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Cap for a beverage server

  • US 5,497,917 A
  • Filed: 07/28/1994
  • Issued: 03/12/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/28/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A cap for removable attachment to a pitcher, the pitcher having an interior volume for holding a liquid, said cap comprising:

  • a cap body defining an interior cavity, said cap body including an entry for the liquid into said cavity and an exit therefrom, wherein liquid held within the pitcher enters the interior cavity through said entry and is poured from the pitcher through said exit;

    a valve, said valve being operatively positioned to move between open and closed positions to open and close said entry to selectively allow liquid to flow into said interior cavity;

    a plunger attached to said valve, said plunger including a substantially cylindrical side wall;

    biasing means for biasing said plunger and said attached valve into a closed position to prevent accidental spillage of the liquid;

    means for activating said plunger to move said valve between said open and closed positions;

    said cap body comprises top and bottom portions, said bottom portion defining said entry and including collar means for slidably receiving said plunger, whereby said plunger is slidable between upper and lower positions in which said valve respectively closes and opens said entry; and

    said biasing means comprises a plurality of flexible, shape memory retentive legs extending outwardly away from said plunger, said legs being received within said collar and engaging said collar such that as said plunger is moved from said upper position to said lower position said legs are forced inwardly by their engagement with said collar and thereby exert a restoring force biasing said plunger to said upper position.

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