초록 ▼

An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against a valve near the spout, causing the valve to invert which unbl

An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against a valve near the spout, causing the valve to invert which unblocks an opening in the valve. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve and spout. When not in use, the valve sits in a resting, closed position, with the valve pressed against a center seal-off, sealing off the opening in the valve assembly. The closed position provides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage, such that inadvertent spills or even deliberate attempts to force liquid outside of the cup, such as by turning the cup upside down, or shaking the cup, are ineffective. The cup assembly further allows liquid flow to be regulated between regular or maximum flow and minimal flow levels or rates by rotating the position of the valve assembly in the cover of the cup.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [3.]3. An apparatus for use in a no-spill drinking cup, comprising:a flexible valve member comprising an opening through said valve member, said valve member having a closed position and an open position, wherein said valve member sits against a blocking element with said opening agains

[ We claim:] [3.]3. An apparatus for use in a no-spill drinking cup, comprising:a flexible valve member comprising an opening through said valve member, said valve member having a closed position and an open position, wherein said valve member sits against a blocking element with said opening against said blocking element when in said closed position such that said blocking element blocks the passage of fluid through said opening in said valve member, and wherein said valve member moves away from said blocking element to allow passage of liquid though said opening of said valve member upon application of negative air pressure to said valve member.