Patent · US Expired

Lip actuated valve closure for a drinking bottle

US6938794B2 · kind B2 · utility

7Cited by
21References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateApr 25, 2002
Grant dateSep 6, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 26, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB65D47/243
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A closure for a liquid container, such as a sports drink bottle, includes a base component that is engaged over the mouth of the container, and a cap component engaged on the base component for movement from a closed position to an open position by pressure from the lips of the consumer. The base component includes a valve element supported on a fenestrated pedestal. The cap component includes a body defining a drinking surface for contacting the lips of the consumer and an annular sealing disc recessed below the drinking surface. The sealing disc is retained by the valve element against the force of a resiliently deformable seal disposed between the base component and the cap component. The seal has a sealing rim that is in constant contact with the base portion and provides an upward spring force to hold the sealing disc in the normally closed position. The seal includes a flexible hinge that allows the resiliently deformable seal to bow outward or bellows when the cap is depressed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.