US20210139208A1

US20210139208A1 - Liquid dispenser

Info

Publication number: US20210139208A1
Application number: US17/145,281
Authority: US
Inventors: Kyle Ramseur
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-01-16
Filing date: 2021-01-09
Publication date: 2021-05-13

Abstract

A cap assembly for drinking vessels including an upper unit and a lower unit. The lower unit including a plug member coupled to a base member, wherein the lower unit is configured to receive within a mouth of the drinking vessel. The plug member can expand against the wall of the mouth for sealably engaging the cap assembly to the mouth of the drinking vessel. The upper unit can be fastened to the lower unit, wherein the upper unit is configured to cause the plug member to expand and retract. The lower unit and the upper unit having a passage for liquid. The upper unit including a flip spout member that can be flipped between an up position and a down position. In the up-position, the passage is open for the water to flow out, while the passage is blocked in the down-position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to the U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. filed 62/961,912, filed on Jan. 16, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a liquid dispenser, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a cap assembly for a liquid dispenser.

BACKGROUND

Water jugs are one of the popular means for carrying drinking water. These are available in different capacities ranging from 1 to 5 Liters, wherein water jugs of capacity one and a half gallons are more popular because of the portability. The available water jugs are manufactured in different shapes including round to square. However, the mouths of most of the available water jugs are the same i.e., of an upstanding cylindrical configuration. The broad mouths allow both filling water in the jug and drinking from the jug easier. The openings in the jugs can be closed by lids or caps. Such lids or caps can be secured to the upstanding walls of the opening of the jugs through a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism can be screw or snapping the cap to the mouth. However, known caps or lids suffer from one or more drawbacks. The major drawback is that the caps are not durable and are frequently compromised or lost. Moreover, many cap designs also suffer from water leakage problems. While standard jugs are popular, the lids or tops are not always dependable or durable resulting in the aforementioned problems.
Thus, a need is appreciated for a cap assembly for a drinking vessel that is devoid of the aforementioned problems of the known caps or lids.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description, the figures further explain the principles of the present invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the invention.

FIG. 1 shows the members of the cap assembly arranged in an axial relationship, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a side perspective view of the base member, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is another top and side perspective view of the base member, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the plug member, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is another perspective view of the plug member, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3C is a side view of the plug member, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the stem member, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a front view of the stem member, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4C is another perspective view showing a central hollow threaded tunnel, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a top and side perspective view of a housing member, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a front view of the housing member, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5C is a top view of the housing member, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5D is a bottom and side perspective view of the housing member, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a flip spout member, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a top view of the flip spout member, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6C is a front view of the flip spout member, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows the cap assembly secured to a mouth of a drinking vessel, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any exemplary embodiments set forth herein; exemplary embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, the subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term “embodiments of the present invention” does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising,”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
The following detailed description includes the best currently contemplated mode or modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention will be best defined by the allowed claims of any resulting patent.
Disclosed is a cap assembly for drinking vessels. The disclosed cap assembly is spill and leakproof, and reusable. In one case, the disclosed cap assembly can be manufactured in standard sizes that fit the mouths of known drinking vessel. The disclosed cap assembly can universally fit drinking vessels having a mouth opening of 13/8 inches and including both the threaded and snap fitting mouths. The cap assembly can be reusable while the drinking vessel can be changed.
Referring to FIG. 1 which shows the members of the disclosed cap assembly. The cap assembly includes a base member 200, a plug member 300, a stem member 400, a housing member 500, and a flip spout member 600. The members shown in FIG. 1 are arranged axially in order of assemblage. The plug member 300 can be received onto the threaded shank of the base 200. The length of the threaded shank is more than the height of the plug member, so a part of the threaded shank projects upwards from the plug. Each the base member, the plug member, the stem member, and the housing member having a central aperture or tunnel forming a passage for fluid. The broken line shown in FIG. 1 is an axis showing the path of the passage through the components of the cap assembly.
The stem member having an inner threaded tunnel, wherein the stem member can threadedly engage with the threaded shank of the base member. The housing member fixedly encases the stem member, and the flip spout member engaged to the top of the housing member, wherein the flip spout member can be switched between the up position and the down position. In the up position, the passage is open for the water and allows drinking from the vessel, while in the down position, the passage of water is blocked.
Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, which shows two perspective views of the base member 100. The base member includes a round head 210 and an upstanding threaded shank 220 that extends from the head 210. The upstanding threaded shank is hollow throughout and a flange extends perpendicularly from the lower end's periphery of the shank, which forms the head 210 of the base member. The flange having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface of the flange is adjacent to the shank.
Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, which shows two perspective views of the plug member and one side view. The plug member 300 having a flat base 310, a central aperture 320 in the flat base, and an upstanding wall 330 that extends from the flat base. The plug member can be made of a flexible material such as silicone. The diameter of the central aperture 320 can be more than an external diameter of the threaded shank, such that the plug member can be inserted into the shank, wherein the flat base can be seen resting over the upper surface of the flange. The height of the plug can be less than the length of the threaded shank, such that a portion of the threaded shank projects when the plug is inserted over the threaded shank. The flat base 310 of the plug member 300 rests against the head of the base member. The diameter of the plug member can be slightly less than the inner diameter of the mouth of a drinking vessel, such that the plug member can be inserted into the mouth. More specifically, the plug member can closely or snugly fit into the mouth of a drinking vessel. Additionally, the outer diameter of the head of the base member can be the same or less than the diameter of the flat base of the plug member. The base member and the plug member forms a lower unit, wherein the lower unit is received within the mouth of the drinking vessel.
The plug member when expanded within the mouth of the drinking vessel sealably engages to the mouth, wherein water in the drinking vessel could flow through the hollow shank of the base member.
Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C which shows the top-side perspective view, a front view, and a bottom-side perspective view of the stem member 400, respectively. The stem member 400 having an inverted bell shape bottom 410 that is continuous with an elongated shaft 420 and terminates into a flange portion 430. The stem member having a central tunnel 440 that extends along its length. The central tunnel can be of an inner diameter that is commensurate with the external diameter of the threaded shank. The central tunnel of the stem member is having threads 450, wherein the stem member can threadedly engage to the threaded shank of the base member. At first, the stem member can be threaded to the projected portion of the base member, the base member includes the plug member, wherein the inverted bell portion of the stem member is juxtaposed to the upstanding wall of the plug member. Further fastening of the stem member, results in the inverted bell portion to push the walls of the plug member causing it to expand. When the plug is inserted into the mouth of a drinking vessel, the expansion of the plug member against the wall of the mouth sealably engages the cap assembly to the mouth of the bottle.
Referring to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D, which shows the top and side perspective view, a front view, a top view, and a bottom and side perspective view of the housing 500. FIG. 5A shows the top and side perspective view of the housing 500. A cavity 510 can be seen on the top side of the housing for engaging a flip spout member (shown in FIG. 6A). The cavity can be seen as having a central aperture 520 in the top wall of the housing member 500. The central aperture of the housing member, the hollow stem member, the hollow shank of the base member forms a passage of the cap assembly through which a liquid can flow in and out and for drinking. Above the central aperture 520 can be seen a pair of grooves 530 on opposite faces of the cavity. These groves are for pivotally engaging a flip spout member (shown in FIG. 6A). FIG. 5D shows a bottom perspective view of the housing member showing that the housing member is hollow from the bottom. The hollow housing member can fixedly enclose the stem member. Turning the housing member turns the stem member in either a clockwise direction or anticlockwise direction.
Referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C show a perspective view, a top view, and a front view of the flip spout member 600. The flip spout member 600 can pivotally be coupled to the cavity 510 of the housing member, and through it, a user can drink. The flip spout member 600 is a hollow cuboid configuration body 610 that is commensurate with the shape of the cavity 510. The flip spout member 600 having a pair of fastening pins 630 that extends from the opposite faces of the body 610. These fastening pins can pivotally engage with the grooves 530 of the housing member. The flip spout member 600 can flip between an up position and a down position, wherein in the up position the hollow body of the flip spout member is in fluid communication with the passage of the cap assembly and allows fluid through the passage assembly to flow out, for example, pouring or drinking water from the vessel. When the flip spout member is switch to a down position, the central aperture of the housing member is blocked by the flip spout member, thus blocking the passage.
Referring to FIG. 7 which shows the disclosed cap assembly 100 secured to a mouth 120 of the drinking vessel 110. In one embodiment, a user can insert the cap assembly 100 into a mouth of a drinking vessel, such that the plug member of the cap assembly is within the mouth of the drinking vessel. The housing member can then be turned, which causes the plug member to expand against the wall of the mouth of the drinking vessel. The housing member can be turned until the cap assembly is sealably engaged to the mouth of the drinking vessel. When not in use, the flip spout member can remain in the down position closing the passage. For use, the flip spout member can be turned up, resulting in the opening of the passage for water. The flip spout member can be received between the lips of a person for drinking through the flip spout member. It is to be understood that the flip spout member can be replaced by any drinking faucet. Alternatively, the flip spout member can be replaced by any faucet that allows pouring liquid through the cap assembly. Also, it is to be understood that the flip spout member can be optional. The housing member can have an aperture on its top side, wherein the aperture can be positioned anywhere on top including the center or near the edge. The shaft of the stem member fluidly connects to the aperture in the top of the housing member, wherein the shaft can be straight or curved. In one exemplary embodiment, the hollow shaft of the stem member or the aperture of the housing member or the cavity in top side of the housing member can include a water filter for filtering the water flowing through the cap assembly.
While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A cap assembly for a drinking vessel, the cap assembly comprising:

a lower unit and an upper unit, the lower unit comprising a base member removably coupled to a plug member,

the base member comprising an upstanding, hollow, and threaded shank, the shank having a proximal end and a distal end, a flange perpendicular extends from a periphery of the distal end of the shank, the flange having an upper surface and a lower surface;

the plug member comprising a flat base having a first aperture that is configured to receive the shank, and an upstanding wall that extends along the periphery of the flat base, the plug member received over the shank, wherein the flat base of the plug member rest against the upper surface of the flange, the plug member made of a flexible material; and

the upper unit fastened to the lower unit, the upper unit is operable to cause the plug member to expand and retract, wherein the plug member is configured to expand against a wall of a mouth of the drinking vessel for sealably engaging to the mouth,

wherein the shank and the upper unit form a passage for fluid.

2. The cap assembly according to claim 1, wherein the upper unit further comprises a stem member, a housing member, and a flip spout member.

3. The cap assembly according to claim 2, wherein the stem member comprises an elongated hollow shaft, an inverted bell-shaped bottom configured around a lower portion of the shaft, an inner surface of the shaft having threads configured to threadedly fasten to the shank, the inverted bell-shaped bottom juxtaposes to the wall of the plug member while the stem member is fastened to the shank.

4. The cap assembly according to claim 3, wherein the housing member is hollow at its bottom and encase the stem member, the shaft of the stem member fixedly coupled to the housing member, the housing member having an aperture that opens in the hollow shaft of the stem member.

5. The cap assembly according to claim 4, wherein the flip spout member is coupled to the housing member, the flip spout member is configured to switch between an up-position and a down-position, in the up-position the passage for fluid is accessible and the fluid can flow out of the cap assembly, the passage is blocked in the down position.

6. The cap assembly according to claim 5, wherein the flip spout member comprises a hollow body, the hollow body is in fluid communication with the passage in the up-position of the flip spout member.

7. The cap assembly according to claim 6, wherein the flip spout member is configured to be received between lips of a user for drinking through the flip spout member.

8. The cap assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plug member is made of silicone.

9. A drinking vessel comprising:

a container body having a mouth, the mouth having an opening;

a cap assembly comprising:

the upper unit fastened to the lower unit, the upper unit is operable to cause the plug member to expand and retract, wherein the plug member is configured to expand against a wall of the mouth of the drinking vessel for sealably engaging to the mouth,

wherein the shank and the upper unit form a passage for fluid.

10. The drinking vessel according to claim 9, wherein the upper unit further comprises a stem member, a housing member, and a flip spout member.

11. The drinking vessel according to claim 10, wherein the stem member comprises an elongated hollow shaft, an inverted bell-shaped bottom configured around a lower portion of the shaft, an inner surface of the shaft having threads configured to threadedly fasten to the shank, the inverted bell-shaped bottom juxtaposes to the wall of the plug member while the stem member is fastened to the shank.

12. The drinking vessel according to claim 11, wherein the housing member is hollow at its bottom and encase the stem member, the shaft of the stem member fixedly coupled to the housing member, the housing member having an aperture than opens in the hollow shaft of the stem member.

13. The drinking vessel according to claim 12, wherein the flip spout member is coupled to the housing member, the flip spout member is configured to switch between an up-position and a down-position, in the up-position the passage for fluid is accessible and the fluid can flow out of the cap assembly, the passage is blocked in the down position.

14. The drinking vessel according to claim 13, wherein the flip spout member comprises a hollow body, the hollow body is in fluid communication with the passage in the up-position of the flip spout member.

15. The drinking vessel according to claim 14, wherein the flip spout member is configured to be received between lips of a user for drinking through the flip spout member.

16. The drinking vessel according to claim 9, wherein the plug member is made of silicone.

17. A cap assembly for a drinking vessel, the cap assembly comprising:

a base member;

a plug member coupled to the base member, the plug member made of resilient material that is configured to expand and retract under an external pressure; and

a stem member fastened to the base member and configured to exert the external pressure on the plug member, wherein the base member and the stem member forms a passage for fluid.

18. The cap assembly according to claim 17, wherein the cap assembly further comprises a spout member configured to switch between an open position and a closed position, the passage is accessible in the open position and blocked in the close position.

19. The cap assembly according to claim 18, wherein the cap assembly further comprises a housing member coupled to the stem member, the spout member coupled to the housing member, wherein the housing member encases the stem member and having an aperture continuous with the passage.

20. The cap assembly according to claim 19, wherein the cap assembly further comprises a water filter fitted in the passage or over the aperture of the housing member.