Leak-proof spoutless toddler drinking apparatus

Abstract

The embodiments shown provide a leak-proof spoutless toddler drinking apparatus comprised of a containing element and releasably attached led which enables the user to drink from a plurality of drinking cavities about the perimeter of the lid while preventing any leaks. The embodiments further provide an elastic collar affixed to the sidewalls of the lid and flexible pinch valve which is designed to “flex” when a sudden interior forces is placed onto it and captures any excess fluid from leaking through at least one of the plurality of drinking cavities. The ergonomic design further allows infants and toddler to grip the apparatus in one hand and drinking from any point about the perimeter of the lid while minimizing air and pressure accumulations with the apparatus.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A leak proof toddler drinking apparatus comprising:
 a containing element including a first end and a base end; the first end having a larger diameter than a base end diameter and configured to contain a liquid contents; and   a circular spout-less lid to enable a one-way fluid flow between the containing element and a user when a suction force is applied further including:
 a plurality of drinking cavities configured about a top side perimeter; 
 an interior region configured to releasably contain a flexible pinch valve; and 
 an elastic collar affixed about a portion of the perimeter. 
   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first end of the containing element further includes a substantially planar rim surface to provide a hermetic seal when the spoutless rim is releasably attached. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the containing element is further configured in a flute like design to at least minimize an air accumulation within the containing element when at least filled with the liquid contents. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the spoutless lid further includes a plurality of evenly spaced drinking cavities molded about a top side of the lid to allow the user to access the liquid contents from substantially allow positions along a perimeter of the lid. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the spoutless lid further includes an elastic collar positioned an exterior sidewall of the lid to provide a hermetic seal to the liquid contents when the lid is releasbly attached. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the spoutless lid further includes a flexible pinch valve within an interior region of the spoutless lid to at least regulate a flow of the liquid contents when a suction force is applied to at least one of the plurality of drinking cavities. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the flexible pinch valve further includes a plurality of flexible elastic sleeves to prevent a back flow of the liquid contents while not in use. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of flexible elastic sleeves further include a pressure vent to at least vent a differential pressure; the differential pressure corresponding to the difference in air pressure within the containing element and an atmospheric pressure measured outside the containing element. 
     
     
         8 . A leak-proof toddler drinking apparatus comprising:
 a substantially elongated containing element further including a planar rim surface to enable a water-tight seal when a dimensioned lid is releasably attached; and   a substantially annular spoutless lid to regulate a one way flow of a contained liquid and a differential pressure to the mouth of a user including:
 a plurality of elongated drinking cavities configured about the perimeter of a lid surface; 
 an interior region further including a pressure regulating pinch valve; and 
 an elastic collar affixed about a portion of the lid exterior sidewall and configured to create a hermetic seal with an interior sidewall of the containing element. 
   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the containing element is further configured in a flute-like configuration to minimize an accumulated air with the containing element when the contained liquid is present. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the apparatus further includes a substantially annular holding plate further including a plurality of elongated apertures releasably attached to a bottom surface of the lid and configured to channel the contained liquid to the interior region while in use. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the pressure regulating pinch valve is further configured to at least transition from a closed position to an open position when a pre-determined threshold suction pressure from at least one of the plurality of drinking cavities is exceeded. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the pressure regulating pinch valve further includes a plurality of elastic sleeves configured to contain the liquid contents when the apparatus shifts from a substantially horizontal to a substantially vertical position. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the elastic sleeve further includes an elongated leading edge configured to vent a differential pressure when the pressure regulating pinch valve at least transition from the closed position to the open position. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the elongated opening at the leading edge is further configured to at least contain the liquid contents between the interior region and the flexible pinch valve when the apparatus at least transitions from a horizontal position to a vertical 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the vent is further configured to provide a substantially constant flow rate and the threshold suction force while in use in a plurality of atmospheric conditions. 
     
     
         16 . A pressure regulating leak-proof toddler drinking apparatus comprising:
 a substantially annular and elongated containing element further including a substantially planar rim surface at first end to create a hermetic seal when a lid is releasably attached, and second end configured to at least distribute a weight of a contained liquid to a base region; and   a releasably attachable lid configured to regulate a flow of the contained liquid and prevent a leak, further including:
 a plurality of drinking cavities configured to being fluid communications with the mouth of a user and to actuate a flexible pinch valve; 
 an interior region configured to releasably house a flexible pinch valve to provide a one-way fluid flow from the containing element to the plurality of drinking cavities when a suction pressure is sensed; and 
 an low durometer elastic collar affixed about a portion of the exterior wall of the lid and configured to create a hermetic seal when the lid is releasably attached. 
   
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the containing element is further configured in an elongated and narrow design to at least minimize an accumulated air in the apparatus when a contained liquid is present. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , when the flexible pinch valve further includes a plurality of outward extending elastic sleeve configured to absorb a pressure onto an interior surface wall of the flexible pinch valve. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , when the the plurality of outward extending elastic sleeves further enable a differential pressure to be vented out of at least one of the plurality cavities when the apparatus at least transitions from a closed to an open position. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the flexible pinch valve is further configured to contain an accumulated contained liquid with the plurality of elastic sleeves when the apparatus at least transitions from the open to closed position.