US20120305559A1

US20120305559A1 - Fluid dispensing vessel

Info

Publication number: US20120305559A1
Application number: US13/134,124
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeff Steininger
Original assignee: Zak Designs Inc
Current assignee: Zak Designs Inc
Priority date: 2011-05-31
Filing date: 2011-05-31
Publication date: 2012-12-06
Also published as: CN202636011U; WO2012166297A1

Abstract

A fluid dispensing vessel is described which includes a fluid storage container having a neck portion and which defines an internal cavity. A first portion of a cap releasably engages the neck portion; a second portion of the cap telescopingly receives at least a part of the first portion of the cap; a rotatable drinking spout is rotatably supported on the second portion of the cap; and a third portion of the cap is pivotally moveable relative to the second portion of the cap and is further releasably attached to the rotatable drinking spout. The third portion of the cap causes the rotatable drinking spout to move along a path of travel and then forcibly detaches from the rotatable drinking spout when the drinking spout reaches the terminal end of its travel.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to fluid dispensing vessels, and more specially to a novel arrangement for sealing and unsealing such vessels, and for storing and then presenting a drinking spout for use by a consumer in a manner not possible, heretofore.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Drinking containers of various types including travel mugs are well known in the art. Such drinking vessels have been designed for various purposes such as to be used on bicycles, while hiking, and doing various indoor and outdoor activities.
In this art field much effort has been undertaken to design various removable lids, closure devices or other mechanisms for opening and closing a drinking orifice or providing a drinking straw or other conduit in a convenient manner and also to prohibit the spilling of the drink contained within the drinking vessel should it be accidently overturned.
Assorted different commercially available products are available which provide various drinking vessels which have drinking spouts which may be pivoted between a closed, or sealed position, and an open position, which will allow a user to drink from the vessel.
While the aforementioned prior art devices have operated with varying degrees of success, there are perceived shortcomings with their individual designs which are detracted from their commercial usefulness. For example, in the prior art devices discussed, above, it has been well known to use pivotable drinking spouts on variously designed fluid dispensing vessels. However, such pivotable drinking spouts have often not been satisfactory from a user's standpoint because they either allowed the leakage of fluid from the drinking vessel, or further they have been continually exposed to the ambient environment so that they are easily contaminated by dust, debris, or other harmful contamination. In view of this, users have often had to take the extra step of wiping or otherwise cleansing the drinking spout before drinking fluid from the spout. It should be appreciated from this discussion, that this has made such earlier designs of fluid dispensing vessels somewhat unattractive when the user is engaged in sports activities such as riding a bicycle or engaging in some other athletic event where only one hand is conveniently available to grasp, and then open the fluid dispensing vessel.
Therefore, a fluid dispensing vessel which avoids the detriments individually associated with the prior art and provides a convenient means by which a user may easily open, and then close a fluid dispensing vessel, and which further protects the pivotal drinking spout from ambient environmental contamination is the subject matter of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fluid dispensing vessel which includes a fluid storage container having an internal cavity for storing a source of fluid to be dispensed, and which further has a neck portion defining an aperture which allows access to the internal cavity thereof; a first portion of a cap which releasably engages the neck portion of the fluid storage container, and which further selectively occludes the aperture defined by the neck portion; a second portion of the cap which telescopingly receives, at least in part, the first portion of the cap; a rotatable drinking spout rotatably supported in a given orientation relative to the second portion of the cap, and which further facilitates the withdrawal of the source of fluid from the internal cavity of the fluid storage container; and a third portion of the cap which is pivotally movable relative to the second portion of the cap, and which is releasably attached to the rotatable drinking spout, and wherein the movement of the third portion of the cap causes the rotatable drinking spout to move along a given path of travel having a terminal end, and wherein the moveable third portion of the cap detaches from the rotatable drinking spout when the rotatable drinking spout reached the terminal end of the path of travel.
Still another aspect of the present invention relates to a fluid dispensing vessel which includes, a fluid storage container having a main body which defines an internal cavity for storing a source of fluid to be dispensed, and wherein the main body has a top peripheral edge which defines an aperture which allows access to the internal cavity of the main body; a first portion of a cap for selectively occluding the aperture which is defined by the fluid storage container, and wherein the first portion of the cap is releasably affixed to the main body of the fluid storage container, and located in covering relation over the aperture, and wherein a second aperture is formed in the first portion of the cap, and is disposed in fluid communication with the internal cavity of the fluid storage container; a second portion of the cap having a main body which defines an internal cavity which is dimensioned to telescopingly receive, at least in part, the first portion of the cap; a rotatable drinking spout which is pivotally mounted on the second portion of the cap, and which further defines a passageway which allows for the passing of fluid therethrough, and wherein the passageway has a first intake end, and a second exhaust end, and wherein the rotatable drinking spout is moveable along an arcuately shape path of travel from a first position, wherein the rotatable drinking spout is oriented in an occluding, sealing orientation, relative to the aperture defined by the first portion of the cap, and thereby prevents the removal of the source of fluid from the fluid storage container, and a second position, and wherein, in the second position, the first intake end of the passageway is substantially coaxially aligned relative to the second passageway which is defined by the first portion of the cap so as to facilitate the passing of the source of fluid from the fluid storage container to the second exhaust end of the passageway; and a moveable third portion of the cap which is pivotally attached to the second portion of the cap, and which travels along an arcuately shaped path of travel from a closed position, wherein the third portion of the cap matingly, releasably engages the second portion of the cap, and also encloses the rotatable drinking spout within the second portion of the cap, and further orients the rotatable drinking spout in the first position so as to prevent the source of fluid from being dispensed from the fluid storage container, to an open position, which causes the drinking spout to be moved to the second position, so as to facilitate the dispensing of the source of fluid from the fluid storage container, and wherein, in the open position, the moveable third portion releasably detaches from the rotatable drinking spout.
These and other aspects of the present invention will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective side elevation view of a fluid storage container incorporating the features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the fluid storage container of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a transverse, longitudinal, vertical, sectional view taken from a position of along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a transverse, longitudinal, vertical, sectional view of a fluid dispensing vessel of the present invention and which is taken from a position along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a first, greatly enlarged, fragmentary, longitudinal, vertical, sectional view of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a second, greatly enlarged, fragmentary. longitudinal, vertical, sectional view of the present invention shown in movement along a given path of travel.

FIG. 7 is a third, greatly enlarged, fragmentary, longitudinal, vertical, sectional view of the present invention shown in movement along a path of travel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. patent laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts.” (Article I, Section 8).
The present invention is generally indicated by the number 10, and is best understood by a study of FIG. 1, and following. The fluid dispensing vessel 10 of the present invention has a main body comprising a fluid storage container 11 having a first or base end 12, and an opposite, or second end 13. The second end 13 includes a neck portion 14 which defines a first aperture 15 having given dimensions. The fluid storage container 11 is further defined by a continuous sidewall 20 which extends generally upwardly relative to the first or base end 12. The continuous sidewall 20 has an outside facing surface 21, and an opposite, inside facing surface 22, which defines an internal cavity 23. The internal cavity encloses a source of fluid to be dispensed 24. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the outside facing surface 21, in the region of the neck portion 14, has formed therein exterior-facing threads 25 which are operable to threadably mate with a portion of the cap which will be described in greater detail, hereinafter.
Received within the internal cavity 23 of the fluid storage container 11 is a fluid withdrawing conduit 30, which has a first end 31, and which is positioned closely adjacent to the first or base end 12, and an opposite, or second end 32. A fluid passageway 33 is defined between the first and second ends 31 and 32. The fluid withdrawing conduit 30 is operable to cooperate with a cap having multiple portions, as will be described, hereinafter, and which is threadably affixed to the second end 13 of the main body 11. As seen in the exploded perspective view as illustrated in FIG. 2 an annular, O-ring seal 53 substantially circumscribes the first aperture 15 which is defined by the neck portion 14 of the main body 11. The annular O-ring seal is operable to sealably secure a first portion of the cap 40 against the neck portion 14 of the main body 11.
As best seen in FIG. 4, the fluid dispensing vessel 10 includes a first portion of a cap 40 which has a main body that is generally indicated by the numeral 41. The main body 40, has a top or outwardly facing surface 42, and an opposite, bottom, or downwardly facing surface 43. Still further, the top surface has a peripheral edge generally indicated by the numeral 44. Depending downwardly from the peripheral edge 44 is a sidewall 45, which substantially circumscribes the peripheral edge 44. The depending sidewall 45 has an inside facing threaded surface which is generally indicated by the numeral 46. The inside facing threaded surface 46 is sized so as to threadably couple with the neck portion 14 described in the paragraphs, above. Therefore, it will be understood from these drawings that the first portion of the cap 40 selectively occludes the first aperture 15 which is defined by the fluid storage container 11. The first portion of the cap 40 is releasably affixed to the main body of the fluid storage container 11, and located in covering relation relative to the first aperture 15. Still further a second aperture 47 is formed in the first portion of the cap 40 and is disposed in fluid communication with the internal cavity 23 of the fluid storage container 11.
Still referring to the first portion of the cap 40, as described in the paragraph, above, the first portion of the cap 40 further has formed in the top surface 42 thereof an annular shaped cavity 50 which surrounds the aperture 47. Still further, depending downwardly from the bottom surface 43 is a nipple portion 51 defining a conduit or passageway 52 which extends to the aperture 47. The nipple portion 51 is operable to telescopingly receive the second or distal end 32 of the fluid withdrawing conduit 30 in the manner of a friction like fit. Therefore the source of fluid to be dispensed 24 may be withdrawn along the fluid withdrawing conduit 30 and then exit through the aperture 47 when a suction is applied to same. As seen in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 4 an annular resilient sealing member or O-ring 34 circumscribes the aperture 47, and is received in the annular cavity 50. This O-ring seal 34 is operable to matingly cooperate with a rotatable drinking spout which will be described in greater detail, hereinafter. Additionally, as seen in the drawings, and specifically in FIG. 2, it will be noted that the first portion of the cap 40 includes a vent 54. The vent 54 defines a passageway 55 which facilitates the communication of the internal cavity 23 with a surrounding ambient environment. It should be understood that the vent 54 has a resilient upwardly facing surface 56. The operation of the vent, in combination with other features of the invention, will be described in greater detail, hereinafter.
Still referring to FIG. 2 it will be seen that the first portion of the cap 40, and more specifically the top, or outwardly facing surface thereof 42, includes a first cradle 60 for supporting a rotatable drinking spout which will be described in the paragraphs which follow. The first cradle 60 includes a pair of spaced, normally upwardly extending support members 61 which have a distal end, and that has formed therein a semi-circular shaped region 62 which is utilized to support a rotatable drinking spout as will be described hereafter, in a given, horizontally rotatable orientation. Still further, and extending normally upwardly from the top surface 42 is a second cradle 63 for supporting a third portion of the cap which will be described in the paragraphs which follow. The second cradle 63 also includes a pair of normally upwardly extending support member 64 each having a distal end, and which has formed, therein, a similarly shaped semi-circular region 65 which rotatably supports, at least in part, the third portion of the cap for substantially horizontal, pivotal motion relative to the other features of the invention as will be described, below.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4 it will be seen that the fluid dispensing vessel 10, as illustrated, includes a second portion of the cap which is generally indicated by the numeral 70, and which is operable to telescopingly receive, at least in part, the first portion of the cap 40, and then be secured thereto by conventional fastening methodology which may include, but is not limited to, the use of adhesives, or being bonded thereto using conventional manufacturing techniques. The second portion of the cap 70 more specifically has a main body 71 which is defined by a circumscribing outside facing surface 72, and an inside facing surface 73, which defines a cavity 74, and which is sized so as to telescopingly receive, at least in part, the first portion of the cap 40. Additionally it will be seen in the drawings (FIG. 4) that the main body 71 also includes a pair of stepped inwardly disposed side walls which are generally indicated by the numeral 75. As seen in FIG. 4, a passageway 76 is defined between the stepped inside side walls.
Referring still to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 it will be seen that the second portion of the cap 70 has a top beveled edge 80. Extending inwardly and downwardly, as discussed, above, is a pair of oppositely positioned stepped, inside side walls 75 which are formed of a first vertically oriented portion 81, and which is disposed in spaced relation relative to the inside facing surface 73 of the main body 71. Further the stepped inside side walls each have a substantially horizontally oriented portion which is generally indicated by the numeral 82. Further, the individual stepped inside side walls is formed of a second vertically oriented portion 83. The earlier discussed passageway 76 is located between the spaced, second, vertically oriented portions 83. As seen in FIG. 2 it will be understood that the second vertically oriented portions 83 of the stepped inside wall 75 has a first vertically oriented channel 84 formed therein. This channel 84 is sized so as to receive and cooperate with a pair of depending engagement members which are made integral with a third portion of the cap. These features will be discussed in greater detail in the paragraphs which follow. Further, a second vertically oriented channel 85 is also formed in the second vertically oriented portion 83. The second vertically oriented channel 85 has formed, in the distal end thereof, a semi-circular portion 86. When assembled, the channel 85 and the semi-circular portion 86, in combination, with the semi-circular portion 65 which is formed in the first cradle 60, is operable to support the rotatable drinking spout as will be defined below in a substantially horizontal, rotatable orientation relative to the second portion of the cap 70. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the channel 85 matingly receives the first cradle 60. Additionally, it will be recognized that the passageway 76 is sized so as to receive, at least in part, a rotatable drinking spout in a given, stored orientation so that it may be subsequently moved along a path of travel, as will be described below, so that it may then be used by a consumer. Additionally, it will be seen by a study of FIG. 2 that the second vertically oriented portion of the side wall 83 has a third vertically oriented channel 87 formed therein. This third vertically oriented channel 87, which is located near the peripheral edge 80, is operable to matingly receive and cooperate with the second cradle 63, and facilitate, at least in part, the rotation of a third cap portion which will be described, below. As will be recognized by a study of FIG. 2, the second cradle 63 for supporting the third portion of the cap is slideably received within the third vertically oriented channel 87 and the mating cooperation of the second cradle 63, in combination with the second portion of the cap 70, is operable to pivotally support the third portion of the cap for movement both into, and out of, occluding relationship relative to the cavity 74 which is defined by the second portion 70 of the cap. This feature of the invention will be discussed in greater detail, hereinafter.
Referring more specifically to FIGS. 2 and 5 and following, the present invention 10 includes a rotatable drinking spout which is generally indicated by the numeral 90. The rotatable drinking spout has a first curved, or semi-hemispherical intake end 91, and an opposite, second, or discharge end 92. The rotatable drinking spout 90 defines an internal fluid passageway 93 which extends between the first and second ends 91, and 92. Further the rotatable drinking spout has a main body 94 defined between the first and second ends 91 and 92. The main body 94 has an exterior facing surface 95. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 4 longitudinally extending channels 96 are formed on opposite sides of the main body 94. Further, adjacent to the channels 96 is a pronounced lip 97 which cooperates with the third portion of the cap which will be described in paragraphs which follow.
As seen in FIG. 2, it will be appreciated that the rotatable drinking spout 90 has opposed and coaxially aligned axle members 98 which are affixed to, and extend horizontally, laterally outwardly relative to, the first end 91 thereof. The axle members 98, which are located on the opposite sides of the main body 94 are operable to rest, and be rotatably captured therebetween the semi-circular region 62 which is defined at the terminal, or distal end of the first cradle 60, and in the semi-circular region 86 which forms a portion of the second vertically oriented channel 85. The positioning and capturing of the axle members 98 in this location or region allows the rotatable drinking spout 90 to travel along an arcuately shaped path of travel which is generally indicated by the numeral 100 (FIG. 7). This path of travel 100 is defined between a first end 101, where the rotatable drinking spout 90 is located in a stored, first position, and is substantially enclosed within the second portion of the cap (FIG. 5). Further the spout 90 is moveable to a second position 102 (FIG. 7) which defines the terminal end of the path of travel 100. As will be appreciated from a study of FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, when the rotatable drinking spout 90 is located in a stored position, and at the first end 101, of the path of travel 100, the rotatable drinking spout is oriented in a first position where it is disposed in an occluding, sealing orientation, relative to the second aperture 47 which is defined by the first portion of the cap 40. Further, when the rotational drinking spout 90 is located in the second position 102, the first intake end 91 is substantially coaxially aligned relative to the second aperture 47 which is defined by the first portion of the cap 40 so as to facilitate the passing of the source of fluid 24 from the fluid storage container 11 to the second exhaust end 92 of the passageway 93. As will be appreciated from a study of FIGS. 5 and 7 the curved, semi-hemispherical end 91 of the rotatable drinking spout 90 sealably and moveably cooperates with the annular sealing member 34 as the rotatable drinking spout 90 moves along the arcuately shaped path of travel 100. Additionally, it will be recognized by a study of FIG. 5 that when the rotatable drinking spout 90 is located in the stored, or first position along the path of travel 100, that the exterior surface 95 of the rotatable drinking spout 90 is operable to depress the resilient upwardly facing surface 56 of the vent 54 and thereby occlude the passageway 55 thereof. In this location, the rotatable drinking spout 90 substantially prevents fluid flowing communication between the internal cavity 23 of the fluid storage container 11 and the surrounding ambient environment. This occluding or sealing relationship also prevents the escape of any of the fluid 24 which is stored within the internal cavity 23 in the event the fluid dispensing vessel 10 is overturned by accident, oversight, or the like.
Referring now to FIG. 4 it will be seen that the fluid dispensing vessel 10 of the present invention includes a third portion of the cap 110, which is moveable, and which pivotally cooperates with, and is attached to, the second portion of the cap 70. The third portion of the cap 110 has a main body 111 which is defined by a semi-hemispherical top facing surface 112, and an opposite concavely shaped bottom surface 113. Still further the main body 111 has a peripheral edge 114 which is sized so as to be received within the region which is defined between the first vertically oriented portion 81 of the stepped inside side walls 75 that define, at least in part, the second portion of the cap 70. As will be seen by reference to FIG. 4, the peripheral edge 114, may be moved to a position where it is in closely spaced, or juxtaposed relationship relative to the horizontally oriented portion 82 of the stepped sidewalls as earlier discussed. As will be recognized by a study of FIG. 5, the bottom surface 113 defines a cavity 115, and the third portion of the cap 110 is operable to substantially enclose the rotatable drinking spout 90 within the second portion of the cap when the rotatable drinking spout is positioned in the first or stored position 101 as best seen by reference to FIG. 5. As seen in FIG. 2, the third portion of the cap 110 has a pivotal support member 116 which is made integral therewith, and which extends tangentially outwardly from the peripheral edge 114, thereof. The pivotal support member 116 is operable to be received within the third vertically oriented channels 87 and is further supported by the second cradle 63. As such, the pivotal support member 116 is positioned between the second portion of the cap 70, and the second cradle 63 and is horizontally disposed and located in spaced relationship relative to the respective axle members 98 which are made integrated with the rotatable drinking spout 90.
As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, a resilient latch 120 is made integral with the main body 111 of the third portion of the cap 110. The resilient latch 120 is operable to matingly engage the outside facing surface 72, of the second portion of the cap 70, when the rotatable drinking spout 90 is located in the first, or stored position 101 as seen in FIG. 3. As best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6, pair of depending and laterally resilient engagement members 121 are affixed to the bottom surface 113 and depend normally downwardly relative thereto. The respective pair of depending legs each have a first end 122 which is made integral with, or affixed by suitable means to, the bottom surface 113. Further each of the depending engagement members has a second or distal end 123. There is a space 124 defined between the pair or depending engagement members which is slightly less than the width of the main body 94 of the rotatable drinking spout 90. The pair of depending engagement members 121 are resiliently, laterally moveable. Still further, each of the pair of depending engagement members 121 have an inwardly facing engagement surface or portion 125 (FIG. 5) which is operable to resiliently engage and mechanically cooperate with the lip 97 which is made integral with the main body 94 of the rotatable drinking spout 90 when the rotatable drinking spout 90 is located at the first end 1 of the path of travel 100 and in the stored position 101.
As best appreciated by a study of the drawings, the third portion of the cap 110, in response to force applied to the resilient latch 120 by a user, is operable to move along an arcuately shaped path of travel 130 (FIG. 7) between a first closed position 131 (FIG. 5), wherein the third portion of the cap 110 is positioned in covering relation over the rotatable drinking spout 90 when the drinking spout is located in a stored location the first position 101 and a second position 132. In this location (131), the third portion of the cap 110 substantially protects and shields the rotatable drinking spout 90 from any exterior contamination or debris, and further causes the rotatable drinking spout 90 to be pressed firmly into an occluding, substantially sealing relationship relative to the vent 54 which is made integral with the first portion of the cap 40. Further, as a user applies force to the third portion of the cap 110, and moves it along the path of travel 130, from the first closed position 131, to the second position 132, the pair of depending engagement members 121 are operable to impart force to the rotatable drinking spout 90 thereby causing it to move along its defined path of travel 100 between the first position 101, and the second position 102. As earlier discussed, and in the second position 102, the source of fluid to be dispensed 24, may then travel along the passageway 93 which is defined by the rotatable drinking spout to the second discharge end 92 thereof. Further, and when the spout 90 is in the second position, the vent 54 remains in an open, or nonoccluded state, and therefore the internal cavity 23 of the fluid storage container 11 is coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the surrounding ambient environment. This allows an air pressure change to occur within the internal cavity 23 so as to permit the smooth flow of the source of fluid 24 through the rotatable drinking spout 90 to the consumer. The path of travel 130 of the third portion of the cap 110 includes a second position 132 wherein, continued forced applied to the third portion of the cap 110 causes the pair of depending engagement members 121 to eventually detach from the rotatable drinking spout 90 after it reaches the second position 102 so as to be able to swing completely clear of the drinking spout 90. This permits the user to use the drinking spout without engaging or coming into contact with the third portion of the cap 110 with a portion of their face. This detached position is best indicated by the numeral 133 and FIG. 7. After consuming the source of fluid, the user of same would move the third portion of the cap 110 along the path of travel 130 from the second position 132 to the first position 131. The continued force applied by the user would cause the pair of depending engagement members 121 to resiliently deform, laterally outwardly, and thereby engage the main body 94 of the rotatable drinking spout 90, and carry or direct the rotatable drinking spout back to the stored position at the first end 101 of the path of travel 100, and the resilient latch 120 to releasably couple to the second portion of the cap 70 as seen in FIG. 5.

Operation

The operation of the described embodiment of the present invention is believed to be readily apparent as briefly summarized to this point.
Referring back to the earlier described drawings, a fluid dispensing vessel 10 of the present invention is best understood by a study of FIG. 1, and following. The fluid dispensing vessel 10 of the present invention includes, in its broadest aspect, a fluid storage container 11 having an internal cavity 23 for storing a source of fluid 24 to be dispensed. Further, the fluid storage container 11 has a neck portion 14 which defines an aperture 15 which allows access to the internal cavity 23. Additionally, the fluid dispensing vessel 10 includes a first portion of a cap 40 which releasably engages the neck portion 14 of the fluid storage container 11. The first portion of the cap 40 selectively occludes the aperture 15 defined by the neck portion 14. The fluid dispensing vessel 10 also includes a second portion of the cap 70 which telescopingly receives, at least in part, the first portion of the cap 40. Additionally, and as seen in FIG. 5, a rotatable drinking spout 90 is rotatably supported in a given orientation relative to the second portion of the cap 70 and which facilitates the withdrawal of the source of fluid 24 from the internal cavity 23 of the fluid storage container 11. In the present invention, a third portion of the cap 110 is provided, and which is pivotally moveable relative to the second portion of the cap 70 and which is releasably attached to the rotatable drinking spout 90. As earlier disclosed, the movement of the third portion of the cap 110 causes the rotatable drinking spout 90 to move along a given path of travel 100 having a terminal end 102. The moveable third portion of the cap 110 detaches from the rotatable drinking spout 90 when the rotatable drinking spout 90 reaches the terminal end 102 of the path of travel 100 (FIG. 7).
More specifically, the present invention relates to a fluid dispensing vessel 10 which includes, as a first feature, a fluid storage container having a main body 11 which defines an internal cavity 23 for storing a source of fluid to be dispensed 24. The main body 11 has a top peripheral edge 13 which defines an aperture 15, and which allows access to the internal cavity 23 of the main body 15. The invention 10 further includes a first portion of a cap 40 for selectively occluding the aperture 15 which is defined by the fluid storage container 11. The first portion of the cap 40 is releasably affixed to the main body of the fluid storage container 11, and is located in partial covering relation over the aperture 15. A second aperture 47 is formed in the first portion of the cap 40, and is disposed in fluid communication with the internal cavity 23 of the fluid storage container 11. The present invention 10 also includes a second portion of the cap 70, and which has a main body 71, and which further defines an internal cavity 74 which is dimensioned to telescopingly receive, at least in part, the first portion of the cap 40. In addition to the foregoing features, the present invention 10 includes a rotatable drinking spout 90 which is pivotally mounted on the second portion of the cap 70, and which further defines a passageway 93 which allows for the passage of fluid 24 therethrough. The passageway 93 has a first intake end 91, and a second exhaust end 92. The rotatable drinking spout 90 is moveable along an arcuately shaped path of travel 100, from a first position 101, where the rotatable drinking spout 90 is oriented in an occluding, sealing orientation relative to the aperture 47 which is defined by the first portion of the cap 40. This feature prevents the removal of the source of fluid 24 from the fluid storage container 11. Further the rotatable drinking spout is moveable to a second position 102. In the second position 102 the first intake end of the aperture 91 is substantially coaxially aligned relative to the aperture 47 which is defined by the first portion of the cap 40 so as to facilitate the passing of the source of fluid 24 from the fluid storage container 11 to the second exhaust end 92 of the passageway 93 that is defined by the rotatable drinking spout 90. In addition to the other features noted above, the present invention 10 includes a moveable third portion of the cap 110 which is pivotally attached to the second portion of the cap 70. The moveable third portion of the cap 110 travels along an arcuately shaped path of travel 130 from a closed, first position 131 wherein the third portion of the cap 110 matingly, releasably engages the second portion of the cap 70 and also encloses the rotatable drinking spout 90 within the second portion of the cap 70. Further, the moveable third portion of the cap 110 further orients the rotatable drinking spout 90 in the first position 101 so as to prevent the source of fluid 24 from leaking out of the fluid storage container 11 by way of the vent 54. Additionally, the moveable third portion of the cap 110 can be moved to an open or second position 132 which causes the drinking spout 90 to be moved to the second position 102 so as to facilitate the dispensing of the source of fluid 24 from the fluid storage container 11. In the open position 132 the moveable third portion 110 can be forcibly releasably detached from the rotatable drinking spout 90 and moved to a position where it does not impede the use of the drinking spout by a consumer.
Therefore, it will be understood that the fluid dispensing vessel 10 of the present invention avoids many of the detriments associated with the prior art devices, arrangements and designs utilized heretofore for related fluid dispensing vessels while simultaneously providing a means whereby a rotatable drinking spout may be provided and presented for use by a consumer and which otherwise when not in use is protected from contamination which may come from a myriad of different external sources.
In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described since the means herein disclosed compromise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the Doctrine of Equivalents.

Claims

1. A fluid dispensing vessel, comprising:

a fluid storage container having an internal cavity for storing a source of fluid to be dispensed, and which further has a neck portion defining an aperture which allows access to the internal cavity;

a first portion of a cap which releasably engages the neck portion of the fluid storage container and which selectively occludes the aperture defined by the neck portion;

a second portion of the cap which telescopingly receives, at least in part, the first portion of the cap;

a rotatable drinking spout rotatably supported in a given orientation relative to the second portion of the cap and which facilitates the withdrawal of the source of fluid from the internal cavity of the fluid storage container; and

a third portion of the cap which is pivotally movable relative to the second portion of the cap, and which is releasably attached to the rotatable drinking spout, and wherein the movement of the third portion of the cap causes the rotatable drinking spout to move along a given path of travel having a terminal end, and wherein the moveable third portion of the cap detaches from the rotatable drinking spout when the rotatable drinking spout reaches the terminal end of the path of travel.

2. A fluid dispensing vessel as claimed in claim 1, and wherein the neck portion has an outside facing surface which is threaded, and wherein the first portion of the cap threadably couples with the fluid storage container, and wherein the first portion further defines an aperture, and a vent, which are both coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the internal cavity of the fluid storage container.

3. A fluid dispensing vessel as claimed in claim 2, and wherein the first and second portion of the cap cooperatively mate together to rotatably support the rotatable drinking spout, and wherein the rotatable drinking spout has a first, and an opposite, second end, and wherein a passageway extends between the first and second ends, and wherein the rotatable drinking spout, when positioned at the terminal end of the path of travel, orients the passageway, thereof, so as to facilitate the passing of the source of fluid from the internal cavity of the fluid storage container though the passageway defined by the rotatable drinking spout to the second end thereof.

4. A fluid dispensing vessel as claimed in 3, and wherein the path of travel of the rotatable drinking spout extends between a stored position, where the rotatable drinking spout is located within the second portion of the cap, and is operable to substantially seal the vent, to the opposite, terminal end thereof, and wherein the vent couples a surrounding ambient environment to the internal cavity of the fluid storage container and facilitates the passing of the source of fluid from the internal cavity of the fluid storage container and through the passageway as defined by the rotatable drinking spout and to the distal end thereof.

5. A fluid dispensing vessel as claimed in claim 4, and wherein the first end of the rotatable drinking spout is semi-hemispherical, and the fluid dispensing vessel further comprises an annular seal which circumscribes the aperture which is defined by the first portion of the cap, and wherein the first end of the rotatable drinking spout moveably sealingly cooperates with the annular seal as it moves along the path of travel from the stored position to the terminal end thereof.

6. A fluid dispensing vessel as claimed in claim 5, and wherein the third portion of the cap is pivotally supported for movement relative to the second portion of the cap by the mating cooperation of the first and second portions of the cap.

7. A fluid dispensing vessel as claimed in claim 6, and wherein the third portion of the cap has an inside facing surface, and a pair of depending engagement members are mounted on the inside facing surface and are operable to releasably engage the rotatable drinking spout when the drinking spout is located in the stored position, and wherein pivotal movement of the third portion of the cap is effective in moving the rotatable drinking spout along the path of travel from the stored position, and in the direction of the terminal end thereof, and wherein the continued movement of the third portion of the cap after the rotatable drinking spout has reached the terminal end of the path of travel is effective in detaching the third portion of the cap from the drinking spout.

8. A fluid dispensing vessel as claimed in claim 7, and wherein the pair of depending engagement members are laterally resilient by moveable.

9. A fluid dispensing vessel as claimed in claim 8 and wherein the third portion of the cap has a resilient latch which engages the second portion of the cap, and wherein the second portion of the cap is sealably coupled to the first portion of the cap.

10. A fluid dispensing vessel, comprising:

a fluid storage container having a main body which defines an internal cavity for storing a source of fluid to be dispensed, and wherein the main body has a top, peripheral edge which defines an aperture which allows access to the internal cavity of the main body;

a first portion of a cap for selectively occluding the aperture which is defined by the fluid storage container, and wherein the first portion of the cap is releasably affixed to the main body of the fluid storage container, and located in covering relation over the aperture, and wherein an aperture is formed in the first portion of the cap, and is disposed in fluid communication with the internal cavity of the fluid storage container;

a second portion of the cap having a main body which defines an internal cavity which is dimensioned to telescopingly receive, at least in part, the first portion of the cap;

a rotatable drinking spout which is pivotally mounted within the second portion of the cap, and which further defines a passageway which allows for the passage of fluid therethrough, and wherein the passageway has a first intake end, and a second exhaust end, and wherein the rotatable drinking spout is moveable along an arcuately shaped path of travel from a first position, wherein the rotatable drinking spout is oriented in an occluding, sealing orientation, relative to the aperture defined by the first portion of the cap, and thereby prevents the removal of the source of fluid from the fluid storage container, and a second position, and wherein, in the second position, the first intake end of the passageway is substantially coaxially aligned relative to the aperture which is defined by the first portion of the cap so as to facilitate the passing of the source of fluid from the fluid storage container to the second exhaust end of the passageway; and

a moveable third portion of the cap which is pivotally attached to the second portion of the cap, and which travels along an arcuately shaped path of travel from a closed position, wherein the third portion of the cap matingly, releasably engages the second portion of the cap, and also encloses the rotatable drinking spout within the second portion of the cap, and further orients the rotatable drinking spout in the first position so as to prevent the source of fluid from being dispensed from the fluid storage container, to an open position, which causes the drinking spout to be moved to the second position so as to facilitate the dispensing of the source of fluid from the fluid storage container, and wherein, in the open position, the moveable third portion of the cap releasably detaches from the rotatable drinking spout.

11. A fluid dispensing vessel as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the main body of the fluid storage container defines a threaded neck portion, and the top peripheral edge of the main body is defined by the threaded neck portion.

12. A fluid dispensing vessel as claimed in claim 10, and further comprising a fluid withdrawing conduit positioned within the fluid storage container, and which is coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the aperture which is defined by the first portion of the cap.

13. A fluid dispensing vessel as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the main body of the fluid storage container defines a threaded neck portion, and the top peripheral edge of the main body is defined by the threaded neck portion, and wherein the first portion of the cap threadably couples with the threaded neck portion.

14. A fluid dispensing vessel as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the first portion of the cap further defines a vent which, when non-occluded, couples, in fluid flowing communication, the internal cavity of the fluid storage container, with a surrounding ambient environment when the rotatable drinking spout is in the second position, and wherein the vent is substantially sealably occluded by the rotatable drinking spout when the rotatable drinking spout is located in the first position.

15. A fluid dispensing vessel as claimed in claim 10, and further comprising:

an annular seal which is positioned in circumscribing relation relative to the aperture which is defined by the first portion of the cap, and wherein the rotatable drinking spout has a first, semi-hemispherical end which is pivotally mounted on the second portion of the cap, and an opposite, distal end, and wherein the first semi-hemispherical end of the rotatable drinking spout is positioned in a juxtaposed, moveably sealable relationship relative to the annular seal.

16. A fluid dispensing vessel as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the moveable third portion of the cap has an inside facing surface with a pair of depending, engagement member for releasably engaging the rotatable drinking spout, and for moving the rotatable drinking spout along the arcuately shaped path of travel from the first position, to the second position, and wherein continued movement of the moveable third portion of the cap to the open position, thereof, is effective in forcibly detaching the pair of depending engagement members from the rotatable drinking spout, and wherein movement of the moveable third portion from the open position to the closed position is effective in causing the pair of depending, engagement members to resiliently deform and then releasably engage the rotatable drinking spout and move the rotatable drinking spout from the second position to the first position.

17. A fluid dispensing vessel as claimed in claim 16, and wherein the pair of depending engagement members are laterally resiliently moveable.

18. A fluid dispensing vessel as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the moveable third portion of the cap has a resilient latch which engages the second portion of the cap, and wherein the second portion of the cap is sealably coupled to the first portion of the cap.