .
- portion 215 is formed with return valve assembly 70 , but these portions may be separately formed.
- Biasing mechanism 212 may be molded via two-shot molding with plug member 206 . However, it is also within the scope of the invention that these portions may be separately formed.
- portion 215 includes apertures 214 through which drink fluid may flow to reach valve assembly 16 , such as shown on the right side of FIGS. 24 and 25.
- biasing mechanism 212 may alternatively be described as including a plurality of spaced-apart members, or supports, 217 between which drink fluid may flow and which interconnect the plug member with a portion of drink spout system 200 that does not move relative to the other portions when the drink spout system is used, such as flow restrictor 60 or other structure on base portion 14 .
- Supports 217 may be formed from any of the above-discussed materials.
- Biasing mechanism 212 may be preloaded, similar to valve assemblies 16 and 70 , using any suitable preload mechanism, such as those discussed herein. Preloading biasing mechanism 212 configures the biasing mechanism to be urged beyond the position in which it engages seal region 208 , thereby forming a tighter seal.
- FIGS. 26 - 31 another embodiment of a drink spout system with a plug valve assembly 16 is shown and generally indicated at 200 ′.
- system 200 ′ may have the same components, subcomponents and variations as the other drink spout systems described herein.
- system 200 ′ includes a dispensing portion 12 with a mouthpiece 28 having an outlet 26 , a base portion 14 on which the dispensing portion is mounted for slidable movement generally toward and away from the base portion, and a plug-type valve assembly 16 that is similar to the valve assembly described with respect to system 200 .
- system 200 ′ includes an air return system 40 with a return valve assembly 70 and a flow restrictor 60 .
- return valve assembly 70 includes a collar 220 having radially spaced-apart recesses 222 and projections 224 .
- Recesses 222 define flow paths through which air returned via air return system 40 may flow
- projections 224 provide mounts by which the flow restrictor may be secured to base portion 14 , such as perhaps best seen in FIGS. 30 and 31.
- system 200 ′ may be formed without some or all of these elements, as well as with any of the variations to these elements described herein. For purposes of brevity, a discussion of these elements and their possible variations and alternate embodiments will not be repeated with respect to system 200 ′.
- FIG. 30 provides illustrative examples of plug valve assemblies 16 that are formed without seal member 210 .
- plug member 206 and sealing portion 208 have non-planar configurations.
- sealing portion 208 includes a projecting member 211 and plug member 206 includes a recess 213 sized to receive at least a portion of member.
- plug member 206 and sealing portion 208 have generally planar configurations that abut each other to form a seal therebetween when the plug valve assembly is in its closed position.
- FIG. 31 provides an illustrative example of a plug valve assembly 16 in which the seal member is formed on seal region 208 instead of plug member 206 .
- FIG. 30 Also shown in FIG. 30 is an alternative configuration for upper portion 230 of guide portion 78 and the corresponding inner surface 232 of dispensing portion 12 .
- portion 230 and surface 232 extend at an angle to the direction of fluid flow through conduit 66 .
- portion 230 engages surface 232 to provide a seal that prevents drink fluid and/or air from passing therethrough.
- portions 12 and 78 are configured so that the dispensing portion may move laterally relative to guide portion 78 , such as due to machining tolerances, orienting portion 230 and surface 232 at an upwardly or downwardly inclined angle provides for self-centering of the dispensing portion relative to the guide portion as portion 230 and surface 232 engage each other.
- portion 230 and/or surface 232 may have other sealing configurations, such as those discussed with respect to plug member 206 and surface 208 . It should be understood that it is also within the scope of the invention that portion 230 and surface 232 may be formed or sized so that they do not engage each other
- FIGS. 32 and 33 another drink spout system constructed according to the present invention is shown and generally indicated at 300 . Similar to the previously described embodiments, system 300 includes a dispensing portion 12 , base portion 14 and valve assembly 16 . In the illustrated embodiment, system 300 is shown including an air return system 40 , a flow restrictor 60 , and a return valve assembly 70 . However, as discussed previously, it is within the scope of the invention that system 300 may be formed without some or all of the components, and that system 300 may include any of the variations and features described, illustrated and/or disclosed herein.
- System 300 may be referred to as including a valve assembly 16 in the form of a “suction” valve assembly.
- a valve assembly 16 in the form of a “suction” valve assembly.
- the valve assembly is actuated by a user-applied force that is adapted to draw drink fluid through the dispensing portion, as opposed to the user urging the dispensing portion toward the drink container with the user's mouth, such as disclosed in the previously described drink spout systems with plug valve assemblies 200 and 200 ′.
- An example of such a user-applied force is a user sucking on the dispensing portion.
- the drink container is a collapsible container 18 , such as a plastic drink bottle or collapsible drink box or drink pouch, the valve assembly shown in FIG.
- Such a construction also enables drink fluid to be intentionally squirted from the drink spout system, such as to dispense drink fluid from a drink container without requiring a user's lips and mouth to touch the dispensing portion.
- portions of a drink container 18 are shown extending above and below a flange 302 on base portion 14 to schematically illustrate that drink spout system 300 may be mounted on, under or laminated between portions of the drink container 18 with which the drink spout system is used.
- These configurations also illustrate examples of how base portion 14 may be adapted for use on drink containers that do not have a rigid neck. Accordingly, the drink spout systems disclosed herein that are shown with base portions 14 adapted to be received on a (threaded or unthreaded) neck may alternatively have a base portion similar to that shown in FIG.
- base portion 14 is adapted to be received on a neck portion of a drink container.
- the ends of flange 302 have been indicated in dashed lines to demonstrate an alternate configuration for base portion 14 , such as for use on a drink container that does not include a projecting neck.
- An additional feature of a drink spout system with a valve assembly 16 in the form of a suction valve assembly is that the dispensing and base portions of the drink spout system do not need to move relative to each other.
- the portions may be integrally formed, comolded (i.e. such as being formed by two-shot molding) or otherwise joined together to move as a unit.
- the drink spout system may be described as including a unitary body 11 .
- Integrally forming these portions together should decrease the manufacturing and assembly costs of the drink spout system, although it is within the scope of the present invention that one or more of dispensing portion 12 and base portion 14 may have moveable or removable components, or that the portions may be releasably mounted to each other.
- suction valve assembly 16 may (but is not necessarily) be formed without slits or otherwise free from slits, in that the valve assembly may include elastomeric member or membrane that does not have slits that enable drink fluid to flow through the member or membrane when the regions adjacent the slits are urged away from each other.
- the valve assembly is adapted to form a seal against another portion of the drink spout system, which typically is formed of a rigid, or non-elastomeric material.
- suction valve assembly 16 may be urged to its dispensing position without requiring pushing, tilting or other manipulation of the dispensing portion of the drink valve system.
- valve assembly 16 includes an internal perimeter portion 304 that extends and seals against the outer wall structure 306 of a core 308 .
- core 308 and dispensing portion 12 may have a variety of configurations measured transverse to the direction of fluid flow, including configurations such as circles, ellipses, ovals and the like.
- wall structure is used to refer to the sidewall, sidewalls or similar portions of various elements of the drink spout systems that extend generally parallel to the direction of fluid flow through the drink spout system.
- wall structure 306 of core 308 may form a continuous expanse that does not include corners, or alternatively, may have a configuration that includes sidewalls separated by corners.
- core 308 and dispensing portion 12 are shown having cylindrical configurations.
- Core 308 is supported within fluid conduit 66 by one or more spaced-apart supports 310 .
- suitable supports include ribs, vanes or the like that support the core relative to the dispensing portion while permitting drink fluid to flow past core 308 and be dispensed through outlet 26 .
- Illustrative examples of suitable shapes for supports 310 are shown in FIGS. 32 and 33.
- supports 310 may have any suitable structure that supports core 308 for engagement by valve 16 while still permitting drink fluid to flow around the core when the valve is in its dispensing position.
- FIGS. 32 and 33 supports 310 are shown interconnecting the core with dispensing portion 12 .
- supports 310 may interconnect and support the core with respect to other portions of body 11 , such as base portion 14 .
- An example of such a construction is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 33.
- core 308 may be supported by one or more upper supports 311 , which extend generally between the valve assembly and outlet 26 , and/or one or more lower supports 313 , which extend generally between the valve assembly and the drink container.
- inner perimeter portion 304 may extend against outer wall structure 306 with only the interior edge of the perimeter portion engaging the outer wall structure of core 308 .
- portion 304 may at least partially extend generally parallel to outer wall structure 306 in the region of contact to form a greater, or stronger, seal with the outer wall structure, such as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 32.
- the perimeter portion may be described as establishing a region of contact with the outer wall structure in which the interior edge of perimeter portion extends generally perpendicular to the outer wall structure, instead of extending generally parallel to the outer wall structure.
- a benefit of a surface of contact is that a stronger seal may be provided, compared to a valve assembly of similar construction but sized to form only a line of contact with outer wall structure 306 .
- a seal may be provided, compared to a valve assembly of similar construction but sized to form only a line of contact with outer wall structure 306 .
- the suction valve assembly and return valve assembly 70 are integrally formed from an elastomeric material, such as thermoplastic elastomer or silicone. Each or both of these valve assemblies may be preloaded, as discussed herein, and it is within the scope of the invention that the valve assemblies may be separately formed.
- perimeter portion 304 is urged at least partially away from core 308 and generally toward the interior walls, or wall structure, 312 of dispensing portion 12 , such as shown in FIG. 33.
- perimeter portion 304 may be described as a sealing perimeter portion, in that the perimeter portion selectively seals against and is drawn at least partially away from against another portion of the drink spout system as the drink spout system is configured between its closed and dispensing positions.
- FIGS. 34 and 35 Other examples of drink spout systems with a suction valve assembly 16 are shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 and generally indicated at 300 ′. Similar to the previously described embodiments, system 300 ′ includes a dispensing portion 12 , base portion 14 and valve assembly 16 . In the illustrated embodiment, system 300 ′ is shown including an air return system 40 , a flow restrictor 60 , and a return valve assembly 70 . However, as discussed previously, it is within the scope of the invention that system 300 ′ may be formed without some or all of the components, and that system 300 ′ may include any of the variations and features described, illustrated and/or disclosed herein.
- drink spout systems that include both a valve assembly 16 and a return valve assembly 70 may have these valve assemblies separately formed or integrally formed.
- FIGS. 34 and 35 provide illustrative examples of drink spout systems in which valve assemblies 16 and 70 are separately formed.
- FIGS. 34 and 35 a further example of suitable core 308 and support 310 configurations is shown to illustrate that the core and supports may have a variety of suitable configurations.
- upper and lower supports 311 and 313 are shown, with the upper and lower supports respectively including or being spaced-apart by apertures 316 through which drink fluid may flow.
- core 308 includes a central portion 314 that forms a portion of outlet 26 along with upper supports 311 and apertures 316 .
- wall structure 306 of core 308 extends between the central, or internal perimeter, portion of valve assembly 16 and central portion 314 of the core.
- at least one of the sets of supports 310 may optionally be omitted from the drink spout systems shown in FIGS. 34 and 35.
- Central portion 314 and/or supports 311 reduce the space between suction valve assembly 16 and outlet 26 in which drink fluid may flow and not be dispensed through the outlet. In operation, it is possible that residual drink fluid may be retained in this space and thereafter unintentionally dispensed from the drink spout system. By reducing the size of the available space, the theoretical volume of drink fluid that may be contained therein is reduced. Similarly, the supports and central portion 314 provide surfaces that retain residual drink fluid via surface tension.
- valve assembly is illustrated as including a generally conically shaped member 321 that has an outer (or sealing) perimeter portion 322 that is larger than the corresponding inner diameter of dispensing portion 12 (or outer diameter of the fluid conduit), as defined by interior wall structure 312 of dispensing portion 12 .
- the valve assembly may also be described as being generally concave relative to the outlet of the drink spout system and/or that the valve assembly has an outer perimeter portion 322 that extends closer to the outlet than the central portion of the valve assembly.
- perimeter portion 322 extends generally toward outlet 26 , it already extends at least partially in the direction the valve assembly will need to deform when the valve assembly is in its dispensing position, as opposed to a flat diaphragm valve, which extends completely transverse to the direction of fluid flow.
- the valve assembly includes an inner perimeter portion 304 , which extends around outer wall structure 306 of core 308 .
- the valve assembly may be described as having a central aperture and as forming an annular ring or skirt of elastomeric material.
- this central aperture is not required, such as shown in FIG. 35 in which the valve assembly extends under core 308 and does not include a central aperture.
- the outer perimeter portion of the valve assembly shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 may engage interior wall structure 312 , either with only its outer edge, or it may extend at least partially against and generally parallel to wall structure 312 to provide a region of overlapping contact.
- outer perimeter portion 322 is drawn away from interior wall structure 312
- the extent to which outer perimeter portion 322 is drawn away from interior wall structure 312 will vary in part upon the amount of user-applied force imparted to the valve assembly. For example, generally the harder a user sucks on the dispensing portion, the more portion 322 will be drawn away from interior wall structure 312 , and therefore the larger the inlet 64 through which drink fluid may flow into fluid conduit 66 . Therefore, having a very flimsy valve will enable a relatively large flow rate of fluid with a correspondingly low amount of suction or other force that must be applied.
- the amount of force required to draw the valve assembly away from its closed position typically may be reduced by such factors as using a thinner valve assembly or a valve assembly in which portions of the valve assembly have been thinned, a valve assembly formed from a less stiff material, changing the angular orientation of the valve assembly relative to outlet 26 , sizing the valve assembly so that it has a smaller surface of contact with the wall structure with which it forms a seal, and reducing the amount of preload on the valve assembly.
- the amount of force required to draw the valve assembly away from its closed position typically may be increased by such factors as thickening the valve assembly, or at least portions thereof, forming the valve assembly from stiffer material, and changing the orientation of the valve assembly relative to direction of fluid flow (as discussed in more detail herein).
- the outer perimeter portion of the valve assembly extends at an angle with respect to the surface against which it extends, such as interior wall structure 312 . More particularly, portion 322 is shown extending at an angle of approximately 45°. It should be understood that other angles may be used, such as angles in the range of 0° (such as with a diaphragm valve) and 75°. For many valve constructions angles in the range of 15-75° may provide a desirable combination of ease of use and spill prevention, with angles in the range of 30-60° or angles of 45° or approximately 45° being preferred.
- the valve assembly generally tapers as it extends outwardly, with the outer perimeter portion being thinner than the central portion of the valve assembly. It is within the scope of the invention, however, that the valve assembly may have a constant thickness or that the outer perimeter portion may be thicker or thinner than the central portion. For example, the outer perimeter portion may have a rib or reinforcing ring of greater thickness than the rest of the valve assembly to provide a stronger seal without thickening the entire valve assembly. An example of such a rib or region of increased thickness is shown in dashed lines at 336 on the left side of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 37.
- suction valve assembly If the suction valve assembly is not sufficiently resilient, it may be drawn into a position in which it may not return to the closed position when user-applied forces are removed. For example, if the deflected perimeter portion of the valve assembly folds or creases upon itself or rests against a portion of the drink spout system radially inward or outward from the sidewall against which it rests in the closed position, there is a possibility that the valve assembly may not return to the closed position. Therefore, it is preferable that suction valve assemblies according to the present invention are constructed so that they can extend to or beyond an over-centered position, but not to a bistable position.
- an over-centered position is meant to refer to a position in which a region of the sealing perimeter portion of the valve assembly transitions from a generally concave configuration to a convex configuration, when viewed from the outlet of the drink spout system, such as shown in FIG. 36.
- bistable is meant to refer to when the valve assembly reaches a stable position other than its closed position, or a position in which the valve assembly will remain, even after the user-applied forces that urged the valve assembly from its closed position are removed. Should such a positioning of the valve assembly be reached, it follows that the valve assembly would not return to the closed position, and therefore would not seal upon removal of the user-applied forces.
- suction valve assembly shown in FIG. 34.
- perimeter portion 322 of suction valve assembly 16 is urged at least partially away from interior wall structure 312 , such as shown in FIGS. 36 and on the right side of FIG. 37.
- inlet 64 is formed between the valve assembly and interior wall structure 312 , and drink fluid may be dispensed through the drink spout system.
- perimeter portion 322 is shown in an over-centered position and the perimeter portion extends generally parallel to the direction of fluid flow.
- the drink spout system may be configured to limit the extent to which the perimeter portion of the valve assembly may deflect away from its closed position and/or to shape the valve assembly as it extends away from its closed position.
- the drink spout system may include a guide 340 that accomplishes either or both of these objectives by providing a surface against which the valve assembly may at least partially or completely extend and which defines the maximum deflection of the valve assembly.
- guide 340 is schematically illustrated in dashed lines on the right side of the drink spout system shown in FIG. 37.
- Guide 340 may extend or be mounted on any suitable portion of the drink spout system, such as core 308 , dispensing portion 12 , upper supports 311 , etc.
- guide 340 is shaped to provide spaced-apart regions of contact with valve assembly 16 , but it is also within the scope of the present invention that the guide may form a smooth or continuous surface of contact along the valve assembly.
- suction valve assembly 16 is shown being drawn away from interior wall structure 312 in four locations to form four inlets 64 .
- the number and size of inlets 64 may be defined in part by upper and/or lower supports 311 and 313 . Because drink fluid passes between apertures 316 that are either formed within or extend between the upper or the lower supports, the size and spacing of the supports may be used to at least partially define the number and size of inlets 64 .
- lower supports 313 may be used to define the primary regions of the underside of sealing perimeter portion 304 that drink fluid strikes when user-imparted forces urge the drink fluid into contact with the valve assembly, such as when the drink container is at least partially collapsed.
- Drink fluid that is drawn from container 18 toward the valve assembly is drawn through apertures 316 extending between supports 313 , and thereby is at least partially segregated into discrete flows.
- the sealing perimeter portion of the valve assembly is more likely to be drawn away from interior wall structure 312 to form an inlet 64 through which the drink fluid may flow.
- upper supports 311 define the flow paths for drink fluid between inlet(s) 64 and outlet 26 . Because the drink fluid will follow the path of least resistance between the inlet(s) and outlet, the flow path of the fluid will at least partially define the region wherein the sealing perimeter portion is drawn away form interior wall structure 312 . Both of these examples may be described as providing an indirect control of the size and number of the inlets because the sealing perimeter portion of the valve assembly does not directly engage the supports.
- the size and number of inlets may be at least partially defined.
- four supports are schematically illustrated and generally indicated at 310 , but size and the number of supports may vary. Typically, at least two or three upper or lower supports will be used, but more than four may also be used.
- a benefit of having defined flow paths is that it reduces the likelihood of the valve assembly folding upon itself, especially if the drink spout system does not include a core 308 internal the valve assembly. It is within the scope of the invention that suction valve assembly 16 may be used in drink spout systems that do not include flow-directing supports. Similarly, suction valve assemblies in which the inner perimeter portion deflects away from outer wall structure 306 of core 308 may also include either or both of the above-described supports or vanes.
- the supports may directly control the size and number of inlets formed by the sealing perimeter portion of the valve assembly. For example, if lower supports 313 are bonded or otherwise secured to valve assembly 16 , this bond may limit the regions of the sealing perimeter portion that are drawn, or at least initially drawn, away from internal wall structure 312 .
- upper supports 311 may be positioned to that the sealing perimeter portion of the valve assembly engages the supports as the portion is drawn away from structure 312 .
- supports 311 may include guides 340 .
- supports 311 and 313 may additionally or alternatively be accomplished using structures that do not support core 308 .
- supports 311 and 313 may be referred to as vanes or vane assemblies.
- these supports or vanes may be referred to as flow-regulating structures or devices or flow-directing structures or devices, in that they are configured to at least partially, substantially or completely define the path of the drink fluid through the drink spout system and/or the configuration of the valve assembly as it is urged away from its closed position.
- valve assembly 16 and outer perimeter portion 322 supports or vanes, and guides 340 may also be applied to suction valve assemblies, such as those shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, having a deflectable inner perimeter portion 304 that forms a seal against outer wall structure 306 of core 308 .
- the flow-regulating structures such as the supports and/or vanes described above, may be used with other drink spout systems, such as those described, illustrated and/or incorporated herein.
- the suction valve assembly includes a ring of elastomeric material that has an inner perimeter portion 304 that selectively seals against the rigid construction of core 308 .
- the suction valve assembly is in its closed position, such as shown in FIG. 32, the inner perimeter portion of the ring is at its smallest available diameter and is sealed against outer wall structure 306 of core 308 .
- the valve assembly is drawn away from the outer wall structure, such as shown in FIG. 33. This results in the inner perimeter portion being at least partially stretched or expanded.
- the suction valve assembly shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 have outer perimeter portions 322 that selectively engage and seal against interior wall structure 312 of dispensing portion 12 when the valve assembly is in its closed position.
- portions 322 are at least partially drawn away from wall structure 312 , thereby compressing at least a portion of the sealing perimeter portion of the valve assembly.
- at least partially compressing the sealing perimeter portion of the valve assembly requires comparatively less force to maintain or increase the size of inlets 64 after the sealing perimeter portion is withdrawn from engagement with the corresponding wall structure.
- the valve assembly shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 creates a larger inlet, or opening through which the drink fluid may pass through the valve assembly, compared to a similarly constructed valve assembly shown in FIGS. 32 and 33 when an equal force is applied to the valve assemblies.
- a benefit of a suction valve assembly that has a generally concave, or U-shaped configuration relative to outlet 26 is that the force required to maintain the valve assembly in its dispensing position or to increase the size of inlet(s) 64 (thereby increasing the potential flow rate) generally levels off or even decreases after the valve assembly is initially configured from its closed position to its dispensing position. Therefore, the valve requires more force to initially be configured to its dispensing position, but thereafter defines a range of dispensing positions in which less force is required to prevent the valve assembly from returning to its closed position. For many applications, such a valve assembly may provide a preferred mix of spill-resistance and ease of use.
- valve assemblies in which the valve assembly extends transverse to the direction of fluid flow in its closed position, as well as valve assemblies similar to those shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, require at least a constant, if not an increasing amount of force to configure the valve assembly to its dispensing configuration and to maintain the valve assembly in its dispensing position or to increase the size of inlet(s) 64 .
- suction valve assembly 16 may include flaps or other deflectable members and may have a non-symmetrical shape.
- dispensing portion 12 may have a configuration that includes internal corners or projections. An example of such a configuration is shown in FIGS. 38 and 39. As shown, dispensing portion 12 includes corners 350 and valve assembly 16 includes radially spaced-apart flaps 352 having deflectable outer perimeter portions 322 .
- FIGS. 40 - 44 another drink spout system constructed according to the present invention is shown and generally indicated at 400 .
- system 400 includes a dispensing portion 12 , base portion 14 and valve assembly 16 in the form of a suction valve assembly 16 .
- system 400 is shown including an air return system 40 , a flow restrictor 60 , and a return valve assembly 70 .
- system 400 may be formed without some or all of the components, and that system 400 may include any of the variations and features described, illustrated and/or disclosed herein.
- System 400 provides another illustrative example of a drink spout system that includes a valve assembly 16 that is adapted to be actuated by a user sucking on the dispensing portion of the drink spout system or squeezing the drink container on which the system is mounted.
- dispensing portion 12 includes an outlet 26 with a central portion 414 and a plurality of radial apertures 420 through which drink fluid may flow to be dispensed from the drink spout system.
- outlet configurations such as having a single central aperture in portion 414 .
- the central aperture may be radially inward from sidewall 424 , or alternatively may have the same or at least substantially the same diameter (or cross-sectional area, depending on the particular shape of dispensing portion 12 ) as the dispensing portion measured between interior wall structure 424 .
- Illustrative examples of these configurations are demarcated with dashed lines in FIG. 42, and it should be understood that the same or similar configurations may be used with other drink spout systems according to the present invention.
- valve assembly 16 includes an outer perimeter portion 422 that selectively seals against interior wall structure 424 of dispensing portion 12 when the valve assembly is in its closed position.
- the portion 422 is drawn away from wall structure 424 , thereby defining an inlet to a fluid conduit 66 through which drink fluid may flow to outlet 26 .
- valve assembly 16 is interconnected with return valve assembly 70 by a plurality of supports 430 .
- flow restrictor 60 includes an upper sleeve 432 that includes a mount 434 on which central portion 431 of valve assembly 16 is secured.
- Sleeve 432 also defines channels 436 into which supports 430 are received to position and support the valve assemblies relative to the flow restrictor and the rest of the drink spout system.
- valve assembly 16 , supports 430 , and return valve assembly 70 are all molded together.
- FIGS. 42 - 44 also demonstrates another example of a vane assembly 344 , which as shown includes three vanes extending beneath the valve assembly.
- the systems include valve assemblies that are formed from an elastomeric material and are biased to selectively engage and release from another portion of the drink spout system, which in many embodiments is formed from a different material, such as polypropylene or another relatively hard plastic.
- a different material such as polypropylene or another relatively hard plastic.
- thermoplastic elastomers tend to stick together or to themselves, which can impair the operation of the valve assembly.
- suitable elastomeric materials may be used, such as silicone, thermoplastic elastomers are less expensive from materials and manufacturing standpoints compared to silicone and similar materials that do not stick to together or to themselves.
- the invented drink spout systems are applicable in the drink packaging and other liquid packaging industries, and are specifically applicable to drink containers such as drink bottles and aseptic drink pouches, boxes and bottles.
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Abstract
Drink spout systems and drink containers that include a drink spout system. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes an air return system to permit improved dispensing from the drink container. In some embodiments, the drink spout system is actuated by a user sucking on the system. In others, the system is actuated by a user depressing or bending at least a portion of the system. In still others, the system is actuated by other user-imparted forces to the system. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes a biasing system adapted to preload the system's valve assembly to a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes components formed from different materials via two-shot molding or a similar process, and in some embodiments, the materials used are selected to provide improved opening of the systems' valve assembly.
Description
- This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/899,579, which was filed on Jul. 5, 2001, and is entitled “Drink Spout System,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/895,059, which was filed on Jun. 29, 2001, and is entitled “Drink Spout System.” The complete disclosures of the above-identified applications, which both claim priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/273,781 (filed Mar. 5, 2001), are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
- This invention relates generally to drink spout systems and drink containers that include a drink spout system for selectively dispensing drink fluid from the container.
- Aseptic drink pouches and boxes have become popular ways to conveniently package and sell drinks. An aseptic drink pouch is a flexible pouch that is typically formed from plastic, or plastic and foil, and which is free or freed from pathogenic microorganisms. An aseptic drink box is a box that is free or freed from pathogenic microorganisms. Aseptic drink boxes are typically formed of cardboard, paper, plastic, foil and combinations thereof. Drink boxes typically include a plastic liner, wax coating or other suitable liner or coating to provide a waterproof enclosure for a drink fluid. An aseptic drink pouch or box typically includes a hole in the top of the pouch or box covered by thin layers of plastic and/or foil. The pouch or box is sold with a straw that is used to pierce the foil and plastic and extend through the hole for drinking. However, drink pouches and boxes have the drawback of allowing liquid to spill. For example, drink pouches and boxes often spill when the straw is inserted because the user is holding the pouch or box in one hand while trying to insert the straw through the foil and plastic into the straw hole. The pressure of holding the pouch or box and pressing the straw against the foil and plastic covering the hole often causes the liquid to spray out of the hole or out of the straw as the foil and plastic are pierced. Drink pouches and boxes also spill when tipped because the straws used to pierce and drink from the pouches or boxes do not include a closable valve for preventing liquid from being dispensed through the straws.
- Drinks are also packaged and sold in drink bottles, which are typically formed of plastic or glass. These bottles often include a foil or plastic seal that covers the opening of the bottle and that must be removed before a user can drink out of the bottle. Once removed, the drink may spill if the bottle is tipped. Drink bottles may be refilled for multiple uses, and in some cases, are originally sold without a drink fluid.
- The inventions described herein include various drink spout systems, as well as drink containers that include a drink spout system. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes an air return system to permit improved dispensing from the drink container. In some embodiments, the drink spout system is actuated by a user sucking on the system. In others, the system is actuated by a user depressing or bending at least a portion of the system. In still others, the system is actuated by other user-imparted forces to the system. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes a biasing system adapted to preload the system's valve assembly to a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes components formed from different materials via two-shot molding or a similar molding process, and in some embodiments, the materials used are selected to provide improved opening of the system's valve assembly.
- Various views of drink spout systems according to the present invention, and drink containers including the same, are shown in the Figures described below. It should be understood that the Figures speak for themselves regarding the material shown therein, but additionally and/or alternatively are described below.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevation view of a drink spout system according to the present invention and mounted on a drink container.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic side elevation view of a drink spout system according to the present invention and mounted on a drink container.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevation view of a drink spout system according to the present invention that does not include a valve assembly.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic side elevation view of a drink spout system according to the present invention that includes an air return system and a flow restrictor.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic side elevation view of another drink spout system according to the present invention that includes an air return system and a flow restrictor.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic side elevation view of another drink spout system according to the present invention that includes an air return system and a flow restrictor.
- FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, partial cross-sectional view of a drink spout system with another air return system constructed according to the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the drink spout system of FIG. 7, with the dispensing portion schematically illustrated.
- FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, partial cross-sectional view of a drink spout system with another air return system constructed according to the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the drink spout system of FIG. 9, with the dispensing portion schematically illustrated.
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a drink spout system constructed according to the present invention and including an air return system and flow restrictor according to the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a drink spout system with another air return system and flow restrictor according to the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of the drink spout system and flow restrictor of FIG. 12.
- FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of another drink spout system constructed according to the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of the drink spout system of FIG. 14.
- FIG. 16 is an exploded top perspective view of the drink spout system of FIG. 14.
- FIG. 17 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the drink spout system of FIG. 14.
- FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the drink spout system of FIG. 14.
- FIG. 19 is an exploded top perspective view of the flow restrictor and valve assembly of the drink spout system of FIG. 14.
- FIG. 20 is an assembled view of the flow restrictor and valve assembly of FIG. 19.
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the flow restrictor and valve assembly of FIG. 19.
- FIG. 22 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a drink spout system according to the present invention that includes a preloaded valve assembly.
- FIG. 23 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of another drink spout system according to the present invention that includes a preloaded valve assembly.
- FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a drink spout system according to the present invention that includes a plug valve assembly shown in its closed position.
- FIG. 25 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the drink spout system of FIG. 24, with the plug valve assembly shown in its dispensing position.
- FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of another drink spout system constructed according to the present invention.
- FIG. 27 is a bottom perspective view of the drink spout system of FIG. 26.
- FIG. 28 is an exploded top perspective view of the drink spout system of FIG. 26.
- FIG. 29 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the drink spout system of FIG. 26.
- FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the drink spout system of FIG. 26.
- FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the drink spout system of FIG. 26.
- FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of another drink spout system constructed according to the present invention.
- FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the drink spout system of FIG. 32.
- FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of another drink spout system constructed according to the present invention.
- FIG. 35 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of another variation of the drink spout system of FIG. 34.
- FIG. 36 is a top plan view of the dispensing portion and valve assembly of a variation of the drink spout systems shown in FIGS. 34 and 35.
- FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing portion and valve assembly shown in FIG. 36, taken along the line37-37 in FIG. 36.
- FIG. 38 is a top plan view of another dispensing portion and valve assembly constructed according to the present invention.
- FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing portion and valve assembly of FIG. 38 taken along the line39-39 in FIG. 38.
- FIG. 40 is an exploded top perspective view of another embodiment of a drink spout system constructed according to the present invention.
- FIG. 41 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the drink spout system of FIG. 40.
- FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the drink spout system of FIG. 40.
- FIG. 43 is an exploded view of the valve assembly and flow restrictor of the drink spout system of FIG. 40.
- FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly and flow restrictor shown in FIG. 43.
- A drink spout system according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 and generally indicated at10.
Drink spout system 10 includes abody 11. The body includes a dispensingportion 12 and abase portion 14. The drink spout system also includes avalve assembly 16. The dispensing portion, base portion and valve assembly ofdrink spout system 10, as well as the other drink spout systems illustrated and described herein, are coupled together. By this it is meant that these components are either removably or permanently secured together as a group, but each of these components does not have to be in direct contact with both of the other two components when the drink spout system is assembled and operational. For example, in the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 1,valve assembly 16 may be removably or permanently mounted on one ofbase portion 14 or dispensingportion 12, and not the other one ofbase portion 14 or dispensingportion 12, yet the valve assembly would still be described as being coupled to the base and dispensing portions. - In FIG. 1, drink
spout system 10 is shown mounted on adrink container 18. Drinkcontainer 18 defines aninternal compartment 20 that is adapted to receive a volume of adrink fluid 22, such as water, juice, sports drinks, fruit-flavored drinks, carbonated beverages, water-based beverages, milk products, health or dietary beverages, and the like. As used herein, the term “drink container” is meant to refer to hand-held containers that contain a drink fluid and which a user may drink directly from. The term includes drink boxes, drink pouches and drink bottles, including aseptic versions of the same. Typically the drink containers contain less than approximately a gallon of drink fluid, and more typically contain approximately a liter or less of drink fluid. The drink containers may be prepackaged or adapted to be filled by a user. Similarly, the drink containers may be disposable single-use containers or they may be adapted to be refilled by a user. Illustrative examples are drink containers that are prepackaged to hold 4, 6, 8, 12, 16 and 20 ounces of drink fluid. - In FIG. 1, drink
container 18 takes the form of a drink bottle, and in FIGS. 2 and 3, the drink container takes a generic form to indicate any of the above-described types of drink containers. It should be understood that the drink spout systems described herein may be implemented on any type of drink containers, including drink bottles, pouches and boxes. For purposes of illustration, the Figures forming a part of this application will illustrate various versions of drink containers. However, an embodiment of a drink spout system according to the present invention should not be limited to use only on the particular form of drink container shown in the Figures. Instead, it is within the scope of the invention that the drink spout systems described and illustrated herein may be used on any type of drink container. Accordingly, the base portion of the drink spout systems may vary as the systems are adapted to use on different types of drink containers. -
Drink container 18 or drinkspout system 10 may, but does not necessarily, include a seal, or piercing region, 24 that is adapted to be pierced to initially dispense the drink fluid from the container or to initially fill the container with drink fluid. An example of a drink container with a piercing region is schematically illustrated in FIG. 2. It should be understood thatregion 24 may be a specialized region on the drink container, such as a region of decreased thickness or a region that requires less force to pierce. However,region 24 may also be the particular user-selected region on the drink container that is pierced by a portion of the drink spout system. Drink boxes and drink bottles generally have defined piercing regions, while drink pouches typically have either defined piercing regions or piercing regions selected by the user. - Dispensing
portion 12 includes any suitable structure for dispensingdrink fluid 22 from the drink container for drinking, such as to a user's mouth. Dispensingportion 12 includes anoutlet 26, through which drinkfluid 22 exits drinkcontainer 18 throughdrink spout system 10.Outlet 26 may form part of amouthpiece 28 that is adapted to be received into a user's mouth. The dispensing portion may additionally or alternatively include at least a portion of astraw structure 30 interconnecting thevalve assembly 16 andoutlet 26. Illustrative examples of dispensing portions are shown in FIGS. 1-3. In FIG. 1, dispensingportion 12 includes amouthpiece 28 and a relativelyshort straw structure 30. In FIG. 2,dispending portion 12 includes a mouthpiece and anelongate straw structure 30. In FIG. 3, dispensingportion 12 includes a straw structure without a mouthpiece. -
Base portion 14 includes any suitable structure adapted to couple the drink spout system to the drink container. Typically, the base portion provides a mount or support for the dispensing portion and/or the valve assembly.Base portion 14 may be releasably mounted on the drink container, permanently mounted on the drink container, orbase portion 14 may include both releasably and permanently mounted portions. By “releasably mounted” it is meant that the corresponding portion is designed to be removed and replaced relative to the drink container. For example, a threaded cap is releasably mounted on a corresponding set of threads on a drink bottle, such as schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 withbase portion 14 including acap 32 withthreads 34 that threadingly engage correspondingthreads 36 ondrink bottle 38. By “permanently mounted” it is meant that the corresponding portion is designed not to be removed from the drink container without destroying or impairing the intended operability of at least one of the drink container and the drink spout system. For example, a base portion that is integrally formed with or adhered or otherwise bonded to a drink container is permanently mounted on the drink container, such as schematically illustrated in FIG. 2. An example of abase portion 14 that includes both permanently and releasably mounted portions includes a first portion that is permanently mounted on the drink container, and a second portion that is releasably mounted on the first container, thereby also releasably mounting the second portion on the drink container. - It is also within the scope of the invention that dispensing
portion 12 and/orvalve assembly 16 are releasably or permanently mounted onbase portion 14. For example, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, dispensingportion 12 may be permanently mounted onbase portion 14, such as by being integrally formed with the base portion, or it may be joined to the base portion during assembly of the drink valve system. In the illustrative embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the dispensing portion may alternatively be releasably mounted on the base portion, thereby enabling the dispensing portion to be repeatedly removed and replaced relative to the base portion. -
Valve assembly 16 includes any suitable structure that is selectively configurable between a dispensing position, or orientation, in which drink fluid may be dispensed from the drink container through the dispensing portion, and a closed position, or orientation, in which drink fluid cannot be dispensed from the drink container through the dispensing portion.Valve assembly 16 may be described as defining a gate structure that selectively permits drink fluid to flow therethrough, depending upon the position or orientation of the valve assembly. Still another way to describevalve assembly 16 is that it defines aninlet 64 to a dispensingfluid conduit 66 through which drink fluid fromcontainer 18 may flow tooutlet 26, as shown in dashed lines in FIGS. 1-2. When the valve assembly is in its dispensing position, the inlet is open and drink fluid may flow therethrough. When the valve assembly is in its closed position, the inlet is closed, or obstructed, and drink fluid cannot flow therethrough. The length offluid conduit 66 may vary, such as a very short fluid conduit that is formed whenvalve assembly 16 is located proximate the outlet of the dispensing portion, such as with a push-pull valve, and a longer fluid conduit that is formed whenvalve assembly 16 is located further away fromoutlet 26. -
Valve assembly 16 may require user manipulation to configure the valve assembly from its closed configuration to its dispensing configuration and/or to return the valve assembly from its dispensing orientation to its closed orientation. For example,valve assembly 16 may be a push-pull valve, such as is used on many conventional water and sports drink bottles, and which requires user manipulation to open and close the valve assembly. - Alternatively, the valve assembly may be self-sealing, in that it is biased to return automatically to the closed orientation upon release of user-imparted forces deforming the valve assembly to its dispensing orientation. A benefit of a self-sealing
valve assembly 16 is that the valve assembly will reduce or prevent spills because the valve assembly automatically returns to its closed position upon removal of any user-imparted, or user-applied, forces that urged the valve assembly to its dispensing position. Another benefit of a self-sealing valve assembly is that it takes less time and effort to use, because the user does not have to exert the effort, or even remember, to return the valve assembly to its closed position after every use. - Another example of a self-sealing
valve assembly 16 according to the present invention is a pressure-differential valve assembly that is actuated by a pressure differential on opposing sides of the valve assembly, such as when the user sucks on the dispensing portion or when the drink container is squeezed or otherwise collapsed by a user. A self-sealing valve assembly may, but does not necessarily, requite user manipulation of the valve assembly to configure the valve assembly to its dispensing configuration. As used herein, “user manipulation” is meant to refer to reconfiguration of the valve assembly caused by a user exerting force upon the valve assembly other than by sucking on the dispensing portion or squeezing or collapsing the drink container. Examples of user manipulation include pulling, pushing, tilting or rotating a portion of the drink spout system, such as the dispensing portion. - It is also within the scope of the present invention that the drink spout system may be formed without a valve assembly. As such, drink fluid may pass through the dispensing portion at all times after the seal, if any, of a drink container has been pierced by the drink spout system. An example of such a drink spout system is schematically illustrated in FIG. 3. In such an embodiment, a cap, clamp or
other closure mechanism 32 may be used to prevent drink fluid from being dispensed through the drink spout system. For example, a cap may be releasably mounted on the end ofstraw structure 30, such as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 3 and indicated at 33. As another example, the drink spout system may include a clamp that temporarily closes the fluid passage withinstraw structure 30, such as by crimping or compressing the sides of the straw structure together. For purposes of illustration, an example of such a clamp is illustrated schematically in dashed lines a 35 in FIG. 3. In a drink spout system without avalve assembly 16, the dispensing and/or base portions of the drink spout system will define the inlet of the dispensing fluid conduit, which drink fluid may at all times flow through, absent the use of aclosure mechanism 32. - Examples of further embodiments and components of drink spout systems and drink containers are shown and described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/639,648, which was filed on Aug. 16, 2000, is entitled “Drink Valve,” and the complete disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Others are described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/710,189, which was filed on Nov. 10, 2000, is entitled “Retractable Drink Spout,” and the complete disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Still others are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/754,953, which was filed on Jan. 3, 2001, is entitled “Piercing Drink Spout System,” and the complete disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- It is within the scope of the invention that the following features and spout systems maybe used as shown, or with any of the drink spout systems described above and incorporated by reference herein. For purposes of illustration, many of the subsequently discussed drawings may include multiple features implemented together on a drink spout system. It should be understood, however, that features described and/or illustrated herein may be implemented alone or in combination with one or more other features and drink spout systems described herein.
- In FIG. 4, a drink spout system is shown that includes an
air return system 40.Air return system 40 is adapted to enable air from external the drink container to return to the drink container'scompartment 20 as drink fluid is being dispensed from the drink container. This improves the flow rate of fluid by reducing the pressure differential required to dispense drink fluid from the drink container.Air return system 40 also enables drink fluid to be continuously drawn from the drink container because the air return system releases the pressure differential that otherwise would accumulate as drink fluid is drawn from a drink container without an air return system. - By comparison, consider a conventional drink container, such as a drink bottle, a drink box, or another drink container other than a collapsible drink pouch. In such a drink container, the amount of pressure that must be applied to dispense drink fluid increases as a function of how much fluid has been dispensed during a drinking interval. When a user ceases to draw fluid from the drink container, the drink container then relieves the accumulated pressure differential by drawing air into the drink container through the valve assembly. For example, the gurgling or sucking noises produced by conventional drink bottles exemplify this event. Typically, a user is forced to interrupt the flow of drink fluid from the drink container so that the drink container can release the accumulated pressure. In other words, the accumulated pressure differential often reaches a level that substantially or completely stops the flow of drink fluid from the conventional drink spout system. When this occurs, the accumulated pressure is at least substantially as great as the suction or other user-applied force urging drink fluid from the drink container.
- In experiments, a drink spout system with an air return system according to the present invention enables drink fluid to be dispensed more quickly than a corresponding drink spout system without an air return system according to the present invention. For example, a drink spout system with an air return system according to the present invention may dispense drink fluid in the range of approximately 25% and approximately 100% (or more) of the rate at which a comparable drink spout system without an air return system dispenses drink fluid under similar conditions. In some embodiments, the drink spout system may dispense fluid in the range of approximately 50% and approximately 90% of a comparable system without an air return system, in still others, the drink fluid may be dispensed in the range of approximately 90% and 110% of the comparable rate of a drink spout system without an air return system according to the present invention, and in still others the drink fluid may be dispensed at a rate that is more than 100% greater than the comparable rate of a drink spout system without an air return system according to the present invention.
-
Air return system 40 includes at least oneair return passage 42 with anair return inlet 44 external the drink container and anair return outlet 46 internal the drink container. It is within the scope of the present invention that the air return system may include two or more passages, such as several passages radially spaced around the base portion, such as around the perimeter region of the base portion. Preferably, the size and number ofair return passages 42 used inair return system 40 are selected to be sufficient to offset the pressure differential established as drink fluid is dispensed from the drink container. Generally, the number of passages may vary, with more passages typically being used as the cross-sectional dimension of the passages decreases and a fewer number of passages being used as the cross-sectional dimension of the passage or passages increases. -
Air return system 40 is typically used on drink containers such as drink bottles and drink boxes that do not substantially collapse as drink fluid is removed therefrom. Because drink pouches typically collapse as drink fluid is withdrawn therefrom, the flow of drink fluid from these drink containers is not impaired by a pressure differential that builds up as the user drinks from the corresponding drink spout assembly. Instead, the drink pouch collapses inwardly. However, drink pouches constructed according to the present invention may include an air return system, such as when the pouch has sufficient resiliency to resist being collapsed inward as drink fluid is removed from the drink container. -
Air return system 40 may be positioned in any suitable location ondrink container 18, including positions in which the air return system is separately formed from the dispensing portion, base portion and valve assembly of the drink spout system. For example, drinkcontainer 18 may include an air return system, with or without areturn valve assembly 70 at one location on the container, and adrink spout system 10 at another location on the container spaced-apart from the first location. - In some embodiments, the air return system is integrated with the other components of the drink spout system so that the air return system may be mounted on the drink container with the rest of the drink spout system. In such an embodiment, the air return and drink spout systems may utilize a common fluid conduit formed in the drink container. When the air return system is integrated with the rest of the drink spout system, it may produce a composite, or integrated, drink spout system that has less components and/or requires less assembly than a comparable system having separate air return and drink spout systems. Similarly, an integrated system may utilize a common fluid conduit formed in the drink container, whereas separately formed components may require separate fluid conduits, or passages, in the container, which in turn may increase the manufacturing cost of the container.
- For example, when
drink container 18 is a drink bottle, it may be desirable forair return system 40 to be integrated with the rest of the drink spout system, or at least the base portion of the drink spout system, so that it may be mounted on the drink container with the rest of the system. More specifically, drink bottles tend to have rathernarrow necks 50 withopenings 52 having diameters less than six centimeters, and in some embodiments having openings with diameters that are less than 4 or 5 centimeters or in the range of 3 and 4 or 3 and 5 centimeters. Illustrative examples of suitable diameters for opening 52 include diameters that are (or are approximately) 2.6 centimeters, 2.8 centimeters, 3.05 centimeters, 3.8 centimeters and 4.3 centimeters. This sizing does not readily enable the air return system to be separately formed and mounted on the drink container unless the drink container includes a separate fluid conduit through whichair return system 40 may selectively return air to the container. Although this is within the scope of the invention, it requires that the drink container have more than one opening, and/or that the air return system be mounted on the drink container in a separate manufacturing or assembly step. Similarly, because many drink bottles, such as glass bottles and hot-filled bottles are not collapsable, the pressure differential accumulates in these drink containers faster than in partially or completely collapsable drink containers, such as plastic drink bottles and drink boxes. Similarly, a user cannot apply at least a portion of the user-applied forces by squeezing the drink bottle to at least partially collapse the drink bottle and thereby urge drink fluid to be dispensed through the drink spout system. - When the drink spout system and air return system are integrated together, such as with the air return system extending generally radially outward relative to the fluid conduit of the valve assembly, it is preferable for
inlet 44 of the air return system to be located in a position where the user's mouth will not obstruct the inlet when the user drinks from the dispensing portion. Otherwise, the benefit of having an air return system may be impaired or lost if the user's mouth occludes the inlets of the air return system. For example, this may be accomplished by locating the mouthpiece sufficiently far away frominlet 44 so that a user's mouth does not block the inlets of the air return system when the user drinks from dispensingportion 12. An example of another suitable configuration forair return system 40 is for the system to include acover portion 54 on dispensingportion 12 orbase portion 14 that prevents a user's lips from covering the inlet. Still another example is for the inlet or inlets of the air return system to be positioned on the drink spout system so that it/they will not be obstructed by a user's mouth if the user drinks directly from the mouthpiece, straw structure or other form of dispensing region adapted to have a user drink directly therefrom. - Examples of the above constructions are schematically illustrated in FIGS.4-6, with FIG. 4 showing a drink container in the form of a bottle, and FIGS. 5 and 6 demonstrating generically any suitable drink container. As discussed, the particular type of drink container shown in the Figures should be construed in an illustrative, rather than a limiting, sense. In FIG. 4, dispensing
portion 12 includes a flangedistal outlet 26 that forms coverportion 54 and thereby prevents a user's lips from coveringinlet 44 when a user drinks from the drink spout system. In FIG. 5,base portion 14 includesair return system 40 and dispensingportion 12 includes astraw structure 30 of sufficient length that a user's lips do not, or typically do not, reachinlet 44 when a user drinks fromstraw structure 30. In FIG. 6,base portion 14 includesair return system 40 with aninlet 44 oriented generally transverse tooutlet 26. Another way of describing the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 is that the base portion includes asidewall 55 and the air return system includes aninlet 44 insidewall 55. - In FIGS.7-10, additional examples of drink spout systems with
air return systems 40 are shown. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the air return system includes aninlet 44 formed in theupper surface 53 ofbody portion 14, which as shown, is adapted for use on a drink bottle.System 40 further includes acover 54 that is supported above the inlet of the air return system. As shown, a plurality ofsupports 57 extend betweencover 54 andupper surface 53. As perhaps best seen in FIG. 8, cover 54 takes the form of a surface that at least partially extends overinlet 44. However, it is within the scope of the present invention that cover 54 may have any suitable shape that prevents a user's lips from blockinginlet 44 whendrink spout system 10 is used. For example, cover 54 may be simply a member or framework of members extending aboveinlet 44. As further examples, cover 54 may be smaller thaninlet 44, such as shown in FIG. 7, as large asinlet 44, or larger thaninlet 44. Illustrative examples of these sizes forcover 54 relative toinlet 44 are shown in FIG. 8, in which it should be understood that a drink spout system will typically include a single size of cover and corresponding inlet. In FIG. 8, a plurality ofinlets 44 are shown radially spaced around dispensingportion 12. It should be understood that the number of inlets may vary, from a single inlet, to multiple inlets. As discussed in more detail herein, whendrink spout system 10 is adapted to have a direction independentair return system 40, theair return system 40 will typically include at least three radially spaced-apart inlets. - In FIG. 9, another example of an
air return system 40 is shown and demonstrates an additional mechanism to prevent or reduce the likelihood of a user's lips from blocking the inlets of the air return system. As shown,system 40 includes a channel orrecess 59 in theupper surface 53 ofbase portion 14.Channel 59 is larger thaninlet 44 so that air may still flow intoinlet 44 even if a portion ofchannel 59 is obstructed by a user's lips. In the illustrated embodiment,channel 59 is also open laterally to thesidewall 55 of the base portion to further reduce the likelihood that a user's lips may obstruct the flow of air intoinlet 44. It is within the scope of the present invention that channel 59 may not be open laterally to sidewall 55. In FIG. 10, a plurality ofchannels 59 and corresponding inlets are shown radially spaced around the dispensingportion 12 of the drink spout system. - In FIGS.7-10,
drink spout systems 10 are shown withbody portions 11, and more particularly,base portions 14 that are adapted to be mounted on a drink container in the form of a drink bottle with a relatively narrow neck. It should be understood that the air return systems shown in FIGS. 7-10 may be used on any of the embodiments of the drink spout systems and drink containers shown and described herein. - As air is introduced into
compartment 20 byair return system 40, it will either be introduced into a region ofcompartment 20 that is already occupied by air, or it will be introduced as air bubbles into a region ofcompartment 20 that is occupied bydrink fluid 22. For example, whendrink container 18 is oriented at an angle relative to a vertical orientation, oriented downward or oriented at a downward angle, air will typically be introduced into a region ofcompartment 20 that is occupied by drink fluid. Because the air bubbles are introduced in the drink fluid and the drink fluid is being drawn into the drink spout system to be dispensed to a user, there is a tendency for the air bubbles to be dispensed throughvalve assembly 16 along with the drink fluid. If this occurs, it reduces the flow rate of drink fluid received by the user and may introduce air into a user's stomach. Neither of these events is desirable. - In view of this,
air return system 40 may, but does not necessarily, further include aflow restrictor 60. Flow restrictor 60 is adapted to prevent, or reduce the likelihood of, air bubbles returned bysystem 40 from being recycled, or dispensed, through dispensingportion 12 as the user is drinking from the dispensing portion. Flow restrictor 60 may also be referred to as a bubble barrier, in that it restricts air bubbles introduced into the drink container throughair return system 40 from being recycled intofluid conduit 66. A flow restrictor may be desirable when the air return system and dispensing portion share a common opening in the drink container. For example, a flow restrictor may be especially desirable, although not required in all embodiments, with drink bottles in which the opening of the bottle is relatively narrow or confined, thereby introducing air bubbles in close lateral proximity toinlet 64. -
Flow restrictor 60 includes any suitable structure designed to separate the return air stream from the stream of drink fluid that is being dispensed from the container. It should be understood that once introduced into drink fluid incompartment 20, an air bubble will travel through the drink fluid along a path dictated by the gravitational and buoyant forces exerted on the air bubble, forces imparted to the air bubble by the drink fluid being drawn into and through the drink spout system, and the shape of the drink container with which the air bubble comes into contact. Generally speaking, air bubbles will tend to rise and travel along the portions of the drink container with which they come into contact. Therefore, a flow restrictor may be shaped or positioned to direct the path of the air bubble, with the goal being to cause the air bubble to not reach a position in which it will be drawn throughinlet 64. Flow restrictor 60 may accomplish this goal either directly, by defining a particular path or conduit along which the air bubbles will travel, or indirectly, by obstructing the path of the air bubble to cause the restrictor to impede the flow of the air bubble along the path it would otherwise follow if the obstruction was not present. - Examples of
suitable flow restrictors 60 includepartitions 61 orsleeves 62 that extend into drink container 18 a sufficient distance to at least substantially, or completely, block the flow of air bubbles fromoutlet 46 to theinlet 64 of the drink spout system's dispensingfluid conduit 66.Partitions 61 andsleeves 62 may have a variety of configurations, such as tubes and portions thereof, baffles, internal walls, and the like. Preferably, the flow restrictors are shaped to prevent all or at least a substantial portion of the air bubbles returned byair return system 40 from being drawn intoinlet 64, regardless of the radial orientation of the drink container about a central axis extending in the direction of fluid flow through its dispensing portion. - Illustrative examples of
suitable flow restrictors 60 are shown in FIGS. 4-6. As shown,flow restrictors 60 may extend betweenoutlet 46 ofair return system 40 andinlet 64 ofvalve assembly 16, partially or completely aroundoutlet 46, or partially or completely aroundinlet 64. It should be understood that the length of theflow restrictors 60 shown in FIGS. 4-6 are shown for purposes of illustration and that the flow restrictors may be formed with different lengths. - In FIG. 4, an example of a flow restrictor is shown in the form of a
partition 61 that separates, along the length of the partition, the drink fluid being dispensed from the drink spout system and the air being returned to the drink container. Preferably, the partition extends completely between the sidewalls of the drink container along its length so that air bubbles cannot pass laterally around the partition. More particularly, in the orientation shown in FIG. 4, the partition preferably provides a boundary that extends partially or completely between generally opposing sidewalls of the drink container. When the partition extends completely between the opposed sidewalls of the drink container, it requires air bubbles to pass downwardly along the length of the partition and then around the bottom portion of the partition before being able to enterinlet 64. When a partial barrier is formed, the air bubbles still must travel around the partition, which should be sized to divert the air bubbles toward the sidewalls of the drink container and/or away frominlet 64. - In FIG. 5, an example of a
flow restrictor 60 that includes asleeve 62 that defines a fluid conduit aroundinlet 64 is shown. As shown, the sleeve includes aninlet 68, through which drink fluid is drawn into the sleeve, where it may travel through afluid conduit 67 that is defined at least in part by the flow restrictor.Fluid conduit 67 may at all times be in fluid communication with dispensingfluid conduit 66, such as when the drink spout system does not include avalve assembly 16, or may be selectively in fluid communication with dispensingfluid conduit 66, such as when the valve assembly is in its dispensing position. - Also shown in dashed lines in FIG. 5 at63 are flanges that extend radially outward from at least a portion of flow restrictor 60 to increase the path along which an air bubble travels and/or to direct the air bubble radially around the sleeve instead of along the sleeve. For example, consider the embodiment of
drink spout system 10 shown in FIG. 5. When the system is rotated counterclockwise by at least 90°, air returned bysystem 40 will generally take the form of bubbles introduced intodrink fluid 22. The air bubbles will tend to flow upward because of the buoyant force on the bubbles. When the bubbles strike orapproach sleeve 62, they will tend to flow radially around the sleeve. Depending upon the angle of the drink container, the bubbles may also tend to flow along the surface of the sleeve. The use of one ormore flanges 63 provides an additional obstruction, or flow-restricting device, that directs the air bubbles away from a position where it may be dispensed from the drink spout system along with the drink fluid. - A pair of
flanges 63 are shown in FIG. 5 for purposes of illustration, and it should be understood that the flow restrictor may include as few as zero or one flange, as well as a plurality or multiplicity of flanges spaced along the length of the partition or baffle formingflow restrictor 60. Preferably,flange 63 extends radially away from the flow restrictor's sleeve or baffle in a direction generally toward theoutlets 46 ofair return passages 42 so that the flanges are positioned to interact with the returned air bubbles. Whenair return system 40 includes two or more outlets, it may be desirable forflanges 63 to extend at least substantially or completely around the sleeve or partition. - In FIG. 6, an example of a flow restrictor is shown that includes a sleeve that defines a fluid conduit around
outlet 46 ofair return system 40. Aflange 63 is also shown in Pig. 6 to indicate that one or more flanges may also be used with embodiments offlow restrictor 60 that define a sleeve around the outlet or outlets ofair return system 40. - In FIGS. 11 and 12, another example of a
flow restrictor 60 is shown. As shown, flowrestrictor 60 takes the form of apartition 61 that defines withneck 50 of drink bottle 38 a partial or complete sleeve through which air bubbles flow, such as perhaps best seen in FIG. 12. In the illustrated embodiment,partition 61 has a generally concave configuration relative to the neck of the drink container, in that the partition haslateral edges 69 that extend toward or to the sidewalls of the drink container. - Air return systems and air return systems that include a
flow restrictor 60 may be either direction independent or direction specific. By direction independent, it is meant that the air return system may perform the same or essentially the same regardless of the radial orientation ofdrink container 18 relative to the direction of fluid flow through the drink spout system. By direction specific, it is meant that the performance of the air return system is dependent at least in part upon the radial orientation of the drink spout system relative to the direction of fluid flow through the drink spout system. For example, examples of drink spout systems with air return systems that are direction specific are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,890,620 and 6,0789,589, the complete disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. In the drink spout systems shown in both of these patents, the air return system will introduce air bubbles from only a single position relative to the fluid conduit of the drink spout system and the air return systems do not includeflow restrictors 60. Therefore, the air bubbles will simply flow along the path dictated by the forces exerted upon the bubbles. Therefore, if the drink container is oriented with the air return system above the dispensing portion, the air bubbles will be less likely to enter the fluid conduit, and if the drink container is oriented with the air return system below the dispensing portion, the air bubbles will tend to enter the fluid conduit. - The drink spout systems shown in FIGS.7-12 illustrate examples of drink spout systems with air return systems that may be direction independent, even if the air return system does not include a flow restrictor. More specifically, these drink spout systems contain air return systems that have a plurality of
outlets 46 radially spaced apart around the dispensing portion of the drink spout system. More specifically, although at least one ofoutlets 46 may be below or generally below the inlet to the dispensing portion, there will also be others that are above the inlet. Becauseair entering compartment 20 via the air return system will follow the path of least resistance, it will tend to enter through the outlets positioned above the dispensing portion, especially if the outlets introduce the air into a region of the drink container that already contains air instead of drink fluid. Whenair return system 40 includes a flow restrictor, it may be direction independent even if the air return system only includes asingle outlet 46 because the flow restrictor directs or defines the path of any air bubbles introduced into the drink fluid to prevent the air bubbles from being dispensed through the drink spout system with the drink fluid. -
Air return system 40 may further include areturn valve assembly 70 that is selectively configurable between a dispensing position, in which air may enter the drink container through the air passage(s) 42 while fluid is being dispensed through the drink spout system, and a closed position, in which air (or drink fluid) may not pass through the air passage(s). Returnvalve assembly 70 may have any suitable form and components, including those discussed, illustrated and incorporated therein with respect tovalve assembly 16. For example, the return valve assembly may include a pressure-differential valve assembly that automatically returns to the closed position, thereby preventing drink fluid from being able to pass throughpassage 42. It is within the scope of the present invention thatvalve assembly 16 and returnvalve assembly 70 may be integrally formed or separately formed. - An example of a drink spout system containing an
air return system 40 having areturn valve assembly 70 is shown in FIG. 13. As shown, the drink spout system includes a self-sealingvalve assembly 16 that is formed from an elastomeric material, which deflects away fromoutlet 26 upon urging ofmouthpiece 28 generally toward the valve assembly. When this occurs, the dispensing portion slides alongguide portion 78 and alower portion 80 of the dispensing portion engagesvalve assembly 16 to deform the valve assembly to, or toward, its dispensing position. When the user-applied force to dispensingportion 12 is removed, the valve assembly is biased to return to its closed position, with one ormore projections 81 on the dispensing portion engaging one or morecorresponding stops 83 onbase portion 14 to limit the movement of the dispensing portion away from the drink container. In FIG. 13,air return system 40 is shown having at least a pair ofair passages 42, andmouthpiece 28 provides acover 54 that prevents the inputs of the air passages from being obstructed when a user drinks from the spout system. In FIG. 13, one of the air passages is shown in dashed lines to indicate that the passages may be radially spaced around the base portion, and that at least two such passages may be used. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiment is generally cylindrical in shape, and that the air return system may includeadditional passages 42 spaced radially or otherwise aroundfluid conduit 66. - As discussed, the illustrated embodiment also provides an example of an
air return system 40 that includes areturn valve assembly 70. It should be understood that the drink spout system of FIG. 13 may be formed without a return valve assembly, without an air return system, or without avalve assembly 16, as discussed herein. In the illustrated embodiment,valve assembly 16 and returnvalve assembly 70 are integrally formed, with each valve assembly includingrespective portions portions 72 ofreturn valve assembly 70 are adapted to engage and extend at least partially againstbase portion 14, and more specifically an interior, or inner,sidewall 76 thereof. It should be understood thatportions 72 may be radially spaced-apart regions ofreturn valve assembly 70, or alternatively, may be a continuous ring or skirt of elastomeric material. - To illustrate their biased configuration,
portions 72 have been illustrated as extending into the sidewall to represent the neutral position ofportions 72. Preferably, these portions cannot reach their neutral positions in an actual embodiment of the return valve assembly, and therefore the portions are preloaded, or biased against, the corresponding portion ofbase portion 14, such as shown in dashed lines. This provides a tighter seal in the closed position. Alternatively, the base portion may include arecess 73 that is shaped to receive the terminal regions ofportions 72, as shown in solid lines in FIG. 13. It should be understood thatvalve assembly 16 may be similarly preloaded. Similarly,portions 74 are biased against each other to closeslits 75 that are formed between the portions. - Also shown in FIG. 13 is another example of a
flow restrictor 60. In the illustrated embodiment, restrictor 60 extends generally aroundinlet 64 offluid conduit 66 so that air bubbles introduced throughair passages 42 are not drawn into the fluid conduit as a user drinks from dispensingportion 12. The length ofrestrictor 60 may vary, depending upon such factors as the shape and size of the drink container andfluid conduit 66, the flow rate of drink fluid being dispensed throughdrink spout system 10, the intended orientation of the drink container whenspout system 10 is used, etc. As shown,restrictor 60 includes arestrictor inlet 68 through which drink fluid must pass prior to enteringfluid conduit 66. Alternatively, the restrictor may extend around the air return system and have an outlet through which air bubbles must pass, such as illustrated previously with respect to FIG. 6. In such an embodiment, the restrictor is preferably located sufficientlydistal inlet 64 that the air bubbles are not drawn into the fluid conduit. - Another example of a drink spout system according to the present invention is shown in FIGS.14-21 and generally indicated at 90. As perhaps best seen in FIG. 15,
system 90 includes abase portion 14 that is adapted to be mounted on a drink container in the form of a drink bottle and as such includes a threadedneck 91 that is adapted to be screwed onto a drink bottle having a corresponding set of threads. It should be understood thatsystem 90 may be mounted on other drink containers, such as bottles having different configurations, drink pouches and drink bottles. It should be similarly understood that the base portion ofsystem 90, and the other drink spout systems disclosed and illustrated herein, may vary, such as depending upon the particular drink container with which the drink spout system is used. -
Drink spout system 90 further includes avalve assembly 16 that is formed from an elastomeric material and which is adapted to be urged to its dispensing position by user-applied forces to dispensingportion 12. More specifically, when a user urges dispensingportion 12 toward or generally towardvalve assembly 16, the dispensing portion engages the valve assembly and deflects the valve assembly from its closed position to its dispensing position, such as discussed above with respect to the drink spout system shown in FIG. 13 and incorporated by reference herein.System 90 includes alocking mechanism 92 and as such is selectively configurable between an open, or unlocked configuration, in which the valve assembly may be urged to its dispensing position and drink fluid may be dispensed from the system, and a locked configuration, in which the valve assembly cannot be configured to its dispensing position until the lock mechanism is returned to its unlocked configuration. An advantage of a drink spout system that includes a locking mechanism is that unintentional dispensing of drink fluid from the system is prevented, even if the drink spout system has been previously used and the seal portion, if any, of the system has been pierced. For example, if the drink container and spout system have previously been used and then are going to be set down, placed in a backpack, gym bag, or other container, the system may be configured so that forces that would otherwise cause drink fluid to be dispensed throughoutlet 26 are prevented from doing so. Similarly, the lock mechanism enables the dispensing of drink fluid to be prevented without requiring a cap or other cover that is removable from the drink spout system and thereby may be lost or requires a lanyard to tether the cap to the drink spout system. - In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIGS.16-18,
locking mechanism 92 includes correspondingmembers member 96 includes aseat 97 and astop 99, andmember 94 includes acatch 95 that is adapted to be selectively received intoseat 97, thereby defining the locked configuration ofmechanism 92. More specifically, as the base and dispensing portions are rotated relative to each other, catch 95 andseat 97 eventually abut each other. Further urging of the portions in the same rotational direction will cause the catch to extend into the seat, thereby retaining the portions together until the portions are rotated in the opposite direction with enough force to unseat the catch fromseat 97.Stop 99 prevents the catch from being removed from the seat by over-rotating the portions.Stop 99 may also be described as limiting the degree of rotation of the members relative to each other. - Preferably, a user may determine the configuration of the lock mechanism by feel, simply by trying to rotate the dispensing portion relative to the base portion. If the portions rotate easily, then the lock mechanism is in its unlocked configuration. If the portions resist rotation, then the lock mechanism is in its locked configuration. In some embodiments, the lock mechanism may, but does not necessarily, emit an audible sound when the catch is seated into
seat 97, thereby providing an audible indicator to a user that the lock mechanism is in its locked configuration. - It should be understood that the particular configuration of
members lock mechanism 92. Furthermore, it is within the scope of the invention that lock mechanism 92 (andmembers 94 and 96) may have any suitable structure that is adapted to perform the function described above. Examples of variations to the above-described embodiment include placing one or more ofmembers 94 onbase portion 14 and one or more ofmembers 96 on dispensingportion 12, forming all or at least one ofmembers 96 withoutstop 99, forming all or at least one ofmembers 94 with astop 99 to limit the relative rotation of the members, and/or substituting the positions of all or one of the seats and catches. Similarly, althoughlock mechanism 92 is illustrated with three sets ofmembers portions portions portions stops 99 so that the members may rotate in a complete or at least substantially complete revolution relative to each other. - When
members spout system 90 is in its locked configuration. In this configuration, the members may also be described as at least partially overlapping with each other so that forces, such as user-applied forces, that would otherwise urge the dispensing portion toward the valve assembly and thereby configure the drink spout system to its dispensing orientation, instead only causemembers mechanism 92 may be used, and that the other drink spout systems shown, described and incorporated herein may also include a locking mechanism. Also shown in FIG. 18 are projections, or stops, 98 that define the upper and lower range of travel of dispensingportion 12 relative tobase portion 14. - Similar to the drink spout system shown in FIG. 13,
system 90 may be referred to as a push-to-drink spout in that the valve assembly is actuated by a userurging dispensing portion 12 generally toward the drink container, such as with the user's teeth or lips as the user drinks from the dispensing portion. In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIGS. 16-18, it can be seen that the drink spout system includes areturn valve assembly 70 that is integrally formed withvalve assembly 16. Although the assemblies may be separately formed and/or installed, forming the assemblies together enables them to be installed as a unit. In many embodiments, this produces an integrated valve assembly that is more durable and easier to install than two separately formed and installed valve assemblies. -
Drink spout system 90 also provides an illustrative example of a drink spout system having components formed from two-shot molding or a similar molding process. Two-shot molding may also be referred to as overmolding, insert molding, or more generally as co-molding. For example, as perhaps best seen in FIGS. 19-21,flow restrictor 60 includes asleeve 62 and amount 100 that is spaced apart fromsleeve 62 bysupports 102 that defineapertures 103 therebetween.Valve assemblies apertures 103, withvalve assembly 16 extending internal ofsleeve 62 and returnvalve assembly 70 extendingexternal sleeve 62.Valve assemblies - As perhaps best seen by returning to FIG. 18,
valve assembly 16 is urged to its dispensing position whenlower portion 80 of dispensingportion 12 engages the valve assemblyinternal mount 100.Mount 100 also provides an illustrative example of a suitable structure for including a preload mechanism for at leastvalve assembly 16. Preload mechanisms are discussed in more detail subsequently.Mount 100 also provides an illustrative example of a suitable structure to couple the flow restrictor, which may have any of the previously discussed structures, to the rest ofbase portion 14. Alternatively or additionally, spaced-apart vanes orother supports 104 may extend between the base portion and flow restrictor, such as schematically illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 18. - As discussed previously with respect to the drink spout system shown in FIG. 13, drink spout systems according to the present invention may include a
valve assembly 16 and/or returnvalve assembly 70 that include apreload mechanism 120. By “preload” or “preloaded,” it is meant that the valve assemblies are biased toward a neutral position that is not obtained during normal operation of the valve assembly. Because of this, the preloaded portions exert a stronger sealing force against the structure that they engage in the closed position and thereby provide a better seal against unintentional passing of fluid through the valve assembly. Although valve assemblies including one or more slits that are made during manufacturing of the valve assembly are within the scope of the invention, preloaded valve assemblies offer the advantages that they are biased to return beyond a closed position, instead of to or toward the closed position. In some embodiments, this may enable less expensive materials, such as thermoplastic elastomers, to be used to form the corresponding valve assembly because the seal of the valve assembly is enhanced, or strengthened, by the preload mechanism. - In the example shown in FIG. 13,
portions 72 ofreturn valve assembly 70 are sized and oriented in a configuration in whichportions 72 are larger than the corresponding passage inair return passage 42. Because of this,portions 72 are deflected from their neutral positions, even when the return valve assembly is in its closed position. When the valve assembly is in its dispensing position, in which air passes throughpassage 42 intodrink container 18,portions 72 are further deflected away from their neutral positions. - Another example of a
preload mechanism 120 is shown in FIG. 22 and illustrated with respect tovalve assembly 16. As shown,base portion 14 includes apreload mechanism 120 in the form of a projectingmember 122 onbase portion 14 that exerts a biasing force F on the valve assembly to urgeportions 74 of the valve assembly toward, and even beyond, the closed position shown in FIG. 22.Member 122 may have any suitable shape adapted to provide the above-described preloading on the valve assembly. For example,member 122 may be a continuous or intermittent ridge, plurality of projections or the like. - Another example of a
suitable preload mechanism 120 is shown in FIG. 23 and illustrated with respect tovalve assembly 16. As shown, the valve assembly includes aperipheral flange 124 that is mounted tobase portion 14 in a deflected orientation. For purposes of illustration, the neutral, or unbiased, orientation offlange 124 is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 23. Because the flange cannot move relative to the portion to which it is mounted, the rest of the valve assembly is thereby biased toward a neutral position that is beyond its closed position. By “beyond its closed position,” it is meant that the flaps or other corresponding portions of the valve assembly remain biased even when in their closed positions. Therefore, the portions are adapted to continue moving in the biased direction if the corresponding structure that prevents this movement in the closed position is removed. By comparison, a generally planar disc of elastomeric material that is sliced to form one or more slits will be biased to return to its generally planar configuration (when urged or deflected away from this configuration), but the portions defined by the slits are not biased against each other, or beyond their closed position. - Another example of a drink spout system constructed according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 24 and generally indicated at200. Similar to the previously described embodiments,
system 200 includes a dispensingportion 12,base portion 14 andvalve assembly 16. In the illustrated embodiment,system 200 is shown including anair return system 40, aflow restrictor 60, and areturn valve assembly 70. However, and as discussed previously, it should be understood thatsystem 200 may be formed without some or all of the components, and thatsystem 200 may include any of the variations and features described, illustrated and/or disclosed herein. -
System 200 may be referred to as including avalve assembly 16 in the form of a “plug” valve assembly because the valve assembly includes a seal formed by the engagement of corresponding portions of the drink spout system that are biased into engagement with each other by a biasing mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, dispensingportion 12 is coupled to aplug member 206 around which theinlet 64 offluid conduit 66 is defined. In the closed position shown in FIG. 24, it can be seen thatplug member 206 engages aseal region 208 onbase portion 14 to provide a seal through which drink fluid cannot be dispensed when the dispensing system is in its closed position. When the dispensing portion is urged toward base portion 14 (or the valve assembly), such as by a user pressing on the dispensing portion with the user's mouth, the user-applied forces are transmitted to the plug member to urge the plug member away from contact withseal region 208, thereby defining acylindrical inlet 64 through which drink fluid may flow to enterfluid conduit 66. Expressed another way, in its dispensing position, the plug member is spaced-apart fromseal region 208 and thereby defines aninlet 64 that extends radially around the cross-sectional area bounded by the seal region and has a height generally defined between the seal region and plug member. - The plug valve assembly shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 may also be described as being free from slits, in that the valve assembly does not require a seal formed between opposing portions of an elastomeric membrane that has been cut or slit to provide openings when the membrane is stretched. The plug valve assembly may also be described as preventing spills even if the drink container is squeezed or collapsed, in that forces that would otherwise urge drink fluid to be dispensed from a valve assembly, such as the subsequently discussed suction valve assembly, actually cause the plug valve assembly to form a tighter seal. More specifically if a user sucks on dispensing
portion 12, or ifdrink container 18 is squeezed or partially collapsed, these forces will urge plugmember 206 towardseal region 208, which in turn provides a tighter seal.Plug member 206 may also be described as a plunger that is moved into and out of a sealing position responsive to user-applied forces that are adapted to urge the plunger away from its closed (or sealed) position and a biasing mechanism that is adapted to return the plunger to its closed position. - Dispensing
portion 12 may be described as including a contactor, or contacting portion, 204 that extends from the dispensing portion and which urges the plug member away from the seal region responsive to user-applied forces to the dispensing portion. In FIG. 24,contactor 204 may be described as including a plurality of spaced-apart vanes, but other structures may be used that meet the criteria set forth above.Contactor 204 may be mounted on both the plug member and the dispensing portion, or even integrally formed therewith. Alternatively, the contactor may be mounted on, or extend from, only one of the dispensing portion and the plug member, with the contactor engaging the other of the plug member and the dispensing portion as the dispensing portion is urged toward the valve assembly, namely toward the drink container on which the drink spout system is mounted. - In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 24, dispensing
portion 12 is configured to slide or otherwise move generally toward and away fromplug member 206, andbody 11 includes aguide portion 78 that guides the movement of the dispensing portion between its dispensing and closed positions. As the dispensing portion is moved generally towarddrink container 18, such as towardplug member 206, the dispensing portion urges the plug member away from its closed position. In FIGS. 24 and 25, it can be seen thatguide portion 78 includes anupper portion 230 that engages theinner surface 232 of dispensingportion 12. Whenportion - Preferably, drink
spout system 200 is configured so that drink fluid cannot pass between dispensingportion 12 andguide portion 78, and thereby be dispensing from the drink spout system through an opening other thanoutlet 26. Similarly, it is preferable that air from external the drink container cannot pass between the dispensing and guide portions and thereby enter the drink container other than throughair return system 40. Accordingly, drink spout systems with movable dispensing portions according to the present invention preferably, but do not necessarily, include a seal between the dispensing and guide portions. For example,upper portion 230 andinner surface 232 may engage each other to form such a seal when the drink spout system is in its dispensing position. Alternatively or additionally, the surfaces of the guide and dispensing portions that extend generally parallel to the direction of fluid flow may form such a seal. As a further example, the drink spout system may include a seal member that extends betweenportions portions - It is further within the scope of the invention, that
drink spout system 200 may be configured with a plug valve assembly that is actuated by a mechanism other than moving the dispensing portion generally toward the plug member. For example, the drink spout system may include a manually-depressible element, such as a lever arm or button, that a user presses to urge the plug member to its dispensing position. The element may be pressed by a user's hand that is holding the drink container on which the drink spout system is mounted, and the plug member may return this element to its closed-position orientation when the user releases the element. - In the illustrated embodiment, the plug valve assembly includes a
seal member 210 that interconnects and forms a seal between the seal region and plug member when the valve assembly is in its closed position. Examples ofsuitable seal members 210 include gaskets, washers, fittings and similar structures that are formed of a deformable material and are adapted to provide a fluid-tight seal betweenseal region 208 and plugmember 206.Seal member 210 enables the valve assembly to prevent drink fluid from passing therethrough without requiring a precise fit betweenmember 206 andregion 208 by deforming to conform to the contours ofmembers 206 andregion 208. Becauseseal member 210 is deformable, it provides a fluid-tight seal even if there otherwise may be small gaps betweenmember 206 andregion 208. - In the illustrated embodiment,
seal member 210 is located onplug member 206. However, it is within the scope of the invention thatseal member 210 may be mounted onseal region 208 instead ofplug member 206, or bothregion 208 andmember 206 may include aseal member 210. It is also within the scope of the present invention that the valve assembly may be formed withoutseal member 210, and thatmember 206 andregion 208 may be shaped to provide a sufficient seal withoutseal member 210 being present. In such an embodiment,member 206 andregion 208 may have a planar surface of contact. In a variation of this embodiment, one or both of the regions are shaped to provide a non-planar contact region, or contact surface, and thereby provide additional leak prevention to the valve assembly. For example, as perhaps best seen in FIG. 25,seal region 208 includes a projecting member, or ring, 211 that in the illustrated embodiment engagesseal member 210. In an embodiment ofdrink spout system 200 withoutmember 210,plug member 206 may include a corresponding recess or notch 213, which is adapted to receive at least a portion of the ring to provide an improved seal therewith and which is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 25 for purposes of illustration. Similarly, the position ofring 211 and notch 213 may be reversed, or any other suitable configuration for the mating surfaces ofseal region 208 and plugmember 206 may be used. -
Member 206 is biased to the closed position shown in FIG. 24 by abiasing mechanism 212, which as shown urges the plug member towardoutlet 26 and into engagement withregion 208. Any suitable biasing mechanism may be used that urges the plug member into a sealing engagement withregion 208, yet is sufficiently deflectable to permit the drink spout system to be configured to its dispensing position, which is shown in FIG. 25. As shown,biasing mechanism 212 includes aportion 215 that interconnects the plug member with the body of the drink spout system for movement of the plug member between its closed and dispensing positions.Portion 215 may be formed from any suitable material that enables the portion to repeatedly deflect to enable the plug member to move away from its closed position, and then return the plug member to its closed position when user-applied forces to the dispensing portion are removed.Portion 215 may be at least partially, substantially or completely, formed from an elastomeric material. However, it is within the scope of the invention thatportion 215 may be formed from or include other materials. For example,portion 215 may be formed from a material that is non-elastomeric, but which is sufficiently deflectable to provide the above-described function ofportion 215. Deflectable, non-elastomeric materials should have sufficient memory to repeatedly return the plug member to, or even urge the plug member beyond, its closed position. Illustrative examples of suitable non-elastomeric, deflectable materials include polypropylene and polyethylene. As shown,portion 215 takes the form of a ring or collar, but other shapes and configurations may be used so long as the resilient portion includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of, supports, ribs or other portions that interconnect the plug member andbody 11 and bias the plug member into engagement withseal region 208. In the particular embodiment shown,portion 215 is formed withreturn valve assembly 70, but these portions may be separately formed.Biasing mechanism 212 may be molded via two-shot molding withplug member 206. However, it is also within the scope of the invention that these portions may be separately formed. - In the illustrated embodiment,
portion 215 includesapertures 214 through which drink fluid may flow to reachvalve assembly 16, such as shown on the right side of FIGS. 24 and 25. Accordingly,biasing mechanism 212 may alternatively be described as including a plurality of spaced-apart members, or supports, 217 between which drink fluid may flow and which interconnect the plug member with a portion ofdrink spout system 200 that does not move relative to the other portions when the drink spout system is used, such as flow restrictor 60 or other structure onbase portion 14.Supports 217 may be formed from any of the above-discussed materials.Biasing mechanism 212 may be preloaded, similar tovalve assemblies Preloading biasing mechanism 212 configures the biasing mechanism to be urged beyond the position in which it engagesseal region 208, thereby forming a tighter seal. - In FIGS.26-31, another embodiment of a drink spout system with a
plug valve assembly 16 is shown and generally indicated at 200′. Unless otherwise indicated,system 200′ may have the same components, subcomponents and variations as the other drink spout systems described herein. For example, as shown in FIGS. 26-28,system 200′ includes a dispensingportion 12 with amouthpiece 28 having anoutlet 26, abase portion 14 on which the dispensing portion is mounted for slidable movement generally toward and away from the base portion, and a plug-type valve assembly 16 that is similar to the valve assembly described with respect tosystem 200. - In FIGS.28-29, it can be seen that the illustrated embodiment of
system 200′ includes anair return system 40 with areturn valve assembly 70 and aflow restrictor 60. As shown, returnvalve assembly 70 includes acollar 220 having radially spaced-apart recesses 222 andprojections 224.Recesses 222 define flow paths through which air returned viaair return system 40 may flow, andprojections 224 provide mounts by which the flow restrictor may be secured tobase portion 14, such as perhaps best seen in FIGS. 30 and 31. Similar to the previously described drink spout systems, it should be understood thatsystem 200′ may be formed without some or all of these elements, as well as with any of the variations to these elements described herein. For purposes of brevity, a discussion of these elements and their possible variations and alternate embodiments will not be repeated with respect tosystem 200′. - In operation, when user-applied forces are applied to dispensing
portion 12, the dispensing portion slides towardbase portion 14 along a track defined byguide portion 78. As the dispensing portion moves along this track,plug member 206 is urged away from sealingportion 208, thereby configuringplug valve assembly 16 to its dispensing position and defining aninlet 64 through which drink fluid may flow to be dispensed throughoutlet 26. When the user-applied forces are removed,biasing mechanism 212, such asportion 215, urges the plug member back into contact withseal region 208, thereby returning the plug valve assembly to its closed position, and in some embodiments urging the plug valve assembly beyond its closed position. - For purposes of illustration, FIG. 30 provides illustrative examples of
plug valve assemblies 16 that are formed withoutseal member 210. For example, on the right side of FIG. 31,plug member 206 and sealingportion 208 have non-planar configurations. In the particular embodiment illustrated, sealingportion 208 includes a projectingmember 211 and plugmember 206 includes arecess 213 sized to receive at least a portion of member. On the left side of FIG. 30,plug member 206 and sealingportion 208 have generally planar configurations that abut each other to form a seal therebetween when the plug valve assembly is in its closed position. FIG. 31 provides an illustrative example of aplug valve assembly 16 in which the seal member is formed onseal region 208 instead ofplug member 206. - Also shown in FIG. 30 is an alternative configuration for
upper portion 230 ofguide portion 78 and the correspondinginner surface 232 of dispensingportion 12. As shown,portion 230 andsurface 232 extend at an angle to the direction of fluid flow throughconduit 66. When the valve assembly is in its dispensing orientation,portion 230 engagessurface 232 to provide a seal that prevents drink fluid and/or air from passing therethrough. Whenportions portion 78, such as due to machining tolerances, orientingportion 230 andsurface 232 at an upwardly or downwardly inclined angle provides for self-centering of the dispensing portion relative to the guide portion asportion 230 andsurface 232 engage each other. It is within the scope of the invention thatportion 230 and/orsurface 232 may have other sealing configurations, such as those discussed with respect to plugmember 206 andsurface 208. It should be understood that it is also within the scope of the invention thatportion 230 andsurface 232 may be formed or sized so that they do not engage each other In FIGS. 32 and 33, another drink spout system constructed according to the present invention is shown and generally indicated at 300. Similar to the previously described embodiments,system 300 includes a dispensingportion 12,base portion 14 andvalve assembly 16. In the illustrated embodiment,system 300 is shown including anair return system 40, aflow restrictor 60, and areturn valve assembly 70. However, as discussed previously, it is within the scope of the invention thatsystem 300 may be formed without some or all of the components, and thatsystem 300 may include any of the variations and features described, illustrated and/or disclosed herein. -
System 300 may be referred to as including avalve assembly 16 in the form of a “suction” valve assembly. By this it is meant that the valve assembly is actuated by a user-applied force that is adapted to draw drink fluid through the dispensing portion, as opposed to the user urging the dispensing portion toward the drink container with the user's mouth, such as disclosed in the previously described drink spout systems withplug valve assemblies collapsible container 18, such as a plastic drink bottle or collapsible drink box or drink pouch, the valve assembly shown in FIG. 32 may also be actuated by compressing, or collapsing, the container to urge drink fluid into engagement with the valve assembly with sufficient force to deflect the valve assembly to its dispensing position. Such a construction also enables drink fluid to be intentionally squirted from the drink spout system, such as to dispense drink fluid from a drink container without requiring a user's lips and mouth to touch the dispensing portion. - In dashed lines in FIG. 32, portions of a
drink container 18 are shown extending above and below aflange 302 onbase portion 14 to schematically illustrate thatdrink spout system 300 may be mounted on, under or laminated between portions of thedrink container 18 with which the drink spout system is used. These configurations also illustrate examples of howbase portion 14 may be adapted for use on drink containers that do not have a rigid neck. Accordingly, the drink spout systems disclosed herein that are shown withbase portions 14 adapted to be received on a (threaded or unthreaded) neck may alternatively have a base portion similar to that shown in FIG. 32 or the other embodiments ofbase portion 14 illustrated herein that are not shaped to be received on a projecting neck, and vice versa. For example, in the subsequently discussed drink spout system shown in FIG. 34,base portion 14 is adapted to be received on a neck portion of a drink container. However, the ends offlange 302 have been indicated in dashed lines to demonstrate an alternate configuration forbase portion 14, such as for use on a drink container that does not include a projecting neck. - An additional feature of a drink spout system with a
valve assembly 16 in the form of a suction valve assembly is that the dispensing and base portions of the drink spout system do not need to move relative to each other. As such, the portions may be integrally formed, comolded (i.e. such as being formed by two-shot molding) or otherwise joined together to move as a unit. In some such embodiments, the drink spout system may be described as including aunitary body 11. Integrally forming these portions together should decrease the manufacturing and assembly costs of the drink spout system, although it is within the scope of the present invention that one or more of dispensingportion 12 andbase portion 14 may have moveable or removable components, or that the portions may be releasably mounted to each other. - Similar to the previously discussed plug valve assembly,
suction valve assembly 16 may (but is not necessarily) be formed without slits or otherwise free from slits, in that the valve assembly may include elastomeric member or membrane that does not have slits that enable drink fluid to flow through the member or membrane when the regions adjacent the slits are urged away from each other. In such an embodiment, the valve assembly is adapted to form a seal against another portion of the drink spout system, which typically is formed of a rigid, or non-elastomeric material. However, unlike the plug valve assembly,suction valve assembly 16 may be urged to its dispensing position without requiring pushing, tilting or other manipulation of the dispensing portion of the drink valve system. - As shown in FIG. 32,
valve assembly 16 includes aninternal perimeter portion 304 that extends and seals against theouter wall structure 306 of acore 308. It should be understood thatcore 308 and dispensingportion 12 may have a variety of configurations measured transverse to the direction of fluid flow, including configurations such as circles, ellipses, ovals and the like. As used herein, the term “wall structure” is used to refer to the sidewall, sidewalls or similar portions of various elements of the drink spout systems that extend generally parallel to the direction of fluid flow through the drink spout system. For example,wall structure 306 ofcore 308 may form a continuous expanse that does not include corners, or alternatively, may have a configuration that includes sidewalls separated by corners. For purposes of illustration,core 308 and dispensingportion 12 are shown having cylindrical configurations. -
Core 308 is supported withinfluid conduit 66 by one or more spaced-apart supports 310. Examples of suitable supports include ribs, vanes or the like that support the core relative to the dispensing portion while permitting drink fluid to flowpast core 308 and be dispensed throughoutlet 26. Illustrative examples of suitable shapes forsupports 310 are shown in FIGS. 32 and 33. However, supports 310 may have any suitable structure that supportscore 308 for engagement byvalve 16 while still permitting drink fluid to flow around the core when the valve is in its dispensing position. For example, in FIGS. 32 and 33, supports 310 are shown interconnecting the core with dispensingportion 12. It is within the scope of the invention, however, that supports 310 may interconnect and support the core with respect to other portions ofbody 11, such asbase portion 14. An example of such a construction is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 33. It is within the scope of the invention thatcore 308 may be supported by one or moreupper supports 311, which extend generally between the valve assembly andoutlet 26, and/or one or morelower supports 313, which extend generally between the valve assembly and the drink container. - It is within the scope of the present invention that
inner perimeter portion 304 may extend againstouter wall structure 306 with only the interior edge of the perimeter portion engaging the outer wall structure ofcore 308. Alternatively,portion 304 may at least partially extend generally parallel toouter wall structure 306 in the region of contact to form a greater, or stronger, seal with the outer wall structure, such as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 32. In such an embodiment, the perimeter portion may be described as establishing a region of contact with the outer wall structure in which the interior edge of perimeter portion extends generally perpendicular to the outer wall structure, instead of extending generally parallel to the outer wall structure. A benefit of a surface of contact is that a stronger seal may be provided, compared to a valve assembly of similar construction but sized to form only a line of contact withouter wall structure 306. However, there is also a tradeoff between leak prevention and ease of use, in that the stronger the seal established byvalve assembly 16, the greater force that must be applied to configure the valve assembly from its closed position to its dispensing position. - In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 32, the suction valve assembly and return
valve assembly 70 are integrally formed from an elastomeric material, such as thermoplastic elastomer or silicone. Each or both of these valve assemblies may be preloaded, as discussed herein, and it is within the scope of the invention that the valve assemblies may be separately formed. When the user sucks on the dispensing portion, which for purposes of illustration takes the form of astraw structure 30,perimeter portion 304 is urged at least partially away fromcore 308 and generally toward the interior walls, or wall structure, 312 of dispensingportion 12, such as shown in FIG. 33. Asportion 304 is removed from contact fromcore 308,inlets 64 are formed through which drink fluid may flow past the core and be dispensed throughoutlet 26. In FIG. 32,perimeter portion 304 may be described as a sealing perimeter portion, in that the perimeter portion selectively seals against and is drawn at least partially away from against another portion of the drink spout system as the drink spout system is configured between its closed and dispensing positions. - Other examples of drink spout systems with a
suction valve assembly 16 are shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 and generally indicated at 300′. Similar to the previously described embodiments,system 300′ includes a dispensingportion 12,base portion 14 andvalve assembly 16. In the illustrated embodiment,system 300′ is shown including anair return system 40, aflow restrictor 60, and areturn valve assembly 70. However, as discussed previously, it is within the scope of the invention thatsystem 300′ may be formed without some or all of the components, and thatsystem 300′ may include any of the variations and features described, illustrated and/or disclosed herein. For example, as discussed herein, drink spout systems that include both avalve assembly 16 and areturn valve assembly 70 may have these valve assemblies separately formed or integrally formed. FIGS. 34 and 35 provide illustrative examples of drink spout systems in whichvalve assemblies - In FIGS. 34 and 35, a further example of
suitable core 308 andsupport 310 configurations is shown to illustrate that the core and supports may have a variety of suitable configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, upper andlower supports apertures 316 through which drink fluid may flow. For example, in FIG. 34core 308 includes acentral portion 314 that forms a portion ofoutlet 26 along withupper supports 311 andapertures 316. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 34 and 35,wall structure 306 ofcore 308 extends between the central, or internal perimeter, portion ofvalve assembly 16 andcentral portion 314 of the core. Similar to the previously described structure shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, at least one of the sets ofsupports 310 may optionally be omitted from the drink spout systems shown in FIGS. 34 and 35. -
Central portion 314 and/or supports 311 reduce the space betweensuction valve assembly 16 andoutlet 26 in which drink fluid may flow and not be dispensed through the outlet. In operation, it is possible that residual drink fluid may be retained in this space and thereafter unintentionally dispensed from the drink spout system. By reducing the size of the available space, the theoretical volume of drink fluid that may be contained therein is reduced. Similarly, the supports andcentral portion 314 provide surfaces that retain residual drink fluid via surface tension. - In FIG. 34, the valve assembly is illustrated as including a generally conically shaped
member 321 that has an outer (or sealing)perimeter portion 322 that is larger than the corresponding inner diameter of dispensing portion 12 (or outer diameter of the fluid conduit), as defined byinterior wall structure 312 of dispensingportion 12. The valve assembly may also be described as being generally concave relative to the outlet of the drink spout system and/or that the valve assembly has anouter perimeter portion 322 that extends closer to the outlet than the central portion of the valve assembly. Becauseperimeter portion 322 extends generally towardoutlet 26, it already extends at least partially in the direction the valve assembly will need to deform when the valve assembly is in its dispensing position, as opposed to a flat diaphragm valve, which extends completely transverse to the direction of fluid flow. - In FIG. 34, the valve assembly includes an
inner perimeter portion 304, which extends aroundouter wall structure 306 ofcore 308. As such, the valve assembly may be described as having a central aperture and as forming an annular ring or skirt of elastomeric material. However, this central aperture is not required, such as shown in FIG. 35 in which the valve assembly extends undercore 308 and does not include a central aperture. Similar to the inner perimeter portion discussed above with respect to FIG. 32, the outer perimeter portion of the valve assembly shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 may engageinterior wall structure 312, either with only its outer edge, or it may extend at least partially against and generally parallel towall structure 312 to provide a region of overlapping contact. - The extent to which
outer perimeter portion 322 is drawn away frominterior wall structure 312 will vary in part upon the amount of user-applied force imparted to the valve assembly. For example, generally the harder a user sucks on the dispensing portion, themore portion 322 will be drawn away frominterior wall structure 312, and therefore the larger theinlet 64 through which drink fluid may flow intofluid conduit 66. Therefore, having a very flimsy valve will enable a relatively large flow rate of fluid with a correspondingly low amount of suction or other force that must be applied. However, there is a tradeoff between ease of use and spill resistance, because it is the strength with which the valve assembly is urged toward or beyond its closed position that to a large extent defines the strength of the seal formed by the valve assembly. Therefore, having a very strong seal, such as by having a comparatively thick valve assembly, or a valve assembly formed from a stiffer material, will form a tighter seal, but require a user to exert more force to dispense drink fluid through the drink spout system. - The amount of force required to draw the valve assembly away from its closed position typically may be reduced by such factors as using a thinner valve assembly or a valve assembly in which portions of the valve assembly have been thinned, a valve assembly formed from a less stiff material, changing the angular orientation of the valve assembly relative to
outlet 26, sizing the valve assembly so that it has a smaller surface of contact with the wall structure with which it forms a seal, and reducing the amount of preload on the valve assembly. Correspondingly, the amount of force required to draw the valve assembly away from its closed position typically may be increased by such factors as thickening the valve assembly, or at least portions thereof, forming the valve assembly from stiffer material, and changing the orientation of the valve assembly relative to direction of fluid flow (as discussed in more detail herein). - As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, the outer perimeter portion of the valve assembly extends at an angle with respect to the surface against which it extends, such as
interior wall structure 312. More particularly,portion 322 is shown extending at an angle of approximately 45°. It should be understood that other angles may be used, such as angles in the range of 0° (such as with a diaphragm valve) and 75°. For many valve constructions angles in the range of 15-75° may provide a desirable combination of ease of use and spill prevention, with angles in the range of 30-60° or angles of 45° or approximately 45° being preferred. - In FIG. 34, the valve assembly generally tapers as it extends outwardly, with the outer perimeter portion being thinner than the central portion of the valve assembly. It is within the scope of the invention, however, that the valve assembly may have a constant thickness or that the outer perimeter portion may be thicker or thinner than the central portion. For example, the outer perimeter portion may have a rib or reinforcing ring of greater thickness than the rest of the valve assembly to provide a stronger seal without thickening the entire valve assembly. An example of such a rib or region of increased thickness is shown in dashed lines at336 on the left side of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 37.
- If the suction valve assembly is not sufficiently resilient, it may be drawn into a position in which it may not return to the closed position when user-applied forces are removed. For example, if the deflected perimeter portion of the valve assembly folds or creases upon itself or rests against a portion of the drink spout system radially inward or outward from the sidewall against which it rests in the closed position, there is a possibility that the valve assembly may not return to the closed position. Therefore, it is preferable that suction valve assemblies according to the present invention are constructed so that they can extend to or beyond an over-centered position, but not to a bistable position. As used herein, an over-centered position is meant to refer to a position in which a region of the sealing perimeter portion of the valve assembly transitions from a generally concave configuration to a convex configuration, when viewed from the outlet of the drink spout system, such as shown in FIG. 36. As used herein, bistable is meant to refer to when the valve assembly reaches a stable position other than its closed position, or a position in which the valve assembly will remain, even after the user-applied forces that urged the valve assembly from its closed position are removed. Should such a positioning of the valve assembly be reached, it follows that the valve assembly would not return to the closed position, and therefore would not seal upon removal of the user-applied forces.
- For purposes of illustration, consider the suction valve assembly shown in FIG. 34. When a user sucks on dispensing
portion 12 or collapses the drink container on which the drink spout system is mounted,perimeter portion 322 ofsuction valve assembly 16 is urged at least partially away frominterior wall structure 312, such as shown in FIGS. 36 and on the right side of FIG. 37. When this occurs,inlet 64 is formed between the valve assembly andinterior wall structure 312, and drink fluid may be dispensed through the drink spout system. In FIG. 37,perimeter portion 322 is shown in an over-centered position and the perimeter portion extends generally parallel to the direction of fluid flow. - To prevent the perimeter portion from being drawn too far away from
interior wall structure 312, such as to a bistable position, and/or to prevent the perimeter portion from extending to a position where it may be more likely to fold upon itself, the drink spout system may be configured to limit the extent to which the perimeter portion of the valve assembly may deflect away from its closed position and/or to shape the valve assembly as it extends away from its closed position. For example, the drink spout system may include aguide 340 that accomplishes either or both of these objectives by providing a surface against which the valve assembly may at least partially or completely extend and which defines the maximum deflection of the valve assembly. An example of such aguide 340 is schematically illustrated in dashed lines on the right side of the drink spout system shown in FIG. 37.Guide 340 may extend or be mounted on any suitable portion of the drink spout system, such ascore 308, dispensingportion 12,upper supports 311, etc. As shown, guide 340 is shaped to provide spaced-apart regions of contact withvalve assembly 16, but it is also within the scope of the present invention that the guide may form a smooth or continuous surface of contact along the valve assembly. - In FIG. 36,
suction valve assembly 16 is shown being drawn away frominterior wall structure 312 in four locations to form fourinlets 64. The number and size ofinlets 64 may be defined in part by upper and/orlower supports apertures 316 that are either formed within or extend between the upper or the lower supports, the size and spacing of the supports may be used to at least partially define the number and size ofinlets 64. For example,lower supports 313 may be used to define the primary regions of the underside of sealingperimeter portion 304 that drink fluid strikes when user-imparted forces urge the drink fluid into contact with the valve assembly, such as when the drink container is at least partially collapsed. Drink fluid that is drawn fromcontainer 18 toward the valve assembly is drawn throughapertures 316 extending betweensupports 313, and thereby is at least partially segregated into discrete flows. In these positions where the flow of drink fluid is concentrated, the sealing perimeter portion of the valve assembly is more likely to be drawn away frominterior wall structure 312 to form aninlet 64 through which the drink fluid may flow. As another example,upper supports 311 define the flow paths for drink fluid between inlet(s) 64 andoutlet 26. Because the drink fluid will follow the path of least resistance between the inlet(s) and outlet, the flow path of the fluid will at least partially define the region wherein the sealing perimeter portion is drawn away forminterior wall structure 312. Both of these examples may be described as providing an indirect control of the size and number of the inlets because the sealing perimeter portion of the valve assembly does not directly engage the supports. - By varying the number and size of the supports, the size and number of inlets may be at least partially defined. In FIG. 36, four supports are schematically illustrated and generally indicated at310, but size and the number of supports may vary. Typically, at least two or three upper or lower supports will be used, but more than four may also be used. A benefit of having defined flow paths is that it reduces the likelihood of the valve assembly folding upon itself, especially if the drink spout system does not include a
core 308 internal the valve assembly. It is within the scope of the invention that suctionvalve assembly 16 may be used in drink spout systems that do not include flow-directing supports. Similarly, suction valve assemblies in which the inner perimeter portion deflects away fromouter wall structure 306 ofcore 308 may also include either or both of the above-described supports or vanes. - Additionally, or alternatively, the supports may directly control the size and number of inlets formed by the sealing perimeter portion of the valve assembly. For example, if
lower supports 313 are bonded or otherwise secured tovalve assembly 16, this bond may limit the regions of the sealing perimeter portion that are drawn, or at least initially drawn, away frominternal wall structure 312. Similarly,upper supports 311 may be positioned to that the sealing perimeter portion of the valve assembly engages the supports as the portion is drawn away fromstructure 312. For example, supports 311 may include guides 340. - It should be understood that the above-described flow-regulating function of
supports core 308. In such an embodiment, supports 311 and 313 may be referred to as vanes or vane assemblies. Similarly, these supports or vanes may be referred to as flow-regulating structures or devices or flow-directing structures or devices, in that they are configured to at least partially, substantially or completely define the path of the drink fluid through the drink spout system and/or the configuration of the valve assembly as it is urged away from its closed position. - It should be understood that the above discussion of the design of
valve assembly 16 andouter perimeter portion 322, supports or vanes, and guides 340 may also be applied to suction valve assemblies, such as those shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, having a deflectableinner perimeter portion 304 that forms a seal againstouter wall structure 306 ofcore 308. Similarly, it is within the scope of the invention that the flow-regulating structures, such as the supports and/or vanes described above, may be used with other drink spout systems, such as those described, illustrated and/or incorporated herein. - A distinction between the suction valve assemblies shown in FIGS. 32 and 33 with the valve assemblies shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 is whether the sealing perimeter portions of valve assemblies are compressed or expanded when the valve assembly is in its dispensing position. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the suction valve assembly includes a ring of elastomeric material that has an
inner perimeter portion 304 that selectively seals against the rigid construction ofcore 308. When the suction valve assembly is in its closed position, such as shown in FIG. 32, the inner perimeter portion of the ring is at its smallest available diameter and is sealed againstouter wall structure 306 ofcore 308. As a user sucks on the dispensing portion, the valve assembly is drawn away from the outer wall structure, such as shown in FIG. 33. This results in the inner perimeter portion being at least partially stretched or expanded. - In comparison, the suction valve assembly shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 have
outer perimeter portions 322 that selectively engage and seal againstinterior wall structure 312 of dispensingportion 12 when the valve assembly is in its closed position. When the valve assembly is urged to its dispensing position,portions 322 are at least partially drawn away fromwall structure 312, thereby compressing at least a portion of the sealing perimeter portion of the valve assembly. Although both of these embodiments are within the scope of the present invention, at least partially compressing the sealing perimeter portion of the valve assembly requires comparatively less force to maintain or increase the size ofinlets 64 after the sealing perimeter portion is withdrawn from engagement with the corresponding wall structure. Expressed another way, the valve assembly shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 creates a larger inlet, or opening through which the drink fluid may pass through the valve assembly, compared to a similarly constructed valve assembly shown in FIGS. 32 and 33 when an equal force is applied to the valve assemblies. - A benefit of a suction valve assembly that has a generally concave, or U-shaped configuration relative to
outlet 26 is that the force required to maintain the valve assembly in its dispensing position or to increase the size of inlet(s) 64 (thereby increasing the potential flow rate) generally levels off or even decreases after the valve assembly is initially configured from its closed position to its dispensing position. Therefore, the valve requires more force to initially be configured to its dispensing position, but thereafter defines a range of dispensing positions in which less force is required to prevent the valve assembly from returning to its closed position. For many applications, such a valve assembly may provide a preferred mix of spill-resistance and ease of use. In comparison, diaphragm, or pancake, valve assemblies, in which the valve assembly extends transverse to the direction of fluid flow in its closed position, as well as valve assemblies similar to those shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, require at least a constant, if not an increasing amount of force to configure the valve assembly to its dispensing configuration and to maintain the valve assembly in its dispensing position or to increase the size of inlet(s) 64. - Although described above as having a disc-like or generally conical structure, it should be understood that
suction valve assembly 16 may include flaps or other deflectable members and may have a non-symmetrical shape. For example, dispensingportion 12 may have a configuration that includes internal corners or projections. An example of such a configuration is shown in FIGS. 38 and 39. As shown, dispensingportion 12 includescorners 350 andvalve assembly 16 includes radially spaced-apart flaps 352 having deflectableouter perimeter portions 322. - In FIGS.40-44, another drink spout system constructed according to the present invention is shown and generally indicated at 400. Similar to the previously described embodiments,
system 400 includes a dispensingportion 12,base portion 14 andvalve assembly 16 in the form of asuction valve assembly 16. In the illustrated embodiment,system 400 is shown including anair return system 40, aflow restrictor 60, and areturn valve assembly 70. However, as discussed previously, it should be understood thatsystem 400 may be formed without some or all of the components, and thatsystem 400 may include any of the variations and features described, illustrated and/or disclosed herein.System 400 provides another illustrative example of a drink spout system that includes avalve assembly 16 that is adapted to be actuated by a user sucking on the dispensing portion of the drink spout system or squeezing the drink container on which the system is mounted. - As shown in FIG. 40 and42, dispensing
portion 12 includes anoutlet 26 with acentral portion 414 and a plurality ofradial apertures 420 through which drink fluid may flow to be dispensed from the drink spout system. It should be understood that other outlet configurations may be used, such as having a single central aperture inportion 414. In such an embodiment, the central aperture may be radially inward fromsidewall 424, or alternatively may have the same or at least substantially the same diameter (or cross-sectional area, depending on the particular shape of dispensing portion 12) as the dispensing portion measured betweeninterior wall structure 424. Illustrative examples of these configurations are demarcated with dashed lines in FIG. 42, and it should be understood that the same or similar configurations may be used with other drink spout systems according to the present invention. - As shown in FIG. 42,
valve assembly 16 includes anouter perimeter portion 422 that selectively seals againstinterior wall structure 424 of dispensingportion 12 when the valve assembly is in its closed position. When a user sucks upon dispensingportion 12 or at least partially collapses the drink container on whichsystem 400 is mounted, theportion 422 is drawn away fromwall structure 424, thereby defining an inlet to afluid conduit 66 through which drink fluid may flow tooutlet 26. - As perhaps best seen in the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS.42-44,
valve assembly 16 is interconnected withreturn valve assembly 70 by a plurality ofsupports 430. As shown in FIG. 43,flow restrictor 60 includes anupper sleeve 432 that includes amount 434 on whichcentral portion 431 ofvalve assembly 16 is secured.Sleeve 432 also defineschannels 436 into which supports 430 are received to position and support the valve assemblies relative to the flow restrictor and the rest of the drink spout system. Although other manufacturing methods may be used, including separate formation and subsequent assembly of these portions, it is within the scope of the invention thatvalve assembly 16, supports 430, and returnvalve assembly 70 are all molded together. As such, these portions may be installed as a unit with the rest of the drink spout system. The drink spout system shown in FIGS. 42-44 also demonstrates another example of avane assembly 344, which as shown includes three vanes extending beneath the valve assembly. - In many of the drink spout systems shown, described and incorporated herein, the systems include valve assemblies that are formed from an elastomeric material and are biased to selectively engage and release from another portion of the drink spout system, which in many embodiments is formed from a different material, such as polypropylene or another relatively hard plastic. Although such a construction is not required, it provides an advantage in that thermoplastic elastomers tend to stick together or to themselves, which can impair the operation of the valve assembly. Although other suitable elastomeric materials may be used, such as silicone, thermoplastic elastomers are less expensive from materials and manufacturing standpoints compared to silicone and similar materials that do not stick to together or to themselves.
- The invented drink spout systems are applicable in the drink packaging and other liquid packaging industries, and are specifically applicable to drink containers such as drink bottles and aseptic drink pouches, boxes and bottles.
- It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where the claims recite “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.
- It is believed that the following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations that are directed to one of the disclosed inventions and are novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to the same invention, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure.
Claims (33)
1. A drink spout system, comprising:
a body, comprising:
a base portion adapted to couple the drink spout system to a drink container so that the drink spout system is positioned to receive drink fluid passing through an opening in the drink container, wherein the base portion includes a guide portion and an inlet, and
a dispensing portion with an outlet through which drink fluid passes as it is dispensed from the drink spout system, wherein the dispensing portion defines at least a portion of a fluid conduit through which drink fluid may flow from the inlet in the base portion, through the fluid conduit, and be dispensed through the outlet, wherein the dispensing portion is adapted for movement along an axis generally toward and away from the base portion, and further wherein the dispensing portion includes a region that extends around the fluid conduit and extends in sliding engagement with the guide portion as the dispensing portion is moved generally toward and away from the base portion;
a valve assembly adapted to regulate the flow of drink fluid through the fluid conduit to the outlet, wherein the valve assembly includes a plug member that is adapted to selectively obstruct the inlet to prevent drink fluid from flowing therethrough, wherein the valve assembly is selectively configurable between a closed position, in which the plug member obstructs the inlet to prevent drink fluid from passing through the fluid conduit to the outlet, and a dispensing position, in which the plug member is moved away from the inlet to permit drink fluid to flow through the fluid conduit to the outlet, wherein the valve assembly is adapted to be configured from the closed position to the dispensing position upon application of a user-applied force to the dispensing portion in a direction to urge the plug member away from the inlet and the outlet of the fluid conduit, wherein as the dispensing portion is urged along the axis generally toward the base portion, the guide portion guides the movement of the dispensing portion between the dispensing and the closed positions, and further wherein the dispensing portion includes a contactor that extends between the dispensing portion and the plug member so that movement of the dispensing portion along the axis generally toward the base portion causes the plug member to move along the axis generally away from the inlet as the dispensing portion slides along the guide portion; and
a biasing mechanism adapted to urge the valve assembly toward the closed position and the dispensing portion away from the base portion.
2. The drink spout system of claim 1 , wherein in the dispensing position, the plug member is completely free from engagement with the inlet.
3. The drink spout system of claim 1 , wherein the contactor interconnects the plug member and the dispensing portion such that the dispensing portion and the plug member move as a unit.
4. The drink spout system of claim 3 , wherein the contactor is integrally formed with at least one of the dispensing portion and the plug member.
5. The drink spout system of claim 3 , wherein the contactor includes at least one support that extends from the dispensing portion into the fluid conduit.
6. The drink spout system of claim 1 , wherein the biasing mechanism includes a plurality of members positioned generally radially outward relative to the fluid conduit and adapted to urge the plug member toward the closed position and the dispensing portion away from the base portion.
7. The drink spout system of claim 1 , wherein the biasing mechanism extends from the body.
8. The drink spout system of claim 1 , wherein the biasing mechanism is at least partially formed from an elastomeric material.
9. The drink spout system of claim 1 , wherein the biasing mechanism includes at least one deflectable support.
10. The drink spout system of claim 1 , wherein the biasing mechanism is formed from a non-elastomeric material.
11. The drink spout system of claim 1 , wherein the biasing mechanism is adapted to urge the valve assembly beyond its closed position.
12. The drink spout system of claim 1 , wherein the valve assembly includes a seal member that is formed from a resilient material and which is adapted to form a seal between the plug member and the inlet when the valve assembly is in its closed position.
13. The drink spout system of claim 12 , wherein the plug member and the inlet each include perimeter regions, and further wherein in the closed position, the perimeter regions of the plug member and the inlet at least substantially overlap.
14. The drink spout system of claim 1 , wherein the base portion further includes a cap portion that is adapted to be coupled to a neck of a drink container.
15. A drink spout system, comprising:
a body, comprising:
a base portion adapted to couple the drink spout system to a drink container so that the drink spout system is positioned to receive drink fluid passing through an opening in the drink container, wherein the base portion includes a cap region that is adapted to be removably coupled to a neck portion of a drink container, and further wherein the base portion includes a guide portion; and
a dispensing portion rotatably coupled to the base portion, wherein the dispensing portion includes an outlet through which drink fluid passes as it is dispensed from the drink spout system, wherein the dispensing portion defines at least a portion of a fluid conduit through which drink fluid may flow from an inlet in the base portion of the body, through the fluid conduit, and be dispensed through the outlet, and further wherein the dispensing portion includes a region that slides along the guide portion as the dispensing portion is urged toward the base portion;
a valve assembly adapted to selectively permit drink fluid to flow through the fluid conduit to the outlet, wherein the valve assembly is selectively configurable between a closed position, in which the valve assembly defines a barrier that prevents drink fluid from flowing through the fluid conduit, and a dispensing position, in which the valve assembly is permits drink fluid to flow through the fluid conduit, wherein the valve assembly is adapted to be configured from the closed position to the dispensing position upon application of a user-applied force to the dispensing portion in a direction to urge the valve assembly away from the inlet and the outlet of the fluid conduit; and
a locking mechanism adapted to selectively restrict the valve assembly from being configured between the dispensing and closed positions, wherein the locking mechanism is selectively configurable between an unlocked configuration, in which the valve assembly may be urged to the dispensing position, and a locked configuration, in which the valve assembly is prevented from being configured to its dispensing position until the locking mechanism is configured to the unlocked configuration.
16. The drink spout system of claim 15 , wherein the locking mechanism includes a first plurality of spaced-apart members extending from the dispensing portion and a second plurality of spaced-apart members extending from the base portion, and further wherein in the locked configuration, the first and the second pluralities of spaced-apart members engage each other to prevent the application of a user-applied force to the dispensing portion in a direction to urge the valve assembly away from the inlet and the outlet of the fluid conduit from being transmitted to the valve assembly to configure the valve assembly to the dispensing portion.
17. The drink spout system of claim 16 , wherein in the unlocked configuration, the first and the second pluralities of spaced-apart members are positioned relative to each other such that the application of a user-applied force to the dispensing portion in a direction to urge the valve assembly away from the inlet and the outlet of the fluid conduit is transmitted to the valve assembly and urges the valve assembly to the dispensing position.
18. The drink spout system of claim 15 , wherein the locking mechanism is selectively configurable between its locked and unlocked configurations by rotating the dispensing portion relative to the base portion.
19. The drink spout system of claim 15 , wherein the locking mechanism includes a retaining structure that is adapted to selectively retain the lock mechanism in a selected configuration, wherein the retaining structure includes at least one catch and at least one seat that are releasably coupled together to retain the locking mechanism in the selected configuration.
20. The drink spout system of claim 19 , wherein the at least one catch and the at least one seat are adapted to be released from engagement with each other by selective rotation of the dispensing portion relative to the base portion.
21. The drink spout system of claim 15 , wherein the valve assembly includes at least one slit through which drink fluid may flow when the valve assembly is in the dispensing position.
22. The drink spout system of claim 15 , wherein the dispensing portion includes a contacting portion that engages the valve assembly to urge the valve assembly to its dispensing position as the dispensing portion is moved toward the base portion.
23. The drink spout system of claim 22 , wherein the guide portion extends around the contacting portion of the dispensing portion.
24. The drink spout system of claim 15 , wherein the valve assembly is positioned to obstruct the inlet of the fluid conduit when the valve assembly is in the closed position.
25. The drink spout system of claim 24 , wherein the valve assembly includes a perimeter portion that seals against the inlet when the valve assembly is in the closed position.
26. The drink spout system of claim 15 , wherein the valve assembly includes a first portion, which is coupled to the body, and a perimeter portion that selectively seals against the body when the valve assembly is in the closed position.
27. The drink spout system of claim 15 , wherein the drink spout system further includes a biasing mechanism that is adapted to urge the valve assembly to the closed position and the dispensing portion away from the base portion.
28. The drink spout system of claim 27 , wherein the biasing mechanism includes a plurality of members positioned generally radially outward relative to the fluid conduit and adapted to urge the valve assembly toward its closed position and the dispensing portion away from the base portion.
29. The drink spout system of claim 27 , wherein the biasing mechanism extends from the body.
30. The drink spout system of claim 27 , wherein the biasing mechanism is at least partially formed from an elastomeric material.
31. The drink spout system of claim 27 , wherein the biasing mechanism includes at least one deflectable support.
32. The drink spout system of claim 27 , wherein the biasing mechanism is formed from a non-elastomeric material.
33. The drink spout system of claim 27 , wherein the biasing mechanism is adapted to urge the valve assembly beyond its closed position.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/177,388 US20020166864A1 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2002-06-19 | Drink spout system |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US27378101P | 2001-03-05 | 2001-03-05 | |
US09/895,059 US6629624B2 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2001-06-29 | Drink spout system |
US09/899,579 US6631823B2 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2001-07-05 | Drink spout system |
US10/177,388 US20020166864A1 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2002-06-19 | Drink spout system |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/895,059 Continuation US6629624B2 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2001-06-29 | Drink spout system |
US09/899,579 Continuation US6631823B2 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2001-07-05 | Drink spout system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20020166864A1 true US20020166864A1 (en) | 2002-11-14 |
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Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/899,579 Expired - Fee Related US6631823B2 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2001-07-05 | Drink spout system |
US10/177,388 Abandoned US20020166864A1 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2002-06-19 | Drink spout system |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/899,579 Expired - Fee Related US6631823B2 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2001-07-05 | Drink spout system |
Country Status (2)
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US (2) | US6631823B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2002070353A2 (en) |
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US20070053617A1 (en) * | 2005-09-07 | 2007-03-08 | Chep U.S.A. | Valve having a protective cage |
WO2007109863A1 (en) * | 2006-03-29 | 2007-10-04 | Cormack Packaging Pty Ltd | Closure with elliptical nozzle, overcap and tamper evident means |
US20100084397A1 (en) * | 2006-11-27 | 2010-04-08 | Tomohiko Kubo | Liquid agent container |
US9308150B2 (en) * | 2006-11-27 | 2016-04-12 | Nipro Corporation | Liquid agent container |
EP2130472A1 (en) * | 2008-06-05 | 2009-12-09 | Reckitt Benckiser Inc. | Improved liquid dispenser with anti-retraction feature |
US20090302073A1 (en) * | 2008-06-05 | 2009-12-10 | Reckitt Benckiser Inc. | Liquid Dispenser with Anti-Retraction Feature |
US20170321817A1 (en) * | 2016-05-03 | 2017-11-09 | Chongqing Baike Dingyu Technology Co., Ltd. | Breather valve |
US9976661B2 (en) * | 2016-05-03 | 2018-05-22 | Chongqing Baike Dingyu Technology Co., Ltd. | Breather valve |
US11780657B2 (en) | 2020-02-07 | 2023-10-10 | Bivo, LLC | Sport water bottle with high flow rate |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6631823B2 (en) | 2003-10-14 |
WO2002070353A3 (en) | 2003-07-24 |
WO2002070353A2 (en) | 2002-09-12 |
US20020121531A1 (en) | 2002-09-05 |
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