Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a drinking vessel, such as a water bottle, with a straw to facilitate access to the fluid within. According to a first aspect of the disclosed technology, there is provided a drinking vessel, comprising: a straw; a lid comprising an opening operable to receive the straw; a container; and a cap operable to be in an open position or a closed position; wherein when the cap is in the open position, the straw is arranged to provide fluid communication between a user and the container through the lid, and further wherein when the cap is in the closed position, the straw is urged by the cap into a bent shape such that the straw itself occludes fluid communication.
Claims
1. A drinking vessel, comprising: a straw; a lid comprising an opening operable to receive the straw; a container; and a cap operable to be in an open position or a closed position; wherein when the cap is in the open position, the straw is arranged to provide fluid communication between a user and the container through the lid, and further wherein when the cap is in the closed position, the straw is urged by the cap into a bent shape such that the straw itself occludes fluid communication.
2. The drinking vessel of claim 1, further comprising a two-way valve.
3. The drinking vessel of claim 2, wherein the two-way valve comprises a slit cut into a resilient base material, such that when the pressure on each side of the slit is equal, the base material on each side of the slit meets to form a seal; and when the pressure on each side of the slit is unequal, the base material on each side of the slit is urged apart to allow fluid transmission.
4. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein the straw comprises one or more structural supports.
5. The drinking vessel of claim 4, wherein the one or more structural supports are orientated to urge the straw into the bent shape when pressure is applied from the cap.
6. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein the cap has an interior and an exterior surface, and further wherein the interior surface is shaped to urge the straw into the bent shape.
7. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein the open position comprises a set of different positions.
8. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the straw is made of an elastomer.
9. The drinking vessel of claim 1, further comprising a seal between the lid and the container.
10. The drinking vessel of claim 1, further comprising a lower straw between the lid and the container.
11. The drinking vessel of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the lower straw and/or seal is made of an elastomer.
12. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the cap and/or lid is made of a thermoplastic.
13. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the container is made of a thermoplastic.
14. A two-way valve for use in a drinking vessel, comprising a slit cut into a resilient base material, such that when the pressure on each side of the slit is equal, the base material on each side of the slit meets to form a seal; and when the pressure on each side of the slit is unequal, the base material on each side of the slit is urged apart to allow fluid transmission.
15. The two-way valve of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of the two-way valve is made of silicone.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] FIGS. 1A and 1B show a side view of an exemplary drinking vessel with a straw;
[0046] FIGS. 2A and 2B show a plan view of an exemplary drinking vessel with a straw;
[0047] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view;
[0048] FIG. 4 shows a cap in a closed position;
[0049] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C show different views of components used adjacent the lid;
[0050] FIG. 6 shows a view from below the lid and adjacent components;
[0051] FIGS. 7A and 7B show a cap in two different open positions;
[0052] FIGS. 8A-8D show stages of a cap being closed to form a seal within the straw;
[0053] FIGS. 9A and 9B show top and side views of components used adjacent the lid;
[0054] FIGS. 10A-10F show examples of different valves;
[0055] FIGS. 11A and 11B show a cross section across a portion of the drinking vessel;
[0056] FIGS. 12A and 12B show an internal view of a cap in a closed position;
[0057] FIGS. 13A and 13B show a cross section of a cap and straw in an open position;
[0058] FIGS. 14A-14E show a cap making contact with a straw
[0059] FIGS. 15A-15F show different embodiments of the straw; and
[0060] FIGS. 16A-16F show different embodiments of the cap.
[0061] The accompanying drawings illustrate various examples. The skilled person will appreciate that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the drawings represent one example of the boundaries. It may be that in some examples, one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. Common reference numerals are used throughout the figures, where appropriate, to indicate similar features.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0062] The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the present technology and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts claimed herein. As will be apparent to anyone of ordinary skill in the art, one or more or all of the particular features described herein in the context of one embodiment are also present in some other embodiment(s) and/or can be used in combination with other described features in various possible combinations and permutations in some other embodiment(s).
[0063] FIGS. 1A and 1B of the accompanying drawings show a side view of an exemplary drinking vessel with a straw. This drinking vessel, also referred to as a bottle, comprises several different parts. In this example, the bottle comprises a cap 102 rotationally linked to a lid 104. The cap 102 is operable to enclose a straw 108, also referred to as an upper straw. The cap 102 may comprise a lip around the edge to allow a user a more secure grip on the cap 102 itself when it is being physically manipulated. The cap 102 may also use a locking mechanism in conjunction with the lid 104, such that when the cap 102 is in a closed position, it is resistant to being opened and separated from the lid 104. This locking mechanism, for example in the form of closely fitting male and female parts, helps the cap 102 to remain closed if accidentally knocked during transit or from the straw 108 pushing it open from within.
[0064] In use, the liquid to be accessed by a user may be stored primarily in the container 106, also referred to as the body. A lower straw 110 may be linked to the upper straw 108 such that when suction is applied to the upper straw 108 liquid is pulled through the lower straw 110, to the upper straw 108, and then to the user. When the cap 102 is in an open position, the straw 108 may protrude from the lid 104 by a comfortable amount for an average user to drink from, for example in the range of 20 to 40 mm, optionally 25 mm from the highest rim of the lid 104.
[0065] FIGS. 2A and 2B show a plan view of some of the component of FIG. 1. As in relation to that figure, the cap 102 is shown in both a closed and an open position in FIGS. 2A and 2B respectively. There is also shown an air venting hole 202 adjacent the straw. The air venting hole 202 allows the ingress or egress of fluid, typically air, between the inside and outside of the bottle in order to equalise the pressure within the bottle.
[0066] The exploded view of FIG. 3 shows several of the components of the bottle in one embodiment. The cap 102 is rotationally linked to the lid 104. The lid 104 at least partially accommodates the straw 108, and a two-way valve 302. The two-way valve 302 is arranged to allow the ingress or egress of fluid, typically air, between the inside and outside of the bottle when there is a pressure differential being applied. If the pressure on each side of the two-way valve 302 is equal, then the two-way valve 302 forms a substantially sealed surface which does not allow the passage of fluid.
[0067] There is optionally provided a seal 304, also referred to as a gasket, in the form of a pliable ring of material positioned between the lid 104 and the container 106. The seal 304 helps prevent the leakage of liquid between the lid 104 and the container 106.
[0068] FIG. 4 shows a more detailed view of the cap 102 in the closed position. When the cap 102 is in this closed position, the straw 108 is urged by the cap 102 into a bent position. In this bent position, the straw 108 comprises at least one bend within which the flow of any fluid through the straw 108 is substantially occluded. Any liquid travelling from the container 106 through the lower straw 110 may pass through a portion of the straw 108, but will be substantially prevented from passing any further than the bend in the straw 108. There is no requirement for a rib or ridge to be present at the folding line to guide the straw 108 or the assist with forming an occlusion within the straw 108. However, a rib guide may be present to act as initial guide to press the straw bend towards a predetermined position.
[0069] FIGS. 5A-C show different views of components used adjacent the lid, including the straw 108, and the two-way valve 302. These figures also show one or more optional supportive ribs 502. The one or more ribs 502 are arranged to provide structural support to the straw 108 such that when the cap 102 is closed, the straw 108 is urged to bend in a specific and predictable form. Specifically, the one or more ribs 502 urge the straw 108 to bend to fit underneath the cap 102 when it is in a closed position, and also to bend in such a way that the straw 108 itself occludes the flow of any fluid from the container 106.
[0070] FIG. 6 shows a view from below the lid 104 and the adjacent components, including the straw 108 and the entrance to the two-way valve 302. The lid 104 may comprise a textured portion to enhance the grip of a user.
[0071] FIGS. 7A-B show the cap 102 in two different open positions. In FIG. 7A, there is a shown an open position of the cap 102 such that the angle between the cap 102 and the lid 104 is approximately 24 degrees. The position of the cap 102 can be maintained by a stopper 702 between the cap 102 and the lid 104 which are in rotational communication with each other. The stopper 702 is arranged to allow a discrete range of positions, for example allowing the cap 102 to be held in position every 10 degrees between 0 degrees (which would constitute the closed position) and 180 degrees, as shown in FIG. 7B. The stopper 702 of one embodiment may be ridged to provide a series of “steps” from which the cap 102 may be held in position at any of the available positions.
[0072] FIGS. 8A-D show four stages of the cap 102 being closed to form a seal within the straw. In the first stage, FIG. 8A, the cap 102 is in an open position and has not yet made physical contact with the straw 108. In FIG. 8B, the cap 102 is still in an open position but has rotated around the lid 104, and is approaching contact with the straw 108. The straw 108 of this embodiment may not be fitted with any supportive ribs, but instead the interior surface of the cap 102 may be shaped in such a way as to urge the straw 108 into the desired shape such as a slope or step to urge the straw to bend forward to a desired position. The interior surface of the cap 102 may comprise an interior wall or other interior surface of the cap 102. When the cap 102 is within a predetermined rotational distance from the lid 104, as shown in FIG. 8C, the straw 108 is urged into a bent position to form a bend 802. This bend 802 restricts the flow of fluid through the straw. When, as in FIG. 8D, the cap 102 is in the closed position adjacent the lid 104, the bend 802 is sufficiently restrictive as to substantially prevent any fluid passing through the straw 108, and as such any liquid in the container 106 is substantially prevented from leaving the drinking vessel via the straw 108.
[0073] FIGS. 9A and 9B show a top and side view respectively of components used adjacent the lid. In this embodiment, the two-way valve 302 is arranged adjacent the straw 108. The straw 108 may be removed from any surrounding components for the purposes of separate cleaning or replacement. The straw 108 of this embodiment is also supported by a plurality of ribs 502 arranged to urge the straw into a particular configuration when pressure is applied from the cap 102.
[0074] FIGS. 10A-F show a more detailed view of how different valves, including the two-way valve 302 may operate under different pressure conditions. FIG. 10A shows a conventional dome shape single way valve 1002. When the pressure within the dome 1002 is greater than the pressure outside the dome 1002, then the material on each side of the slit in the conventional dome shape single way valve 1002 is forced together, preventing the egress of any air and thereby retaining a high pressure zone within the dome 1002 itself. However, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the pressure within the conventional dome shape single way valve 1002 is lower than the pressure outside, then the slit is forced apart and air can pass through the conventional dome shape single way valve 1002 from a zone of higher pressure to a zone of lower pressure.
[0075] Similarly, FIGS. 10C and 10D show a conventional duck-bill shape single way valve 1004. When the pressure within the conventional duck-bill shape single way valve 1004 is greater than the pressure outside, then the material on each side of the slit in the valve is forced together, preventing the egress of any air and thereby retaining a high pressure zone within the conventional duck-bill shape single way valve 1004 itself. As shown in FIG. 10D, when the pressure within the conventional duck-bill shape single way valve 1004 is lower than the pressure outside, then the slit is forced apart and air can pass through the conventional duck-bill shape single way valve 1004 from a zone of higher pressure to a zone of lower pressure.
[0076] In contrast, the two-way valve 302 of FIGS. 10E and 10F may allow the ingress of air when the pressure on one side of the valve is greater than the other, regardless of the direction in which the pressure differential is being formed. If the pressure on a first side of the two-way valve 302, for example an upper side, is lower than the pressure on a second side, then the material on either side of the slit can part, allowing air to flow from a zone of higher pressure to a zone of lower pressure. Alternatively, if the pressure on that same upper side of the two-way valve 302 is increased, such that the pressure on the first side is now greater than the pressure on the second side, then the material on either side of the slit can again part, allowing air to flow from the zone of higher pressure to the zone of lower pressure.
[0077] If the pressure of each side of the two-way valve 302 is equal, then the material on either side of the slit remains close together, and as such provides a substantial barrier to leakage of fluid from the valve.
[0078] FIGS. 11A and 11B show a cross sectional view across a portion of the drinking vessel. The air venting hole 202 and the two-way valve 302 may be aligned or misaligned provided they are in fluid communication with each other, such that when a zone of lower pressure is created, for example a user drinks a portion of the liquid through the straw 108, air may be sucked through the air venting hole 202 and the two-way valve 302 to equalise the pressure inside the drinking vessel. Conversely, if the pressure inside the drinking vessel is greater than the ambient pressure outside the drinking vessel, then the two-way valve 302 may part to allow air, for example usually hot air, to pass through to the air venting hole 202 and then to the outside environment, thereby equalising the pressure between the inside and outside of the drinking vessel. The material immediately adjacent the slit forming the two-way valve 302 may be ridged at the area where the flat membrane of the value meets the slit.
[0079] FIGS. 12A and 12B show an internal view of the cap 102 in a closed position. FIG. 12A shows a clear cap 102 for illustration purposes such that the mechanism below may be viewed. At this closure stage, the straw 108 bends to seal the drinking vessel, leaving the two-way valve 302 and the air venting hole 202 as substantially the only means of pressure release. As shown in FIG. 12B, if the drinking vessel is containing warm or hot content during this sealed condition, internal air pressure is likely to be higher than the external environment. In such a case, the two-way valve 302 formed by the flat membrane slit will open outwards to release this higher air pressure out thereby helping to equalise the pressure.
[0080] The cross sectional views shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B show a situation in which the pressure outside the drinking vessel is higher than the pressure inside. Such a case may arise when a user, for example a child, is sucking out the content of the drinking vessel through the straw 108. In such a case, the internal pressure will drop, potentially to a vacuum. The two-way valve 302 will therefore open inwards as the external ambient pressure outside the drinking vessel becomes at least momentarily higher than that inside the drinking vessel. The opening of the two-way valve 302 allows for air to enter the drinking vessel, thereby equalising the pressure.
[0081] FIGS. 14A-14E show a cap 102 interacting with a straw 108. In FIG. 14A, the cap 102 is in an open position, and so is not in physical contact with the straw 108. An isolated view of the straw 108 alongside the venting valve 302 and a rib 502 is shown in FIG. 14B. In FIG. 14C, the cap 102 has been partially closed, demonstrating in this embodiment a shoulder 1402 of the inner surface of the cap 102 which is in close proximity to the straw 108. In FIG. 14D, as the cap 102 closes further, the shoulder 1402 contacts the straw 108, a closer view of which is shown in FIG. 14E.
[0082] The straw 108 may itself comprise features which contribute towards the urging of the straw 108 into a predetermined desired bent shape. These features may comprise the multiple ribs 502 of FIGS. 15A and 15B, optionally further comprising the cut-out groove 1502 at one end of the straw 108 as shown in FIGS. 15B and 15C. As shown in FIGS. 15D-F, the straw 108 may further comprise a shelf or ledge 1504, a score mark 1506, and/or a thicker portion 1508. Any or each of these features may provide the advantage of assisting with urging the straw 108 into a predetermined desired bent shape and/or providing a reinforcement feature to help the straw bounce back to its un-bent shape.
[0083] FIGS. 16A-F show a range of different inside faces of the cap 102 which may be used. These faces include a ledge 1602, a rectangular recess 1604, a smaller ledge 1606, a protruded dome 1608, a shoulder 1610, and an off-centre ledge 1612, also referred to as an island ledge 1612. Any of these features may be used to assist the straw to be bent when in contact with said features either individually or in combination.
[0084] Any reference to ‘an’ item refers to one or more of those items. The term ‘comprising’ is used herein to mean including the method blocks or elements identified, but that such blocks or elements do not comprise an exclusive list and an apparatus may contain additional blocks or elements and a method may contain additional operations or elements. Furthermore, the blocks, elements and operations are themselves not impliedly closed.
[0085] The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. The arrows between boxes in the figures show one example sequence of method steps but are not intended to exclude other sequences or the performance of multiple steps in parallel. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from any of the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other examples described to form further examples without losing the effect sought. Where elements of the figures are shown connected by arrows, it will be appreciated that these arrows show just one example flow of communications (including data and control messages) between elements. The flow between elements may be in either direction or in both directions.
[0086] Where the description has explicitly disclosed in isolation some individual features, any apparent combination of two or more such features is considered also to be disclosed, to the extent that such features or combinations are apparent and capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.
