Cup insert providing volume and flow regulation

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an insert for a drinking vessel that limits the flow rate and volume of the liquid to be delivered to a user. The illustrative insert includes a cap for interfacing with the drinking vessel, the cap forming an outlet for delivery of the liquid, and a stem forming a reservoir for controlling the volume of the liquid to be delivered and a channel connecting the reservoir with the outlet.

1 . An insert for use with a drinking vessel, the insert comprising:
 a cap having a floor;   a splash guard disposed centrally on the cap, the splash guard covering and spaced apart from an outlet formed in the cap;   a stem body coupled to the cap;   an opening formed in the stem body, the opening in communication with a volume regulator for holding a predetermined amount of liquid; and   a flow regulator formed between the opening of the stem body and the outlet of the cap.   
     
     
         2 . The insert of  claim 1 , further comprising an indicator disposed on the splash guard to indicate the location of the outlet of the cap. 
     
     
         3 . The insert of  claim 1 , the stem body forming a cut-out portion. 
     
     
         4 . The insert of  claim 1 , wherein the stem body is removably coupled to the cap. 
     
     
         5 . The insert of  claim 1 , further comprising an upper seal disposed around a perimeter of the floor of the cap. 
     
     
         6 . The insert of  claim 5 , further comprising a lower seal located around a perimeter of the stem body. 
     
     
         7 . The insert of  claim 6 , wherein a lip of the drinking vessel is received between the floor of the cap and the lower seal. 
     
     
         8 . The insert of  claim 1 , wherein the volume regulator comprises a reservoir. 
     
     
         9 . The insert of  claim 1 , wherein the flow regulator comprises a channel. 
     
     
         10 . The insert of  claim 9 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the channel defines the flow rate of the liquid. 
     
     
         11 . An insert for use with a drinking vessel, the insert comprising:
 a cap having a floor, the cap forming an outlet;   a stem body coupled to the cap;   a volume regulator formed within the stem body; and   a flow regulator formed within the stem body.   
     
     
         12 . The insert of  claim 11 , wherein the volume regulator comprises a reservoir formed within the stem body. 
     
     
         13 . The insert of  claim 12 , wherein the flow regulator comprises a channel formed within the stem body. 
     
     
         14 . The insert of  claim 13 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the channel defines the flow rate of a liquid held by the drinking vessel. 
     
     
         15 . The insert of  claim 11 , further comprising a splash guard disposed centrally on the cap, the splash guard covering and spaced apart from the outlet. 
     
     
         16 . The insert of  claim 11 , wherein the stem body is removably coupled to the cap. 
     
     
         17 . The insert of  claim 16 , further comprising an upper seal disposed around a perimeter of the floor of the cap. 
     
     
         18 . The insert of  claim 17 , further comprising a lower seal located around a perimeter of the stem body, wherein a lip of the drinking vessel is received between the floor of the cap and the lower seal. 
     
     
         19 . The insert of  claim 1 , the insert further comprising an indicator disposed on the splash guard to indicate the location of the outlet of the cap. 
     
     
         20 . The insert of  claim 1 , the stem body forming a cut-out portion.