초록 ▼

A consumable beverage dispenser is provided having a collapsible beverage container, a valve assembly, and a flexible tube or straw. The collapsible beverage container has at least one opening and the valve assembly is secured to the container at the opening. The valve assembly includes a flexible d

A consumable beverage dispenser is provided having a collapsible beverage container, a valve assembly, and a flexible tube or straw. The collapsible beverage container has at least one opening and the valve assembly is secured to the container at the opening. The valve assembly includes a flexible diaphragm disposed across the flow path such that beverage flow is permitted only outwardly from the container. The flexible tube extends outwardly from the valve assembly. When a user exerts sucking action on the end of the flexible tube, beverage is made to flow from the container out through the one-way valve assembly and into the flexible tube. As beverage is withdrawn, the container collapses and, when the user stops drinking, the flexible diaphragm closes to prevent air and back flow from entering the container. In one embodiment, the flexible tube is slidable within the valve assembly between an open and a closed position. In the closed position, the flexible tube secures the flexible diaphragm to the valve seat and thereby prevents fluid flow through the valve assembly. In the open position, the flexible tube is spaced from the flexible diaphragm and thus beverage can flow through the valve assembly and out through the flexible tube in response to sucking action exerted on the end of the flexible tube by a user.

대표청구항 ▼

[ That which is claimed:] [1.] A consumable beverage dispenser, comprising:a collapsible beverage container having at least one opening;a flexible tube having a distal end and a proximate end; anda valve assembly adjacent said opening and operably connected to the proximate end of said flexible tube

[ That which is claimed:] [1.] A consumable beverage dispenser, comprising:a collapsible beverage container having at least one opening;a flexible tube having a distal end and a proximate end; anda valve assembly adjacent said opening and operably connected to the proximate end of said flexible tube such that said valve assembly, said opening, and said flexible tube define a beverage flow path out of said container;said valve assembly having a flexible diaphragm disposed across the flow path permitting beverage flow only outwardly from said container and a generally semicircular disk spacing member having a radius axially extending into said collapsible container and defining a first surface having at least one elongate raised area protruding therefrom, a second surface having at least one elongate raised area protruding therefrom, and a periphery defining at least one notch, such that beverage present in said container is made to flow out of said container through said valve assembly and through said flexible tube when sucking action is exerted by a user on the distal end of said flexible tube and wherein said spacing member prevents said collapsible container from blocking the outward beverage flow of beverage through said valve assembly as beverage is withdrawn and said collapsible container collapses.