Pouring spout guard and drinking aid

Abstract

A novel flexible pouring spout guard that can be removably affixed to glasses, mugs, tumblers or other similar vessels used for holding beverages and other liquids and employed in pouring or drinking from such vessel, or in transferring liquids out of such vessel and into a bottle or other container, is described.

Claims

1. A flexible pouring spout guard and drinking aid device comprising: a. a curved gripping structure containing a central channel formed at an intersection and between a curved flexible outer latching wall and a curved flexible inner latching wall where: i. the outer wall contains a latching lip element curved inwards towards the inner latching wall; ii. the inner wall contains a plurality of grooves dividing the inner latching wall into multiple gripping elements of a substantially same height; iii. the central channel having cross-sectional first, second and third widths, with the second width being greater than the first width and the third width being greater than the second width; iv. where the first width resides between the latching lip element and the inner latching wall; and v. where the plurality of grooves pass through the inner latching wall into portions of the central channel such that the inner latching wall proximate the third width remains free of the plurality of grooves; b. a pouring lip extending beyond the outer latching wall; c. a pouring surface positioned above the central channel and extending towards the pouring lip, whereby the flexible pouring spout guard is formed to detachably affix to a segment of a vessel lip of a liquid-containing vessel by positioning the vessel lip within the central channel.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said flexible inner latching wall contains two grooves, resulting in the inner latching wall being comprised of three gripping elements.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said flexible inner latching wall contains five grooves, resulting in the inner latching wall being comprised of six gripping elements.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said flexible inner latching wall contains one groove, dividing the inner latching wall into two gripping elements.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the flexible pouring spout guard is comprised of a thermoset elastomer material.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the flexible pouring spout guard is comprised of silicone rubber.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the flexible pouring spout guard is comprised of thermoplastic elastomer material.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the flexible pouring spout guard is comprised of thermoplastic polymer material.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein the flexible pouring spout guard is comprised of thermoplastic recycled polymer material.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein the flexible pouring spout guard is comprised of biodegradable material.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the outer wall terminates laterally in opposing lateral side walls, each lateral side wall rising from the latching lip element to the pouring surface, and wherein each lateral side wall is formed with an indentation proximate the latching lip element.

12. A flexible pouring spout guard and drinking aid device comprising: a. a curved gripping structure containing a central channel formed at an intersection and between a curved flexible outer latching wall and a curved flexible inner latching wall where: i. the outer wall contains a latching lip element curved inwards towards the inner latching wall; and ii. the inner wall contains a plurality of grooves dividing the inner latching wall into multiple gripping elements of substantially the same height; iii. the central channel having cross-sectional first, second and third widths, with the second width being greater than the first width and the third width being greater than the second width; iv. where the first width resides between the latching lip element and the inner latching wall; and v. where the plurality of grooves pass through the inner latching wall into portions of the central channel such that the inner latching wall proximate the third width remains free of the plurality of grooves; b. a pouring lip extending beyond the outer latching wall; and c. a pouring surface positioned above the central channel, the pouring surface having a width, the width starting broadly from inner latching wall and narrowing towards the pouring lip.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the outer wall terminates laterally in opposing lateral side walls, each lateral side wall rising from the latching lip element to the pouring surface, and wherein each lateral side wall is formed with an indentation proximate the latching lip element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the various aspects of the invention in conjunction with reference to the following drawings, where:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of a pouring spout guard being used with a coffee mug in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a top view of a pouring spout guard in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective top view of the pouring spout guard of FIG. 2;

(5) FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the pouring spout guard of FIGS. 2 and 3;

(6) FIG. 5 is a front view of the pouring spout guard of FIGS. 2-4;

(7) FIG. 6 is a rear view of the pouring spout guard of FIGS. 2-5; and

(8) FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the pouring spout guard taken along the line B-B of FIG. 6.

(9) FIG. 8 is a front view of a five-groove embodiment of the present invention.

(10) FIG. 9 is a rear view of the five-groove embodiment of the pouring spout guard of FIG. 8.

(11) FIG. 10 is a front view of a single-groove embodiment of the present invention.

(12) FIG. 11 is a rear view of the single-groove embodiment of the pouring spout guard of FIG. 10.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

(13) The following reference numerals are used to identify various components and/or items as depicted in the figures: 1. central channel of pouring spout guard; 2. grooves between gripping elements; 3. inner gripping elements of pouring spout guard; 4. top pouring lip of pouring spout guard; 5. outer latching element of central channel of pouring spout guard; 6. coffee mug; 7. lip of coffee mug; 8. two-groove embodiment of pouring spout guard; 9. coffee mug handle; 10. top pouring surface of pouting spout guard; 11. five-groove embodiment of pouring spout guard; 12. single-groove embodiment of the pouting spout guard; 13. side edge bump; 14. textured surface on the interior of the inner gripping elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(14) Reference will now be made in detail to one or more embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings and descriptions provided below are non-limiting examples of embodiments of the present invention, it being expressly understood that the invention can be modified as desired by those skilled in the art to achieve the desired functions. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts. The embodiments described below are illustrated to demonstrate the contents and characteristics of the present invention and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications; however, it shall be noted that it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments, and any equivalent modification or variation according to the spirit of the present invention is to be also included within the scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

(15) In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details.

(16) The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

(17) Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, Paragraph 6.

(18) Please note, if used, the labels left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise and counter clockwise have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions between various portions of an object.

(19) (1) Description

(20) Generally made of highly water-repellant thermoset elastomer material, such as silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, or other similar soft, flexible plastic materials, the pouring spout guard device 8 pictured in FIGS. 1-7 is generally comprised of the following elements: a flexible body containing a central channel 1 for engaging the lip of a vessel containing fluids or liquids, such channel formed between an inner latching portion made up of two or more gripping elements or “teeth” 3 and an unbroken outer latching lip 5; a pouring surface 10 flanked by side edge bumps and resolving in a top pouring lip 4.

(21) The outer corners of the inner latching wall contain side edge bumps that aid in channeling the liquids in the vessel 6 as they are being directed out of the vessel and towards the pouring surface 10.

(22) FIG. 1 is a perspective view taken from above of one embodiment of the present invention shown applied to a coffee mug 6. The pouring spout guard 8 is applied to the coffee mug 6 by aligning the central channel 1 over the lip of the coffee mug 7 and pressing the pouring spout guard 8 down, thereby causing the coffee mug lip 7 to be introduced into the central channel 1. Once the lip of the coffee mug 7 is inserted into and surrounded by the central channel 1, the pouring spout guard 8 is held in place by the central channel 1, which operates as a clamp around the lip of the coffee mug 7. The inner gripping elements 3 and the outer latching element 5 provide increased clamping forces which combine with the clamping force of the channel to form a secure grip on the liquid's vessel, thereby keeping the pouring spout guard 8 firmly in place while in use.

(23) FIG. 2 is a top view of one embodiment of the pouring spout guard 8 showing the positioning of the side edge bumps 13 that flank the inner wall elements 3 and serve to channel the liquid towards the pouring surface 10 and top pouring lip 4 over which the liquid will be poured.

(24) FIG. 3 is a perspective top view of one embodiment of the pouring spout guard 8 showing the inner latching portion of the invention broken into three gripping elements 3 with flexibility grooves 2 situated between each of the gripping elements 3. The flexibility grooves 2 allow the degree of curvature of the pouring spout guard 8 to be expanded or compressed as may be required to fit onto vessels of different sizes. The gripping elements 3 are all of substantially the same length in order to provide a balanced counterforce to that created by the outer latching element 5. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, the height of the flexibility grooves 2 is limited so as to better prevent liquid from leaking into the space between the inner wall elements 3 and the inner surface of the vessel 6, as when being poured such leaked liquids could enter the central channel 1 and not only jeopardize the clamping force applied to the vessel 6, but also lead to the liquid dripping down onto the exterior of the vessel. In that preferred embodiment, the flexibility grooves 2 will not extend beyond the point on the inner latching portion which is parallel to the bottom of the outer latching element

(25) FIG. 4 is a bottom view of one embodiment of the invention showing the placement of the central channel 1, situated between the outer latching element 5 and the inner latching portion's gripping elements 3.

(26) FIG. 5 is a front view of one embodiment of the invention showing the inner latching portion broken into three sections, each a gripping element 3, separated by flexibility grooves 2, relative to the central channel 1, the pouring surface 10, pouring lip 4 and side edge bumps 13.

(27) FIG. 6 is a rear view of one embodiment of the invention showing the top pouring lip 4 of the pouring spout guard 8, the positioning of the flexibility grooves 2 separating the inner latching gripping element, as well as showing the relative heights of the outer latching lip 5 in relation to the inner latching gripping elements 3.

(28) FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the pouring spout guard 8, taken along the line B-B of FIG. 6, showing the positioning of the central channel 1, outer latching lip 5, inner latching portion's gripping elements 3, flexibility grooves 2, side edge bumps 13, pouring surface 10 and top pouring lip 4 relative to one another in this embodiment.

(29) As shown in FIG. 1, the removable pouring spout guard 8 can be affixed to any vessel for holding liquid, such as a coffee mug 6, by sliding the pouring spout guard 8 over the lip of the coffee mug 7. The flexibility of the thermoset elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer material combined with the flexibility grooves 2 between the gripping elements 3 of the inner latching portion allows the degree of curvature of the pouring spout guard 8 to be increased or decreased to match the size of the vessel to which it is applied. The coffee cup lip 7 is inserted between the outer latching lip 5 and inner latching portion's gripping elements 3 and the pouring spout guard 8 is pressed downward until the coffee cup lip 7 rests snugly within the central channel 1. Once properly positioned, the pouring spout guard 8 remains in place due to one or more of the following: the frictional coefficient of the elastomer materials from which the pouring spout guard 8 is produced; a c-clamp grip with a hook design at the bottom formed by use of the central channel 1 element; and the tension between the outer latching lip 5 and gripping elements 3. Once firmly positioned over the coffee cup lip 7, the pouring spout guard 8 can be used to pour liquids out of the coffee mug 6 channeled between the side edge bumps 13 over the pouring surface 10 and past the top pouring lip 4. The curvature of the pouring surface 10 narrows from the innermost edge of the pouring surface 10 to the top pouring lip 4, focusing the flow of liquids into a more narrow stream. The side edge bumps 13 channel and focus the liquid into a narrower stream to flow over the pouring surface 10 and top pouring lip 4, which top pouring lip 4 extends the pouring zone beyond the coffee mug lip 7, and aids in averting spillage or dripping down the side of the coffee mug 6. Additionally, by narrowing the width of the stream of liquid passing over the top pouring lip 4, the user has better control over the pouring of the liquid, and is able to direct the liquid into a container with a narrower opening than the vessel from which it is being poured.

(30) The pouring spout guard 8 can also be used as a drinking aid, providing those persons who might otherwise be prone to spilling, such as children, the elderly or persons suffering from various medical afflictions, including Parkinson's disease, with means to reduce dripping and spillage while consuming liquids. A benefit from channeling the liquid into a narrower stream is that it reduces the amount of control necessary to drink from vessels that are fitted with the pouring spout guard 8.

(31) FIG. 8 is a front view of another contemplated alternative embodiment of the invention showing the inner latching portion of pouring spout guard 11 broken into six gripping elements 3, separated by flexibility grooves 2, relative to the central channel 1, the pouring surface 10, pouring lip 4 and side edge bumps 13.

(32) FIG. 9 is a rear view of the alternative embodiment of the invention pictured in FIG. 8 showing the positioning of the flexibility grooves 2 separating the inner latching gripping element, the relative heights of the outer latching lip 5 in relation to the inner latching gripping elements 3, as well as the textured surface 14 on the interior of the inner gripping elements 3 and top pouring lip 4 of this embodiment of the pouring spout guard 11.

(33) FIG. 10 is a front view of yet another contemplated alternative embodiment of the invention showing the inner latching portion of the pouring spout guard 12 broken into two substantially-equal gripping elements 3, separated by a single flexibility groove 2, relative to the central channel 1, the pouring surface 10, pouring lip 4 and side edge bumps 13.

(34) FIG. 11 is a rear view of the alternative embodiment of the invention pictured in FIG. 10 showing the positioning of the flexibility grooves 2 separating the inner latching gripping element, the relative heights of the outer latching lip 5 in relation to the inner latching gripping elements 3, as well as the textured surface 14 on the interior of the inner gripping elements 3 and top pouring lip 4 of this embodiment of the pouring spout guard 12.

(35) The proposed invention is fully described above mentioned but not limited thereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations of this invention provided they fall within the scope of the invention and its equivalent.