Non-spill container with flow control structure including baffle and elastic membrane having normally-closed pinholes

Abstract

A flow control structure for a non-spill beverage container that includes a tube-like spout defining a flow channel, and a substantially flat membrane supported by the spout over one end of the flow channel, and an annular baffle mounted in the flow channel. The membrane punctured to form multiple, substantially round pinholes arranged in a two-dimensional pattern that remain closed to prevent fluid and air flow under normal atmospheric conditions, and open and to facilitate fluid flow rate through the membrane under an applied pressure differential (e.g., when sucked on by a child). The annular baffle defines an opening that limits differential pressures applied to the membrane when not in use, thereby acting in combination with the membrane to prevent leaks. The baffle opening is also sized such that, during normal use (e.g., sucked on by a child), substantial flow is generated through the membrane.

1 . A flow control structure comprising: 
 a tube-like spout having a first end and a second end, the spout defining a fluid flow channel extending from the first end to the second end of the spout, the flow channel having a first width;    a membrane connected to the spout across the flow channel and positioned adjacent to the first end; and    a baffle located in the flow channel and spaced from the membrane such that a first flow channel region is defined between a first side of the baffle and the membrane, and a second flow channel region is located on a second side of the baffle,    wherein the membrane defines a plurality of normally-closed pinholes, and    wherein the baffle defines an opening communicating between the first and second flow channel regions, said opening having a second width that is smaller than the first width of the flow channel.    
   
   
       2 . The flow control structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the normally-closed pinholes are formed such that when the membrane is subjected to a relatively low pressure differential and the membrane remains undeformed, the plurality of pinholes remain closed to prevent fluid flow between the fluid flow channel and the external region through the membrane, and when the membrane is deformed in response to an applied relatively high pressure differential, the plurality of pinholes open to facilitate fluid flow through the membrane.  
   
   
       3 . The flow control structure according to  claim 1 , 
 wherein the spout defines a central axis,    wherein the membrane is substantially flat and arranged perpendicular to the central axis, and    wherein the baffle parallel to the membrane, and the opening is aligned with the central axis.    
   
   
       4 . The flow control structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the spout and the baffle respectively have a greater rigidity than the membrane such that, when an applied pressure differential is generated between the fluid flow channel and the external region, the membrane undergoes a greater deformation than the spout and the baffle.  
   
   
       5 . The flow control structure according to  claim 4 , wherein the membrane and at least an outer spout portion are integrally connected and comprise at least one of silicone, a thermoplastic elastomer, and soft rubber.  
   
   
       6 . The flow control structure according to  claim 4 , wherein the baffle is integrally connected to an inside surface of the spout.  
   
   
       7 . The flow control structure according to  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a first member including an tube-like outer spout portion and said membrane integrally connected to an end of the outer spout portion; and    a second member including an tube-like inner spout portion defining said flow channel, wherein said baffle is integrally connected to an inside surface of the inner spout portion,    wherein the outer spout portion is mounted over the inner spout portion such that the membrane is positioned adjacent to a first end of the inner spout portion.    
   
   
       8 . A non-spill beverage container comprising: 
 a container body defining a beverage storage chamber and an opening; and    a flow control structure mounted over the opening, the flow control structure including: 
 a tube-like spout having a first end and a second end, the spout defining a fluid flow channel extending from the first end to the second end of the spout, the flow channel having a first width;  
 a membrane connected to the first end of the spout such that the membrane extends across the flow channel; and  
 a baffle located in the flow channel and spaced from the membrane such that a first flow channel region is defined between a first side of the baffle and the membrane, and a second flow channel region is located on a second side of the baffle and communicates with the beverage storage chamber through the opening in the container body,  
   wherein the membrane defines a plurality of normally-closed pinholes, and    wherein the baffle defines an opening communicating between the first and second flow channel regions, said opening having a second width that is smaller than the first width of the flow channel.    
   
   
       9 . The non-spill beverage container according to  claim 8 , wherein the normally-closed pinholes are formed such that when the membrane is subjected to a relatively low pressure differential and the membrane remains undeformed, the plurality of pinholes remain closed to prevent fluid flow between the fluid flow channel and the external region through the membrane, and when the membrane is deformed in response to an applied relatively high pressure differential, the plurality of pinholes open to facilitate fluid flow through the membrane.  
   
   
       10 . The non-spill beverage container according to  claim 8 , 
 wherein the spout defines a central axis,    wherein the membrane is substantially flat and arranged perpendicular to the central axis, and    wherein the baffle parallel to the membrane, and the opening is aligned with the central axis.    
   
   
       11 . The non-spill beverage container according to  claim 8 , wherein the spout and the baffle respectively have a greater rigidity than the membrane such that, when an applied pressure differential is generated between the fluid flow channel and the external region, the membrane undergoes a greater deformation than the spout and the baffle.  
   
   
       12 . The non-spill beverage container according to  claim 11 , wherein the membrane and at least an outer spout portion are integrally connected and comprise at least one of silicone, a thermoplastic elastomer, and soft rubber.  
   
   
       13 . The non-spill beverage container according to  claim 11 , wherein the baffle is integrally connected to an inside surface of the spout.  
   
   
       14 . The non-spill beverage container according to  claim 8 , further comprising: 
 a first member including an tube-like outer spout portion and said membrane integrally connected to an end of the outer spout portion; and    a second member including an tube-like inner spout portion defining said flow channel, wherein said baffle is integrally connected to an inside surface of the inner spout portion,    wherein the outer spout portion is mounted over the inner spout portion such that the membrane is positioned adjacent to a first end of the inner spout portion.    
   
   
       15 . The non-spill beverage container according to  claim 14 , further comprising a cap mounted over the opening defined by the container body, the cap including an upper wall, 
 wherein the flow control member is mounted on the cap such that the spout extends from the upper wall.    
   
   
       16 . The non-spill beverage container according to  claim 15 , 
 wherein the cap includes a mounting structure integrally connected to a bottom surface of the upper wall, and the upper wall defines an outlet passage, and    wherein the second member further comprises a first base arranged such that the inner spout portion extends from the first base and the flow channel extends through an opening defined in the first base, and    wherein the second member is connected to the cap such that the first base is removably attached to the mounting structure and the spout extends through the outlet passage.    
   
   
       17 . The non-spill beverage container according to  claim 15 , 
 wherein the first member further comprises a second base arranged such that the outer spout portion extends from the second base, and    wherein the second member is attached to the mounting structure such that the second base is pressed between the first base and the upper wall of the cap.    
   
   
       18 . The non-spill beverage container according to  claim 15 , 
 wherein the mounting structure comprises a cylindrical wall and includes threads formed on an inside surface of the cylindrical wall, and    wherein the first base of the second member is a disk-shaped structure that includes threads formed on a peripheral edge of the disk-shaped structure that are operably engaged with the threads of the mounting structure.    
   
   
       19 . The non-spill beverage container according to  claim 15 , 
 wherein the mounting structure comprises a cylindrical wall and includes a lip structure formed on an inside surface of the cylindrical wall, and    wherein the first base of the second member is a disk-shaped structure shaped such that a peripheral edge of the disk-shaped structure is snap-coupled the lip of the mounting structure.    
   
   
       20 . A non-spill beverage container comprising: 
 a container body defining a beverage storage chamber and an opening; and    a flow control structure mounted over the opening, the flow control structure including: 
 a tube-like spout having a first end and a second end, the spout defining a fluid flow channel extending from the first end to the second end of the spout, the flow channel having a first width;  
 a valve structure connected to the first end of the spout such that the valve structure is located in the flow channel; and  
 means located in the flow channel between the beverage storage chamber and the valve structure for limiting dynamic fluid pressure applied to the valve structure, said means including at least one opening having a second width that is smaller than the first width of the flow channel.