Drink Container

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/642,235, filed May 3, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates to a drink container, such as a drink container with a movable mouthpiece assembly and dust cover.

Beverage containers come in a variety of configurations and are used to carry a variety of beverages for consumption by a user. Generally, beverage containers comprise a container to contain a beverage and a cap assembly to close the container and provide a mouthpiece assembly for allowing consumption of the beverage by the user. The cap assembly can be removably coupled to the container and can facilitate shifting the mouthpiece assembly between a stowed configuration in which the beverage cannot be consumed and a dispensing configuration in which the beverage can be consumed. It can be desirable to achieve repeatability of movement for movable parts of the cap assembly and to limit or prevent degradation.

Embodiments provide a drink container. The drink container can include a liquid container having a neck with an opening and an internal compartment to hold drink liquid; and a cap assembly removably coupled to the liquid container. The cap assembly can include a base removably coupled to the neck of the liquid container and a mouthpiece assembly defining a liquid passage through which drink liquid from the liquid container may selectively flow. The mouthpiece assembly can be selectively positioned between a dispensing configuration, in which the liquid passage permits drink liquid to flow from the internal compartment into at least the liquid passage, and a stowed configuration, in which drink liquid can be restricted from being dispensed from the liquid container through the liquid passage. The cap assembly can also include a dust cover to be selectively positioned in an open configuration, in which the dust cover can be outwardly positioned, and a closed configuration, in which the dust cover can cover at least a portion of the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration. The cap assembly can also include a stowing region formed in the base to receive the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration, the stowing region including a first end and a second end, one or more retention detents disposed at the first end to retain the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration, and one or more first stop detents disposed at the second end to prevent the dust cover from moving further into the stowing region in the closed configuration.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly is biased to the dispensing configuration.

In some embodiments, the one or more retention detents each include an upper surface including a ramp to facilitate movement of the mouthpiece assembly from the dispensing configuration to the stowed configuration.

In some embodiments, the one or more retention detents each include a lower surface including a second stop detent to prevent the mouthpiece assembly from moving from the stowed configuration to the dispensing configuration.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly includes one or more retention protrusions to engage the one or more retention detents.

In some embodiments, each of the one or more retention protrusions extends from a cantilevered arm of the mouthpiece assembly.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly includes a collar and a mouthpiece portion extending from the collar, the mouthpiece portion including the liquid passage. In some embodiments, the collar is pivotably coupled to the cap assembly. In some embodiments, the collar includes one or more mouthpiece protrusions to engage with one or more mouthpiece assembly depressions formed in the stowing region.

In some embodiments, the dust cover is biased to the open configuration. In some embodiments, the dust cover is biased to the closed configuration.

In some embodiments, the dust cover is biased to the closed configuration.

In some embodiments, the dust cover is selectively positioned in the closed configuration in both the dispensing configuration and the stowed configuration of the mouthpiece assembly.

In some embodiments, the dust cover includes one or more cams to engage with one or more dust cover depressions formed in the stowing region. In some embodiments, the base includes a spring, the spring coupled to one of the one or more cams. In some embodiments, the base further includes a bracket, the spring disposed in the bracket. The bracket is disposed between the one or more dust cover depressions and one or more mouthpiece assembly depressions formed in the stowing region to engage with the mouthpiece assembly.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly includes a pressure release channel including a pressure release outlet, the pressure release channel to vent pressure from the internal compartment to the pressure release outlet when the mouthpiece assembly is transitioned from the stowed configuration to the dispensing configuration. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly further includes a collar and a mouthpiece portion extending from the collar, the mouthpiece portion including the liquid passage. The collar is to at least partially enclose the stem.

Embodiment also provide a cap assembly. The cap assembly can include a base removably coupled to a liquid container and including a top surface; a mouthpiece assembly defining a liquid passage through which drink liquid from the liquid container may selectively flow, the mouthpiece assembly to be selectively positioned between a dispensing configuration, in which the liquid passage permits drink liquid to flow from the liquid container into at least the liquid passage, and a stowed configuration, in which drink liquid can be restricted from being dispensed from the liquid container through the liquid passage; a dust cover pivotably coupled to the cap assembly and to cover at least a portion of the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration; and a stowing region formed in the base to receive the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration, the stowing region including one or more sidewalls extending from the top surface and one or more retention detents extending from the one or more sidewalls, the one or more retention detents to retain the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration.

In some embodiments, the cap assembly can include one or more stop detents extending from the one or more sidewalls, the one or more stop detents to prevent the dust cover from moving further into the stowing region. The stowing region includes a first end and a second end. The one or more retention detents are disposed at the first end, and the one or more stop detents are disposed at the second end.

In some embodiments, the cap assembly can include a cap including a groove. The base includes a radial aperture to receive the groove to couple the cap to the base. In some embodiments, the stowing region includes one or more first mouthpiece assembly depressions. The cap includes one or more second mouthpiece assembly depressions. The one or more first mouthpiece assembly depressions are aligned with the one or more second mouthpiece assembly depressions when the cap and the base are coupled. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly includes one or more protrusions to engage with the one or more first mouthpiece assembly depressions and the one or more second mouthpiece assembly depressions.

In some embodiments, the dust cover includes one or more cams to engage with one or more dust cover depressions formed in the stowing region. In some embodiments, the base includes a spring coupled to one of the one or more cams, the spring to bias the dust cover in an open configuration, in which the dust cover is outwardly positioned, and a closed configuration, in which the dust cover is to cover at least a portion of the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration. In some embodiments, the spring is coupled to a bracket disposed between the one or more dust cover depressions and one or more mouthpiece assembly depressions formed in the stowing region and to engage with the mouthpiece assembly. In some embodiments, the spring is compressed between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly is positioned in the stowed configuration independent of the pivotable movement of the dust cover.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly can engage the dust cover when moving between the dispensing configuration and the stowed configuration.

In some embodiments, the dust cover does not contact the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly includes a pressure release channel including a pressure release outlet, the pressure release channel to vent pressure from the internal compartment to the pressure release outlet when the mouthpiece assembly is transitioned from the stowed configuration to the dispensing configuration. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly further includes a collar and a mouthpiece portion extending from the collar, the mouthpiece portion including the liquid passage. The collar can at least partially enclose the stem.

A drink container is provided. The drink container can include a liquid container having a neck with an opening and an internal compartment sized to hold a volume of potable drink liquid; and a cap assembly removably coupled to the liquid container. The cap assembly can include a mouthpiece assembly defining a liquid passage through which drink liquid from the liquid container may selectively flow, the mouthpiece assembly to be selectively positioned between a dispensing configuration, in which the liquid passage permits drink liquid to flow from the internal compartment into at least the liquid passage, and a stowed configuration, in which drink liquid can be restricted from being dispensed from the liquid container through the liquid passage, the mouthpiece assembly including a pressure release channel including a pressure release outlet, the pressure release channel to vent pressure from the internal compartment to the pressure release outlet when the mouthpiece assembly can be transitioned from a stowed configuration and a dispensing configuration; and a dust cover pivotably coupled to the cap assembly and to cover at least a portion of the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly further includes a collar and a mouthpiece portion extending from the collar, the mouthpiece portion including the liquid passage.

In some embodiments, the collar is to at least partially enclose the stem. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly further includes a stowing region to receive the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration, the stowing region including one or more retention detents to retain the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly is positioned in the stowed configuration independent of the pivotable movement of the dust cover.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly is to engage the dust cover when moving between the dispensing configuration and the stowed configuration.

In some embodiments, the dust cover does not contact the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration.

A mouthpiece assembly for a liquid container is provided. The mouthpiece assembly can include a mouthpiece portion including a dispensing outlet to dispense liquid from an internal compartment of the liquid container; and a neck connected to the mouthpiece portion, the neck defining a liquid passage from the internal compartment of the liquid container to the mouthpiece portion and a pressure release channel from the internal compartment of the liquid container to a pressure release outlet, the liquid passage being separate from the pressure release channel. The pressure release channel can vent pressure from the internal compartment to the pressure release outlet when the mouthpiece assembly can be transitioned from a stowed configuration to a dispensing configuration.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece portion and the neck are integrally formed.

In some embodiments, the liquid passage and the pressure release channel are both to seal when the mouthpiece assembly is transitioned from the dispensing configuration to the stowed configuration. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece portion and the neck are flexible such that the liquid passage and the pressure release channel are both to seal when the mouthpiece assembly is transitioned from the dispensing configuration to the stowed configuration as the mouthpiece portion and the neck are crimped.

In some embodiments, the pressure release outlet is disposed on the neck.

A drink container is provided. The drink container can include a liquid container having a neck with an opening and an internal compartment to hold drink liquid; and a cap assembly removably coupled to the liquid container. Th cap assembly can include a base removably coupled to the neck of the liquid container. The cap assembly can also include a mouthpiece assembly defining a liquid passage through which drink liquid from the liquid container may selectively flow, the mouthpiece assembly to be selectively positioned between a dispensing configuration, in which the liquid passage permits drink liquid to flow from the internal compartment into at least the liquid passage, and a stowed configuration, in which drink liquid is restricted from being dispensed from the liquid container through the liquid passage. The cap assembly can also include a dust cover to be selectively positioned in an open configuration, in which the dust cover is outwardly positioned, and a closed configuration, in which the dust cover is to cover at least a portion of the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration. The cap assembly can also include a stowing region formed in the base and to receive the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration, the stowing region including a first end and a second end, one or more retention detents disposed at the first end and to retain the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration, and one or more first stop detents disposed at the second end and to prevent the dust cover from moving further into the stowing region in the closed configuration.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly is biased to the dispensing configuration.

In some embodiments, the one or more retention detents each includes an upper surface including a ramp to facilitate movement of the mouthpiece assembly from the dispensing configuration to the stowed configuration. The one or more retention detents each includes a lower surface including a second stop detent to prevent the mouthpiece assembly from moving from the stowed configuration to the dispensing configuration.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly includes one or more retention protrusions to engage the one or more retention detents. Each of the one or more retention protrusions extends from a cantilevered arm of the mouthpiece assembly.

In some embodiments, the dust cover is biased to the open configuration.

In some embodiments, the dust cover is biased to the closed configuration.

In some embodiments, the dust cover is to be selectively positioned in the closed configuration in both the dispensing configuration and the stowed configuration of the mouthpiece assembly.

In some embodiments, the base includes a spring and a bracket, the spring disposed in the bracket. The bracket can be disposed between one or more dust cover depressions formed in the stowing region and to engage with the dust cover and one or more mouthpiece assembly depressions formed in the stowing region and to engage with the mouthpiece assembly.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly includes a pressure release channel including a pressure release outlet, the pressure release channel to vent pressure from the liquid container to the pressure release outlet when the mouthpiece assembly is transitioned from the stowed configuration to the dispensing configuration. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece portion and the pressure release outlet are integrally formed. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly includes a neck defining the liquid passage and a mouthpiece portion including the liquid passage. The mouthpiece portion and the neck can be flexible such that the liquid passage and the pressure release channel are both to seal when the mouthpiece assembly is transitioned from the dispensing configuration to the stowed configuration as the mouthpiece portion and the neck are crimped. In some embodiments, the pressure release outlet is disposed on the neck. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece portion and the neck are integrally formed.

A cap assembly is provided. The cap assembly can include a base removably coupled to a liquid container. The cap assembly can also include a mouthpiece assembly defining a liquid passage through which drink liquid from the liquid container may selectively flow, the mouthpiece assembly to be selectively positioned between a dispensing configuration, in which the liquid passage permits drink liquid to flow from the internal compartment into at least the liquid passage, and a stowed configuration, in which drink liquid is restricted from being dispensed from the liquid container through the liquid passage, the mouthpiece assembly including a pressure release channel including a pressure release outlet, the pressure release channel to vent pressure from the liquid container to the pressure release outlet when the mouthpiece assembly is transitioned from the stowed configuration and the dispensing configuration. The cap assembly can also include a stowing region formed in the base to receive the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration, the stowing region including one or more retention detents to retain the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly includes a neck defining the liquid passage and a mouthpiece portion including the liquid passage. The mouthpiece portion and the neck can be flexible such that the liquid passage and the pressure release channel are both to seal when the mouthpiece assembly is transitioned from the dispensing configuration to the stowed configuration as the mouthpiece portion and the neck are crimped. In some embodiments, the pressure release outlet is disposed on the neck. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece portion and the neck are integrally formed.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece portion and the pressure release outlet are integrally formed.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly includes a dust cover pivotably coupled to the cap assembly and to cover at least a portion of the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly is positioned in the stowed configuration independent of the pivotable movement of the dust cover. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly is positioned in the stowed configuration independent of the pivotable movement of the dust cover.

In some embodiments, the dust cover does not contact the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration.

In some embodiments, the liquid passage and the pressure release channel are both to seal when the mouthpiece assembly is transitioned from the dispensing configuration to the stowed configuration.

A cap assembly is provided. The cap assembly can include a base removably coupled to a liquid container. The cap assembly can also include a mouthpiece assembly defining a liquid passage through which drink liquid from the liquid container may selectively flow, the mouthpiece assembly to be selectively positioned between a dispensing configuration, in which the liquid passage permits drink liquid to flow from the liquid container into at least the liquid passage, and a stowed configuration, in which drink liquid is restricted from being dispensed from the liquid container through the liquid passage. The cap assembly can also include a dust cover pivotably coupled to the cap assembly and to cover at least a portion of the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration. The cap assembly can also include a stowing region formed in the base to receive the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration, the stowing region including one or more retention detents to retain the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration.

In some embodiments, the base includes a spring coupled to the dust cover, the spring to bias the dust cover in an open configuration, in which the dust cover is outwardly positioned, and a closed configuration, in which the dust cover is to cover at least a portion of the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration. In some embodiments, the spring is compressed between the open configuration and the closed configuration.