The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 10, 2006
Filed:
Mar. 12, 2004
Nicholas J. Pappas, Westport, CT (US);
Craig Pirie, Greenwich, CT (US);
Javier Verdura, Milford, CT (US);
Steven K. Ettelson, Hollis, NH (US);
Roger S. Spurrell, Hollis, NH (US);
Nicholas J. Pappas, Westport, CT (US);
Craig Pirie, Greenwich, CT (US);
Javier Verdura, Milford, CT (US);
Steven K. Ettelson, Hollis, NH (US);
Roger S. Spurrell, Hollis, NH (US);
Medialore, LLC, Westport, CT (US);
Abstract
A flow control mechanism is provided for regulating the flow of fluid from a container or vessel, e.g., a plastic bottle containing a fluid such as water or the like. The flow control mechanism may be advantageously employed in a variety of applications where it is desired to dispense and/or access fluids in a controlled manner, e.g., applications wherein a liquid, colloidal system, suspension or the like is to be dispensed/accessed in a controlled manner. The flow control mechanisms are particularly advantageous as animal/pet drinking aids that provide animals/pets with convenient and controlled access to fluid refreshment, e.g., when away from a home-based water bowl. An exemplary control mechanism includes a cap member, overcap and ball captured therebetween. The cap member may be secured to a fluid-containing vessel and used to regulate or control the flow of fluid therefrom. In an alternative embodiment, the overcap defines an angular geometry and a pair of balls are positioned therewithin. A dual fluid vessel is also provided for use with the foregoing control mechanisms.