Abstract
A drink container is provided. The drink container can include a liquid container and a cap assembly coupled to the liquid container. A mouthpiece assembly of the cap assembly can define a liquid passage through which drink liquid from the liquid container may selectively flow, and can be selectively positioned between a dispensing configuration and a stowed configuration. A dust cover can cover at least a portion of the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration.
Claims
1. A drink container, comprising: a liquid container having a neck with an opening and an internal compartment to hold drink liquid; and a cap assembly removably coupled to the liquid container, the cap assembly comprising: a base removably coupled to the neck of the liquid container; a mouthpiece assembly defining a liquid passage through which drink liquid from the liquid container may selectively flow, the mouthpiece assembly configured to be selectively positioned between a dispensing configuration, in which the liquid passage permits drink liquid to flow from the internal compartment into at least the liquid passage, and a stowed configuration, in which drink liquid is restricted from being dispensed from the liquid container through the liquid passage; a dust cover configured to be selectively positioned in an open configuration, in which the dust cover is outwardly positioned, and a closed configuration, in which the dust cover is configured to cover at least a portion of the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration; and a stowing region formed in the base and configured to receive the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration, the stowing region comprising a first end and a second end, one or more retention detents disposed at the first end and configured to retain the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration, and one or more first stop detents disposed at the second end and configured to prevent the dust cover from moving further into the stowing region in the closed configuration.
2. The drink container of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece assembly is biased to the dispensing configuration.
3. The drink container of claim 1, wherein the one or more retention detents each comprises an upper surface comprising a ramp configured to facilitate movement of the mouthpiece assembly from the dispensing configuration to the stowed configuration, and wherein the one or more retention detents each comprises a lower surface comprising a second stop detent configured to prevent the mouthpiece assembly from moving from the stowed configuration to the dispensing configuration.
4. The drink container of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece assembly comprises one or more retention protrusions configured to engage the one or more retention detents, and wherein each of the one or more retention protrusions extends from a cantilevered arm of the mouthpiece assembly.
5. The drink container of claim 1, wherein the dust cover is biased to the open configuration.
6. The drink container of claim 1, wherein the dust cover is biased to the closed configuration.
7. The drink container of claim 1, wherein the dust cover is configured to be selectively positioned in the closed configuration in both the dispensing configuration and the stowed configuration of the mouthpiece assembly.
8. The drink container of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a spring and a bracket, the spring disposed in the bracket, and wherein the bracket is disposed between one or more dust cover depressions formed in the stowing region and configured to engage with the dust cover and one or more mouthpiece assembly depressions formed in the stowing region and configured to engage with the mouthpiece assembly.
9. A cap assembly, comprising: a base removably coupled to a liquid container; a mouthpiece assembly defining a liquid passage through which drink liquid from the liquid container may selectively flow, the mouthpiece assembly configured to be selectively positioned between a dispensing configuration, in which the liquid passage permits drink liquid to flow from the liquid container into at least the liquid passage, and a stowed configuration, in which drink liquid is restricted from being dispensed from the liquid container through the liquid passage, the mouthpiece assembly comprising a pressure release channel comprising a pressure release outlet, the pressure release channel configured to vent pressure from the liquid container to the pressure release outlet when the mouthpiece assembly is transitioned from the stowed configuration and the dispensing configuration; and a stowing region formed in the base configured to receive the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration, the stowing region comprising one or more retention detents configured to retain the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration.
10. The cap assembly of claim 9, wherein the mouthpiece assembly further comprises a neck defining the liquid passage and a mouthpiece portion comprising the liquid passage, and wherein the mouthpiece portion and the neck are flexible such that the liquid passage and the pressure release channel are both configured to seal when the mouthpiece assembly is transitioned from the dispensing configuration to the stowed configuration as the mouthpiece portion and the neck are crimped.
11. The cap assembly of claim 10, wherein the pressure release outlet is disposed on the neck.
12. The cap assembly of claim 9, wherein the mouthpiece assembly further comprises a dust cover pivotably coupled to the cap assembly and configured to cover at least a portion of the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration.
13. The cap assembly of claim 12, wherein the mouthpiece assembly is positioned in the stowed configuration independent of the pivotable movement of the dust cover.
14. The cap assembly of claim 12, wherein the dust cover does not contact the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration.
15. The cap assembly of claim 9, wherein the liquid passage and the pressure release channel are both configured to seal when the mouthpiece assembly is transitioned from the dispensing configuration to the stowed configuration.
16. A cap assembly comprising: a base removably coupled to a liquid container; a mouthpiece assembly defining a liquid passage through which drink liquid from the liquid container may selectively flow, the mouthpiece assembly configured to be selectively positioned between a dispensing configuration, in which the liquid passage permits drink liquid to flow from the liquid container into at least the liquid passage, and a stowed configuration, in which drink liquid is restricted from being dispensed from the liquid container through the liquid passage; a dust cover pivotably coupled to the cap assembly and configured to cover at least a portion of the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration; and a stowing region formed in the base configured to receive the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration, the stowing region comprising one or more retention detents configured to retain the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration.
17. The cap assembly of claim 16, wherein the base comprises a spring coupled to the dust cover, the spring configured to bias the dust cover in an open configuration, in which the dust cover is outwardly positioned, and a closed configuration, in which the dust cover is configured to cover at least a portion of the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration.
18. The cap assembly of claim 17, wherein the spring is compressed between the open configuration and the closed configuration.
19. The cap assembly of claim 16, wherein the mouthpiece assembly comprises a pressure release channel comprising a pressure release outlet, the pressure release channel configured to vent pressure from the liquid container to the pressure release outlet when the mouthpiece assembly is transitioned from the stowed configuration to the dispensing configuration.
20. The cap assembly of claim 16, wherein the dust cover does not contact the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0054] The disclosed examples will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the disclosed examples, wherein like designations denote like elements.
[0055] FIG. 1 shows an assembly view of a drink container according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0056] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a cap assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of a cap of the cap assembly of FIG. 2.
[0058] FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of a base of the cap assembly of FIG. 2.
[0059] FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of the cap and the base of the cap assembly of FIG. 2.
[0060] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a dust cover of the cap assembly of FIG. 2.
[0061] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a mouthpiece assembly of the cap assembly of FIG. 2.
[0062] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the cap assembly of FIG. 2 with the dust cover in an open configuration.
[0063] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the cap assembly of FIG. 2 with the dust cover in an open configuration and the mouthpiece assembly in a stowed configuration.
[0064] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the cap assembly of FIG. 2 with the dust cover in a closed configuration and the mouthpiece assembly in a stowed configuration.
[0065] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the cap assembly of FIG. 2 with the dust cover in a closed configuration and the mouthpiece assembly in a dispensing configuration.
[0066] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the cap assembly of FIG. 2 with the dust cover in a closed configuration.
[0067] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the base and the dust cover of the cap assembly of FIG. 2 with the dust cover in an open configuration.
[0068] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the base and the dust cover of the cap assembly of FIG. 2.
[0069] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the base and the dust cover of the cap assembly of FIG. 2 with the dust cover in a closed configuration.
[0070] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the drink container of FIG. 1.
[0071] FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of a mouthpiece portion of the cap assembly of FIG. 2.
[0072] FIG. 18 shows a side view of a mouthpiece portion of the cap assembly of FIG. 2.
[0073] FIG. 19 shows a cross-section view of the drink container FIG. 1 along line 19-19.
[0074] FIG. 20 shows a perspective view a mouthpiece portion of the cap assembly of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0075] The novel systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these examples are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings herein, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the scope of the disclosure can be intended to cover any variation of the novel systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of, or combined with, any other features of the disclosure.
[0076] It will be recognized that while certain examples of the disclosure are described in terms of a specific sequence of steps of a method, these descriptions are only illustrative of the broader methods of the disclosure, and may be modified as required by the particular application. Certain steps may be rendered unnecessary or optional under certain circumstances. Additionally, certain steps or functionality may be added to the disclosed examples, or the order of performance of two or more steps permuted. All such variations are considered to be encompassed within the disclosure disclosed and claimed herein.
[0077] Beverage containers are useful for carrying a beverage for consumption by a user. Beverage containers come in a variety of configurations and are used to carry a variety of beverages for consumption by a user. For example, some beverage containers can be used during sporting activities in outdoor environments. In such applications, beverage containers can be exposed to elements including dirt and wind that can impart debris onto the beverage containers. When not in use, beverage containers can be stored in environments containing dust that can additionally be imparted onto the beverage containers. Debris and dust can particularly contact a mouthpiece portion, or spout, which can be the portion of a beverage container through which a user can consume a beverage contained in the beverage container. It can thus be important to maintain cleanliness of the mouthpiece portion and to limit or prevent debris and dust from contacting the mouthpiece portion. Accordingly, a need exists to provide a beverage container that limits or prevents debris and dust from contaminating a mouthpiece portion through which a user can consume a beverage contained in the beverage container.
[0078] Beverage containers described herein can include a container having a liquid compartment to contain a beverage and a cap assembly to close the container. The cap assembly can provide a mouthpiece assembly for allowing consumption of the beverage by the user. For example, the mouthpiece assembly can include a mouthpiece portion, or drink spout, through which a beverage contained in the container can be dispensed. The mouthpiece assembly can be shifted to a dispensing configuration to allow the beverage to be dispensed and therefore consumed by the user. When the user is finished dispensing or consuming a beverage, the mouthpiece assembly can be shifted to a stowed configuration. The cap assembly can include a stowing region that can receive the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration.
[0079] A dust cover can be selectively positioned such that the dust cover can cover at least a portion of the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration. In this way, the dust cover can limit or prevent debris and dust from contacting at least a portion of the mouthpiece assembly, such as the mouthpiece portion, when the beverage container is not in use. The mouthpiece assembly can be positioned in the stowed configuration independent of the position of the dust cover. Accordingly, the dust cover does not need to retain the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration. This can support repeatability of movement of the mouthpiece assembly between the stowed configuration and the dispensing configuration, and the dust cover, as no component is retaining another and impairing further retention or movement. In addition, as the mouthpiece assembly is transitioned from the stowed configuration and the dispensing configuration, the mouthpiece assembly can vent pressure. As described herein, the mouthpiece assembly can include a liquid passage to dispense a beverage contained in an internal compartment of the beverage container and a pressure release channel to vent pressure from the internal compartment.
[0080] FIG. 1 shows a drink container 10, according to an exemplary embodiment. Drink container 10 can include a liquid container 12. Liquid container 12 can include a neck 14 with an opening 16 and an internal compartment 18 to hold drink liquid, such as a hot or cold beverage. Neck 14 can receive a cap assembly 100 of drink container 10. For example, both neck 14 and cap assembly 100 can be threaded such that cap assembly 100 can screw onto neck 14 to couple cap assembly 100 and liquid container 12. Neck 14 can include internal threading that receives external threading of cap assembly 100. External threading of cap assembly 100 can correspond to internal threading of neck 14. Neck 14 and cap assembly 100 can be coupled by an additional or alternative fastener, such as a press fit. Cap assembly 100 can be removably coupled to liquid container 12. In this way, a user of drink container 10 can close opening 16 of liquid container 12 by coupling cap assembly 100 to liquid container 12, and alternatively remove cap assembly 100 from liquid container 12, such as to add or remove drink liquid.
[0081] Cap assembly 100 is shown in FIG. 2, according to an exemplary embodiment. With reference to FIGS. 1-2, cap assembly 100 can include a base 120. Base 120 can be removably coupled to neck 14 of liquid container 12, such as via a bottom surface 124 of base 120. Base 120, such as bottom surface 124, can include threading to screw onto neck 14. Additionally or alternatively, base 120 can be press fit onto neck 14 to couple cap assembly 100 to liquid container 12. Cap assembly 100 can also include a handle 118 to facilitate holding and transporting drink container 12. Handle 118 can extend from base 120. A mouthpiece assembly 140 and a dust cover 170 of cap assembly 100 will be discussed further below. A cap 110 of cap assembly 100 is shown in FIG. 3, according to an exemplary embodiment. Cap 110 can include one or more depressions to receive one or more other components of cap assembly 100. As shown, cap 110 can include a groove 112 to couple cap 110 and base 120, shown in FIG. 4, according to an exemplary embodiment. With reference to FIGS. 3-4, base 120 can include an aperture 126 to receive groove 112 to couple cap 110 to base 120. Aperture 126 can be a radial aperture extending along an outer perimeter of base 120.
[0082] Like cap 110, base 120 can receive one or more other components of cap assembly 100 (FIG. 2), such as along a top surface 122 of base 120 opposing bottom surface 124. Referring to FIG. 4, cap assembly 100 can include a stowing region 200 formed in base 120 to receive one or more other components of cap assembly 100, such as mouthpiece assembly 140 (FIG. 2) and dust cover 170 (FIG. 2). Stowing region 200 can be formed on top surface 122. As shown, stowing region 200 can include a first end 202 and a second end 204 opposing first end 202. First end 202 and second end 204 can be opposite sides of base 120 divided by a centerline A. Base 120 can include one or more sidewalls, such as a sidewall 206, extending from top surface 122, and from first end 202 to second end 204.
[0083] Base 120, such as along sidewall 206, can include one or more features to retain one or more components of cap assembly 100 (FIG. 2) in stowing region 200, such as mouthpiece assembly 140 (FIG. 2) and dust cover 170 (FIG. 2). For example, base 120 can include one or more retention detents 208 extending from sidewall 206. Retention detents 208 can engage mouthpiece assembly 140 in stowing region 200. Retention detents 208 can be shaped to retain mouthpiece assembly 140 in stowing region 200. Cap assembly 100, such as base 120, can also include one or more stop detents 218 extending from sidewall 206. Stop detents 218 can engage dust cover 170 in stowing region 200. Stop detents 218 can be shaped to prevent dust cover 170 from moving further into stowing region 200. As shown, retention detents 208 can be disposed at first end 202 and stop detents 218 can be disposed at second end 204.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 5, according to an exemplary embodiment, retention detent 208 can include an upper surface 210 and a lower surface 214 opposing upper surface 210. Upper surface 210 and lower surface 214 can be shaped to retain mouthpiece assembly 140 (FIG. 2) in stowing region 200, such as mouthpiece portion 146. For example, upper surface 210 can include a ramp 212, or inclined surface, to facilitate movement of mouthpiece assembly 140 into stowing region 200. In this way, as mouthpiece assembly 140 is lowered into stowing region 200, mouthpiece assembly 140 can slide along ramp 212 when engaged with retention detent 208. Lower surface 214 can include a stop detent 216 to retain mouthpiece assembly in stowing region 200 and prevent mouthpiece assembly 140 from moving out of stowing region 200.
[0085] Cap 110 and base 120 can be coupled to receive and retain one or more components of cap assembly 100 (FIG. 2), as shown in FIG. 5. For example, base 120, such as along sidewall 206 can include one or more base mouthpiece assembly depressions 220 formed in stowing region 200. Base mouthpiece assembly depressions 220 can correspond to one or more cap mouthpiece assembly depressions 114 of cap 110 to receive mouthpiece assembly 140 (FIG. 2). Similarly, base 120, such as along sidewall 206, can include one or more base dust cover depressions 222 formed in stowing region 200. Base dust cover depressions 222 can correspond to one or more cap dust cover depressions 116 of cap 110 to receive dust cover 170 (FIG. 2).
[0086] With reference to FIGS. 4-5, base mouthpiece assembly depressions 220 and cap mouthpiece assembly depressions 114 can be disposed at first end 202 of base 120, while base dust cover depressions 222 and cap dust cover depressions 116 can be disposed at second end 204 of base 120. Base 120, such as along sidewall 206 can also include one or more features to facilitate movement of components into and out of stowing region 200, such as mouthpiece assembly 140 (FIG. 2). For example, base 120 can include a bracket 128 to engage with mouthpiece assembly 140. Bracket 128 can extend from sidewall 206, and can be disposed at first end 202 of base 120. In this way, bracket 128 can be disposed between base mouthpiece assembly depressions 220 and base dust cover depressions 222, and between cap mouthpiece assembly depressions 114 and cap dust cover depressions 116.
[0087] Dust cover 170, shown in FIG. 6, according to an exemplary embodiment, can be received by base dust cover depressions 222 (FIG. 5) and cap dust cover depressions 116 (FIG. 5). Referring to FIGS. 5-6, dust cover 170 can include one or more cams 176 to engage with base dust cover depressions 222. Cams 176 can also engage with cap dust cover depressions 116. Cams 176 can be projections that extend through base dust cover depressions 222 and cap dust cover depressions 116. Cams 176 can rotate relative to base dust cover depressions 222 and cap dust cover depressions 116 such that dust cover 170 alternately engages and disengages stop detents 218. As shown, a catch 190 can extend from cam 176, catch 190 having a first side 178 and a second 180 opposing second side 180.
[0088] Mouthpiece assembly 140, shown in FIG. 7, according to an exemplary embodiment, can be received by base mouthpiece assembly depressions 220 (FIG. 5) and cap mouthpiece assembly depressions 114 (FIG. 5). Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, mouthpiece assembly 140 can include one or more retention protrusions 160 to engage with base mouthpiece assembly depressions 220. Retention protrusions 160 can also engage with cap mouthpiece assembly depressions 114. Retention protrusions 160 can extend through base mouthpiece assembly depressions 220 and cap mouthpiece assembly depressions 114. Retention protrusions 160 can rotate relative to base mouthpiece assembly depressions 220 and cap mouthpiece assembly depressions 114 such that mouthpiece assembly 140 alternately engages and disengages retention detents 208. As shown mouthpiece assembly 140 can include a collar 154. Collar 154 can extend around, or encircle one or more portions of mouthpiece assembly 140. Collar 154 can include retention protrusions 160 such that retention protrusions 160 extend from collar 154. Accordingly, collar 154 can be pivotably coupled to cap assembly 100 (FIG. 2).
[0089] Referring to FIG. 7, mouthpiece assembly 140 can define a liquid passage 148 in fluid communication with internal compartment 18 (FIG. 1) of drink container 10 (FIG. 1) when cap assembly 100 (FIG. 2) is coupled to liquid container 12 (FIG. 1). In this way, drink liquid from liquid container 12 can selectively flow through liquid passage 148. Mouthpiece assembly 140 can include a mouthpiece portion 146 extending from collar 154 and having liquid passage 148. Liquid passage 148 can extend through mouthpiece assembly 140, such as through one end of mouthpiece assembly 140 to the opposing end of mouthpiece assembly 140, such as through mouthpiece portion 146, such as through one end of mouthpiece portion 146 to the opposing end of mouthpiece portion 146. Mouthpiece portion 146 can be a flow valve that allows liquid to pass through when a user sucks, or inhales through, mouthpiece portion 146, such as with their mouth. When outside of stowing region 200 (FIG. 5), a user can access a mouthpiece portion 146, and a dispensing outlet 149 at the end of liquid passage 148 to consume the drink liquid. Dispensing outlet 149 can be formed as a hole to allow liquid to pass through. When lowered into stowing region 200 the user can be blocked from accessing mouthpiece portion 146. In other words, the drink liquid can be restricted from being dispensed from liquid container 12 through liquid passage 148. Collar 154 can include a thumb tab 156 can receive a portion of a user's hand to move mouthpiece assembly 140 into and out of stowing region 200.
[0090] Mouthpiece assembly 140 can include one or more components to engage retention detents 208 (FIG. 5) as mouthpiece assembly 140 is lowered into stowing region 200 (FIG. 5). For example, mouthpiece assembly 140 can include one or more retention protrusions 160 to engage retention detents 208. Retention protrusions 160 can extend from mouthpiece assembly 140, such as collar 154. As shown, collar 154 can include one or more cantilevered arms 158, where cantilevered arms 158 can include retention protrusions 160. Retention protrusions 160 can extend from cantilevered arms 158 to engage retention detents 208. As cantilevered arms 158 engage retention detents 208, cantilevered arms 158 can be pushed inward toward collar 154. As mouthpiece assembly 140 is further lowered into stowing region 200, cantilevered arms 158 can pass retention detents 208. As discussed above, retention detents 208 can include ramps 212 (FIG. 5) on upper surfaces 214 (FIG. 5) to allow cantilevered arms 158 to pass. Retention protrusions 160 extending from cantilevered arms 158 can include chamfers 162, or another shape, to facilitate cantilevered arms 158 passing retention detents 208. After passing retention detents 208, cantilevered arms 158 can extend outwardly toward sidewall 206 (FIG. 5) of stowing region 200. Retention protrusions 160 can include one or more stop detents 164 to engage stop detents 216 (FIG. 5) of retention detents 208 as cantilevered arms 158 extend outwardly. Stop detents 164, like stop detents 216, can include flat surfaces such that retention protrusions 160 are retained against retention detents 208. In this way, mouthpiece assembly 140 can be retained in stowing region 200.
[0091] Movement of mouthpiece assembly 140 into and out of stowing region 200, and between a dispensing configuration 142 and a stowed configuration 144, is shown in FIGS. 8-12, according to exemplary embodiments. Movement of dust cover 170 is also shown between an open configuration 172 and a closed configuration 174. Dust cover 170 can be pivotably coupled to cap assembly 100 (FIG. 2) to cover at least a portion of mouthpiece assembly 140 in stowed configuration 144. Dust cover 170 can be selectively positioned in open configuration 172, in which dust cover 170 is outwardly positioned, and a closed configuration 174, in which dust cover 170 can cover at least a portion of mouthpiece assembly 140 in stowed configuration 144.
[0092] Dust cover 170 can be in an open configuration 172 in FIG. 8. When dust cover is in open configuration 172, mouthpiece portion 146 can be outside of stowing region 200. Stowing region 200 formed in base 120 (FIG. 4) can receive mouthpiece assembly 140 in stowed configuration 144. As shown in FIG. 9, mouthpiece assembly 140 can be lowered into stowing region 200 such that mouthpiece assembly 140 is stowed in stowing region 200. In this position, mouthpiece assembly 140 can be in stowed configuration 144. In stowed configuration 144, dust cover 170 can remain in open configuration 172. However, as mouthpiece assembly 140 is lowered into stowing region 200 to move to stowed configuration 144 mouthpiece assembly 140 can contact dust cover 170, which can pivot slightly via the contact. In other words, mouthpiece assembly 140 can engage dust cover 170 when moving between dispensing configuration 142 (FIG. 12) and stowed configuration 144. Dust cover 170 does not fully pivot though, such as to closed configuration 174, and does not retain mouthpiece assembly 140 in stowed configuration 144. Rather, retention detents 208 (FIG. 5) retain mouthpiece assembly 140 in stowed configuration 144. Retention detents 208 extending from sidewall 206 (FIG. 5) into stowing region 200 can retain mouthpiece assembly 140 in stowed configuration 144.
[0093] Dust cover 170 can fully pivot to be in closed configuration 174, shown in FIG. 10. In closed configuration 174, dust cover 170 can engage stop detents 218 (FIG. 5). Stop detents 218 can prevent dust cover 170 from moving further into stowing region 200. Mouthpiece assembly 140 being in stowed configuration 144 can be covered by dust cover 170 in closed configuration 174. In this way, dust cover 170 can limit or prevent debris or dust from contacting and contaminating at least a portion of mouthpiece assembly 140. As dust cover 170 can engage stop detents 218 in closed configuration 174, dust cover 170 does not contact mouthpiece assembly 140 in stowed configuration 144.
[0094] In stowed configuration 144, the user can be blocked from accessing mouthpiece portion 146. In other words, drink liquid contained in drink container 10 (FIG. 1) can be restricted from being dispensed from mouthpiece assembly 140. When mouthpiece assembly 140 is in stowed configuration 144, dust cover 170 can alternatively be in open configuration 172. Accordingly, dust cover 170 can be selectively positioned in open configuration 172 in both dispensing configuration 142 (FIG. 11) and stowed configuration 144 of mouthpiece assembly 140. In other words, mouthpiece assembly 140 can be in stowed configuration 144 independent of the pivotably movement of dust cover 170.
[0095] Mouthpiece portion 146 can be a flexible tube that can be expanded and collapsed to allow and block dispensing, respectively. In stowed configuration 144, mouthpiece portion 146 can be collapsed, or crimped, in at least a portion of mouthpiece portion 146. In this way, dispensing of liquid can be blocked. Mouthpiece portion 146 can be collapsed in stowed configuration 144 to limit or prevent leaking in stowed configuration 144 when dispensing is blocked.
[0096] Mouthpiece portion 146 can be in dispensing configuration 142, as shown in FIG. 11. Mouthpiece portion 146 can be biased to dispensing configuration 142, such as via a spring. In dispensing configuration 142, mouthpiece portion 146 can be accessible to a user such that a user can consume drink liquid from drink container 10 (FIG. 1) via liquid passage 148 and dispensing outlet 149. Dust cover 170 can be in closed configuration 174 when mouthpiece assembly 140 is in dispensing configuration 142. Dust cover 170 can alternatively be in open configuration 172 (FIG. 8) when mouthpiece assembly 140 is in dispensing configuration 142. In this way, dust cover 170 can be selectively positioned in closed configuration 174 in both dispensing configuration 142 and stowed configuration 144 (FIG. 10) of mouthpiece assembly 140.
[0097] Dust cover 170 can be in a closed configuration 174 in FIG. 12. When dust cover 170 is in closed configuration 174, mouthpiece portion 146 can be outside of stowing region 200. When mouthpiece portion 146 is outside of stowing region 200 and dust cover 170 is closed, mouthpiece portion 146 can be prevented from lowering into stowing region 200 to be in stowed configuration 144.
[0098] Dust cover 170 moving between open configuration 172 and closed configuration 174 with cap 110 (FIG. 2) removed is shown in FIGS. 13-15, according to exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 13, dust cover 170 can be in open configuration 172 via a spring 130. Base 120 can include spring 130. Spring 130 can be disposed in bracket 128 and coupled to cam 176 of dust cover 170. Spring 130 can include a coil 132 and an arm 134 extending from coil 132. Coil 132 can be disposed in bracket 128 and arm can be coupled to cam 176. Catch 190 can include a groove to receive coil 132. Spring 130 can bias dust cover 170 to open configuration 172, as shown. In open configuration 172, second side 180 of catch 190 can be closer to or face arm 134.
[0099] As shown in FIG. 14, dust cover 170 can pivot to move towards closed configuration 174 (FIG. 15). Between open configuration 172 (FIG. 13) and closed configuration 174, spring 130 can be compressed. In this way, dust cover 170 can be urged toward either open configuration 172 and closed configuration 174. As shown in FIG. 15, dust cover 170 can be in closed configuration 174 via spring 130. Spring 130 can bias dust cover 170 to closed configuration 174. Accordingly, spring 130 can bias dust cover 170 to both open configuration 172 and closed configuration 174.
[0100] Referring to FIGS. 16-19, according to exemplary embodiments, mouthpiece assembly 140 can facilitate both consumption of drink liquid contained in liquid container 12 and venting of excess pressure from liquid container 12. Mouthpiece assembly 140 can include mouthpiece portion 146 having dispensing outlet 149 to dispense liquid from internal compartment 18 (FIG. 1) of liquid container 12. With reference to FIG. 17, mouthpiece assembly 140 can include a neck 147. Neck 147 can be connected to mouthpiece portion 146 and can include liquid passage 148 leading to dispensing outlet 149. Mouthpiece portion 146 and neck 147 can be integrally formed. Neck 147 accordingly can define liquid passage 148 extending from internal compartment 18 (FIG. 1) to mouthpiece portion 146. Neck 147 can also include a pressure release channel 150. Pressure release channel 150 can be separate from liquid passage 148. As shown in FIG. 19, pressure release channel 150 can extend from internal compartment 18 to a pressure release outlet 152. Pressure release outlet 152 can be disposed on neck 147. Pressure release outlet 152 can be an opening, such as a through-opening, formed through neck 147. In this way, pressure release channel 150 can vent pressure from internal compartment 18 to pressure release outlet 152. Venting can occur when mouthpiece assembly 140 is transitioned from stowed configuration 144 to dispensing configuration 142. Liquid passage 148 and pressure release channel 150 can seal when mouthpiece assembly 140 is transitioned from stowed configuration 144 and dispensing configuration 142.
[0101] Like mouthpiece portion 146, neck 147 can be a flexible tube that can be expanded and collapsed to allow and block pressure release, respectively.
[0102] In stowed configuration 144, neck 147, like mouthpiece portion 146 can be collapsed, or crimped, in at least a portion of neck 147. In this way, pressure release outlet 152 can be collapsed, limiting or preventing liquid leakage from pressure release outlet 152 when mouthpiece assembly 140 is in stowed configuration 144. In other words, mouthpiece portion 146 and neck 147 can be flexible such that liquid passage 148 and pressure release channel 150 are both sealed when mouthpiece assembly 140 is transitioned from dispensing configuration 142 to stowed configuration 144 as mouthpiece portion 146 and neck 147 are crimped. As a user can position drink container 10 (FIG. 1) upright, or generally upright, drink liquid from liquid container 12 (FIG. 1) can remain in liquid container 12 as mouthpiece assembly 140 is transitioned from dispensing configuration 142 to stowed configuration 144.
[0103] As pressure release is blocked in stowed configuration 144, pressure can build. Accordingly, venting can occur when mouthpiece assembly 140 is transitioned from stowed configuration 144 to dispensing configuration 142 as pressure that is built is primed for release once neck 147 is expanded again and pressure release outlet 152 is therefore expanded. Pressure that is built is released through pressure release outlet 152 rather than liquid passage 148, limiting or preventing liquid from releasing, or being ejected, as mouthpiece assembly 140 is transitioned to dispensing configuration 142.
[0104] Referring to FIG. 20, mouthpiece assembly 140 (FIG. 2) can include a mouthpiece portion 146b extending from collar 154 (FIG. 2) and having liquid passage 148b. Liquid passage 148b can extend through mouthpiece assembly 140, such as through one end of mouthpiece assembly 140 to the opposing end of mouthpiece assembly 140, such as through mouthpiece portion 146b, such as through one end of mouthpiece portion 146b to the opposing end of mouthpiece portion 146b. Mouthpiece portion 146b can be a bite valve that allows liquid to pass through when a user squeezes mouthpiece portion 146b, such as with their teeth or mouth. When outside of stowing region 200 (FIG. 5), a user can access a mouthpiece portion 146b, and dispensing outlet 149b at the end of liquid passage 148b to consume the drink liquid. Dispensing outlet 149b can be formed as a slit that expands when the user squeezes mouthpiece portion 146b to allow liquid to pass through. When lowered into stowing region 200 the user can be blocked from accessing mouthpiece portion 146b. In other words, the drink liquid can be restricted from being dispensed from liquid container 12 (FIG. 2) through liquid passage 148b.
[0105] Please have Adam draft at least one drawing of the bite valve. Then add some description regarding the bite valve and explain that the bite valve can be used in place of the valve shown in all of the other figures.
[0106] It should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or examples of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to include any specific characteristics of the features or examples of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. Terms and phrases used in this application, and variations thereof, especially in the appended claims, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open-ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing, the term including should be read to mean including, without limitation, including but not limited to, or the like; the term comprising as used herein is synonymous with including, containing, or characterized by, and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps; the term having should be interpreted as having at least; the term such as should be interpreted as such as, without limitation; the term includes should be interpreted as includes but is not limited to; the term example is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, and should be interpreted as example, but without limitation; adjectives such as known, normal, standard, and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass known, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future; and use of terms like preferably, preferred, desired, or desirable, and words of similar meaning should not be understood as implying that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the present disclosure, but instead as merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular example.
[0107] Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction and should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as and/or unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction or should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should be read as and/or unless expressly stated otherwise. The terms about or approximate and the like are synonymous and are used to indicate that the value modified by the term has an understood range associated with it, where the range may be 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, or 1%. The term substantially is used to indicate that a result (e.g., measurement value) is close to a targeted value, where close may mean, for example, the result is within 80% of the value, within 90% of the value, within 95% of the value, or within 99% of the value. Also, as used herein defined or determined may include predefined or predetermined and/or otherwise determined values, conditions, thresholds, measurements, and the like.
