The present disclosure herein relates broadly to lids for drinkware, and more specifically to closeable lids for drinkware containers used for drinkable beverages or foods.
Beverage containers can be filled with hot or cold drinkable liquids, such as water, coffee, tea, soft drink, or alcoholic beverage, such as beer. These beverage containers can be made of a variety of materials such as stainless steel, glass, plastic, cardboard, or paper material. Lids may be provided on beverage containers to provide an opening for pouring out the contents of the beverage container. In certain instances, it can be desired to selectively close and store the container such that the contents of the container do not spill.
This Summary provides an introduction to some general concepts relating to this invention in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the invention.
Aspects of the disclosure herein may relate to a closable lid assembly for drinkware. In one example, the lid assembly can include a manually movable slider, which may include a tab or handle. In certain examples, the slider can be configured to perform one or more of the following: slide between a closed position and an open position where the slider covers an opening to aid in preventing spilling of contents of the container and an opened position where the slider uncovers the opening such that the contents of the container can be consumed, remain secured to the lid during movement between the closed position and the opened position, and to be removable from the lid so that the lid and slider can be cleaned.
The foregoing Summary, as well as the following Detailed Description, will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in all of the various views in which that reference number appears.
In the following description of the various examples and components of this disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures and environments in which aspects of the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and that structural and functional modifications may be made from the specifically described structures and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Also, while the terms “frontside,” “backside,” “top,” “base,” “bottom,” “side,” “forward,” and “rearward” and the like may be used in this specification to describe various example features and elements, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the figures and/or the orientations in typical use. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three dimensional or spatial orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of the claims.
The lid assembly 100 may also include a middle wall 118 extending below the rim 112. A top surface 120 of the middle wall 118 can define a recess 122 for receiving the slider mechanism 102. In one example, the recess 122 can define a guide channel as the slider mechanism 102 moves between the closed position depicted in
The slider mechanism 102 may additionally include a lower sled 136 that is configured to be positioned adjacent to a bottom surface 138 of the middle wall 118 (depicted in
In one example, magnetic attraction between the upper sled magnet 132 and the lower sled magnet 140 magnetically couples the upper sled 130 to the lower sled 136 across the middle wall 118. Accordingly, manual actuation of the upper sled 130 on the top surface 6 of the middle wall 118 results in sliding motion of both the upper sled 130 and the lower sled 136.
The second opening 124 may include detents 148 that extend from the middle wall 118 into the second opening 124. These detents 148 are configured to be received into channels 150 (see
The lid assembly 100 additionally includes a recess pocket 161 extending into an inner surface 163 of the sidewall that extends below the bottom surface 138 of the middle wall 118. Accordingly, the recess pocket 161 receives a portion of the lower sled 136 when the slider mechanism 102 is in the closed position depicted in
It is noted that the lower sled 136 and the upper sled 130 are symmetrical about to perpendicular axes in order to allow the slider mechanism to be installed in the lid assembly 100 in any of four different ways. The lower sled 136 additionally includes a central tube 146 that extends from the inner surface 164. Further, the central tube 146 includes tab ears 168 that are configured to extend through the second opening 124. The lower sled 136 further includes a channel 170 that is configured to receive a portion of the lower gasket 144. Additionally, the lower sled 136 includes lower vent channels 171a and 171b. Accordingly, when the slider mechanism 102 is in the open configuration, a portion of the lower sled 136 extends over a portion of the recessed vent pocket 165. Further, one of the lower vent channels 171a or 171b is positioned over the recessed vent pocket 165, and thereby sets up a channel by which air can pass from the slider mechanism 102 into an internal cavity of the container 105.
The cross-sectional view of
In order to remove the lower sled 136 from the lid assembly 100, the lower sled 136 is rotated through 90° such that the tab ears 168 can be passed through the second opening 124.
The lid assembly 1500 may include a lid 1501 with a middle wall 1518 extending below a rim 1512. A top surface 1520 of the middle wall 1518 may define a recess 1522 for receiving the slider mechanism 1502. In one example, the recess 1522 can define a guide channel as the slider mechanism 1502 moves between the closed position depicted in
The slider mechanism 1502 may include an upper sled 1530, which is configured to be positioned within the recess 1522 on the top surface 1520 of the middle wall 118. The upper sled 1530 may include an upper magnet that is encapsulated therein. In one example, the upper magnet may be encapsulated within a cavity within the upper sled 1530, and may be overmolded with a polymeric overmold plug element. Additional or alternative encapsulation methods may be used to secure the upper magnet within the upper sled 1530, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.
The slider mechanism 1502 may additionally include a lower sled 1536 that is configured to be positioned adjacent to a bottom surface 1538 of the middle wall 1518 (depicted in
The lid assembly 1500 additionally includes a recess pocket 1561 extending into an inner surface 1563 of the sidewall that extends below the bottom surface 1538 of the middle wall 1518. Accordingly, the recess pocket 1561 receives a portion of the lower sled 1536 when the slider mechanism 1502 is in the closed position depicted in
The second opening 1524 may include detents 1548 that extend from the middle wall 1518 into the second opening 1524. These detents 1548 are configured to be received into channels 1550 (see
The lower sled 1536 includes a curved walls 1646a and 1646b that extend from the inner surface 1564 to tabs/tab ears 1568a and 1568b. The tab ears 1568a and 1568b are configured to extend through the second opening 1524. The lower sled 1536 further includes a channel 1570 that is configured to receive a portion of the lower gasket 1544. Additionally, the lower sled 1536 includes lower vent channels 1571a and 1571b. Accordingly, when the slider mechanism 1502 is in the open configuration, one or more of the lower vent channels 1571a or 1571b may provide a channel for air to pass from the external environment, through the slider mechanism 1502 and into an internal cavity of the container 1505. This air flow path may reduce or prevent glugging as liquid is poured from the first opening 1504. Further, the air flow path may be configured to relieve a pressure differential between an internal cavity of the container 1505 and an external environment. As such, an increased pressure within an internal cavity of the container 1505 may be partially or wholly relieved as a gas/air is allowed to escape to an external environment surrounding the container 1505 through the slider mechanism 1502.
Additionally, the lower sled 1536 includes a knob air vent 1802 that extends from the seal surface 1650 through to a lower surface 1804 of the knob 1574. The knob air vent may be configured to allow air to pass between an internal cavity of the container 1505 and an external environment surrounding the container 1505. In one example, air may pass through the knob air vent 1802, through the second opening 1524 and out to the external environment. In one example, when the lower sled 1536 and the upper sled 1530 are positioned moved from the closed position depicted in
In one example, the curved walls 1646a and 1656b may be separated by gaps 1648a and 1648b. These gaps 1648a and 1648b may allow air to escape when a portion of the upper sled 1530 is brought into contact with a seal surface 1650 of the lower sled 1536. In one example, the seal surface 1650 may have a smooth surface texture to enhance a seal between the upper sled 1530 and lower sled 1536. In one example, the seal surface 1650 may include a polished surface finish, and may be an SPI-A2 finish.
In one example, a separation distance between a lower surface 1652a or 1652b of the tab ears 1568a and 1568b and the inner surface 1564 may be such that the lower sled 1536 cannot be inserted on the incorrect side of the slider mechanism 1502. Specifically, the separation distance between a lower surface 1652a or 1652b of the tab ears 1568a and 1568b and the inner surface 1564 may be less than the wall thickness between top surface 1520 and bottom surface 1538. This geometry prevents the lower sled 1536 from being inserted into the second opening 1524 such that the inner surface 1564 would be in contract with the recess 1522.
In one implementation, the slider mechanism may include the upper sled 1530 and lower sled 1536 such that movement of the upper sled 1530 urges the lower sled 1536 to move in a same direction. This synchronous movement may result from the cylindrical spacer 1660 of the upper sled 1530 abutting one or more surfaces of the curved walls 1646a and 1646b of the lower sled 1536. In one example, the synchronous movement of the upper sled 1530 and the lower sled 1536 may not utilize magnets to urge the upper sled 1530 toward the lower sled 1536. In this example the upper sled 1530 and/or lower sled 1536 may be implemented without magnet elements such that there is no magnetic attractive force between the upper sled 1530 and lower sled 1536.
In one example, and as depicted in the elevation view of 21B, the lower gasket 1544 may have a lip 1692 that extends farther out from the inner surface 1588 than the comparable spring feature 192 of lower gasket 144. Accordingly, the lip 1692 may provide enhanced sealing when the lower gasket 1544 is positioned on the bottom surface 1538 of the lid 1501.
The lid assembly 2000 may include a lid 2001 with a middle wall 2018 extending below a rim 2012. A top surface 2020 of the middle wall 2018 may define a recess 2022 for receiving the slider mechanism 2002. In one example, the recess 2022 can define a guide channel as the slider mechanism 2002 moves between the closed position depicted in
The slider mechanism 2002 may include an upper sled 2030, which is configured to be positioned within the recess 2022 on the top surface 2020 of the middle wall 2018. The upper sled 2030 may include an upper magnet that is encapsulated therein. In one example, the upper magnet may be encapsulated within a cavity within the upper sled 2030, and may be overmolded with a polymeric overmold plug element. Additional or alternative encapsulation methods may be used to secure the upper magnet within the upper sled 2030, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.
The slider mechanism 2002 may additionally include a lower sled 2036 that is configured to be positioned adjacent to a bottom surface 2038 of the middle wall 2018 (depicted in
As best shown in
An upper surface 2023 of recess 2022 may further include a pair of engaging members 2170. Each engaging member 2170 may include a first ramped surface 2172 and a second ramped surface 2174 arranged adjacent to each other. The pair of engaging members 2170 may be spaced apart from each other and also arranged substantially parallel to each other. In addition, a majority of each engaging member 2170 may be positioned rearward of the second opening 2024. In some examples, the entirety of each engaging member 2170 may be positioned rearward of the second opening 2024. Each engaging member 2170 may be individually received within respective channels 2180 that may be arranged along a lower surface of the upper sled 2030. Each channel 2180 of the lower sled may include a rear channel engaging member 2182. When the slider mechanism 2002 is in the closed position, each rear channel engaging member 2182 may be forward of the engaging members 2170 in the recess 2022, and when the slider mechanism 2002 is in the open position, each rear channel engaging member 2182 may be rearward of the engaging members 2170. The interaction between the engaging members 2170 and their respective receiving channels 2180 may help to guide the slider mechanism 2002 in its forward and rearward movement. In addition, the engaging members 2170 and the rear channel engaging members 2182 may contact each other and act as stops to limit or restrict movement of the slider mechanism 2002 to prevent accidental opening of the lid assembly 2000. While the illustrated lid assembly 2000 depicts two engaging members 2170, the lid 2001 may comprise a single engaging member 2170 that is substantially centered longitudinally within the recess 2022 and positioned rearward of the second opening 2024. This single engaging member 2170 may be received in a centrally located channel 2180 extending along the lower surface of the upper sled 2030.
Additionally, for each engaging member 2170, the first ramped surface 2172 may be arranged where a first angle between the upper surface 2023 and the first ramped surface 2172 (the first angle may be defined as the angle between the upper surface 2023 and the first ramped surface 2172 in a counterclockwise direction) may be greater than a second angle of the upper surface 2023 and the second ramped surface 2174 (the second angle may be defined as the angle between the upper surface 2023 and the second ramped surface 2174 in a clockwise direction). Similarly, each rear channel engaging member 2182 may have a first ramped surface 2184 and a second ramped surface 2186 arranged adjacent to each other. The first ramped surfaces 2184 may be arranged where a first angle between a bottom channel surface 2185 and the first ramped surface 2184 (the first angle may be defined as the angle between the bottom channel surface 2185 and the first ramped surface 2184 in a counterclockwise direction, when upper sled 2030 has bottom channel surface 2185 facing upward) may be smaller than a second angle of the bottom channel surface 2185 to the second ramped surface 2186 (the second angle may be defined as the angle between the bottom channel surface 2185 and the second ramped surface 2186 in a clockwise direction, when upper sled 2030 has bottom channel surface 2185 facing upward). When the slider mechanism 2002 is in the closed position, each second ramped surface 2174 of the each engaging member 2170 may face the first ramped surface 2184 of each rear channel engaging member 2182. When the slider mechanism 2002 is in the open position, each first ramped surface 2172 of each engaging member 2170 may face the second ramped surface 2186 of the rear channel engaging member 2182.
Each channel 2180 may extend through a front surface 2190 of the upper sled 2030 and may also extend through a rear surface 2192 of the upper sled 2030. Each channel 2180 may be intermittent; such that is does not extend continuously from the front surface 2190 to the rear surface 2192. Each channel 2180 may be arranged on either side of the cylindrical spacer 2160 or may be interrupted by the cylindrical spacer 2160. In alternate examples, each channel 2180 may be continuous from the front surface 2190 to the rear surface 2192. Each channel 2180 may be spaced apart from and substantially parallel to each other. In addition, each channel 2180 may include a forward channel engaging member 2196. Each forward channel engaging member 2196 may have the same geometry and shape as each rear channel engaging member 2182. Each forward channel engaging member 2196 may be a mirror image of the rear channel engaging members 2182 with respect to a plane that extends perpendicular to the channels 2180 and through a center of the upper sled 2030. Because the channel engaging members 2182, 2196 are located as a mirror image, the upper sled 2030 may be assembled in multiple orientations.
In addition to the interaction of the channels 2180 and engaging members 2170, slider mechanism 2002 may also interact in a similar manner with lid 2001 as slider mechanism 1502 and lid 1501. For instance, as shown in
Additionally, the lower sled 2036 includes a knob air vent 2202 that extends from the seal surface 2150 through to a lower surface 2204 of the knob 2074. The knob air vent 2202 may be configured to allow air to pass between an internal cavity of the container and an external environment surrounding the container. In one example, air may pass through the knob air vent 2202, through the second opening 2024 and out to the external environment. In one example, when the lower sled 2036 and the upper sled 2030 are moved from the closed position depicted in
As shown in
In one implementation, a lid assembly may include a rim for engaging an opening of a container, with the rim defining a top wall, the lid assembly may additionally include a sidewall defining a groove for placement of an upper gasket. A middle wall may extend below the rim, with a top surface of the middle wall defining a recess. The recess may have a first opening, a second opening, and an air vent. A bottom surface of the middle wall may define a first ramped feature having a crest surface spaced between two trough depressions. The first ramped feature may be positioned on a first side of the second opening, and a second ramped feature may have a crest surface spaced between two trough depressions, with the second ramped feature positioned on a second side of the second opening. The lid assembly may additionally include a slider mechanism configured to be manually slid to selectively provide a closed position, by covering both the first opening and the second opening, and an open position, by only covering the second opening. The slider mechanism may include an upper sled configured to be positioned within the recess on the top surface of the middle wall. Further, the upper sled may have an encapsulated upper sled magnet. The slider mechanism may additionally include a lower sled configured to be positioned beside the bottom surface of the middle wall. The lower sled may additionally include an inner surface that has a lower sled ramp protruding therefrom, with the lower sled ramp configured to be selectively received into a first trough depression of the two trough depressions on the first side of the second opening, and a first trough depression of the two trough depressions on the second side of the second opening, when the slider mechanism is in the open position. The lower sled ramp is additionally configured to be received into a second trough depression of the two trough depressions on the first side of the second opening and a second trough depression of the two trough depressions on the second side of the second opening when the slider mechanism is in the closed position. The lower sled may also include a lower sled magnet that is encapsulated within the lower sled. The lower sled may also have a central tube that extends from the inner surface of the lower sled and has tab ears at a distal end configured to extend through the second opening. The slider mechanism may also include a lower gasket that is configured to extend around a perimeter of the inner surface of the lower sled, and configured to be compressed between the lower sled and the lower surface of the middle wall. Further, magnetic attraction between the upper sled magnet and the lower sled magnet is configured to magnetically couple the upper sled to the lower sled.
In another example, the lower sled ramp of the lid assembly is configured to slide over the crest surfaces of the first and second ramped features as the slider mechanism slides between the open and closed positions.
In one example, the lower sled moves away from the upper sled as the lower sled ramp slides from a selected pair of the trough depressions to the crest surfaces.
In another example, the lower gasket further includes a gasket spring portion that stays in contact with the bottom surface of the middle wall of the lower sled moves away from the upper sled.
The second opening of the lid assembly further includes detents extending from the middle wall into the second opening, such that the detents are configured to be received into channels extending along a portion of the central tube, when the slider mechanism is in the closed position.
The lid assembly further includes a detent extending into the recess on the top surface of the middle wall, which is configured to abut the upper sled when in the open position to prevent liquid from being compressed between the upper sled and an end wall of the recess on the top surface of the middle wall.
The upper sled of the lid assembly may be manually removable from the lid assembly by exerting a manual force of overcome the magnetic force between the upper sled magnet and the lower sled magnet.
The tab ears of the lid assembly may be configured to catch on the sides of the second opening to prevent the lower sled from separating from the lid assembly when the upper sled is removed from the lid assembly.
The lower sled may further include finger tabs extending from an outer surface.
The lower sled of the lid assembly may be manually removable from the lid assembly by manually actuating the finger tabs to rotate the lower sled through 90° relative to the second opening in the middle wall.
The lid assembly may also have a recess pocket extending into an inner surface of the sidewall that extends below the middle wall. The recess pocket may receive a portion of the lower sled when the slider mechanism is in the closed position.
The lid assembly may also include a vent pocket on the bottom surface of the middle wall, such that when the lid assembly is attached to a container and in the open position, the lower gasket slides over the vent pocket to allow air to pass between an outside atmosphere and an internal cavity of the container.
The lower sled magnet may be a ring magnet that extends around the central tube.
In another aspect, a container assembly may include a container that has an inner wall having a first end with a container opening extending into an internal reservoir, and an outer wall forming an outer shell of the container, with the outer wall having a second end configured to support the container on a surface. The container assembly may additionally include a lid adapted to seal the container opening. The lid may further include a rim for engaging the container opening, the rim defining a top wall. The lid may also have a sidewall defining a groove for placement of an upper gasket, and a middle wall extending below the rim, a top surface of the middle wall defining a recess, and the recess having a first opening, a second opening, and an air vent. A bottom surface of the middle wall may define a first ramped feature that has a crest surface spaced between two trough depressions. The first ramped feature may be positioned on a first side of the second opening. A second ramped feature may have a crest surface spaced between two trough depressions, with the second ramped feature positioned on a second side of the second opening. The lid may additionally include a slider mechanism configured to manually slide to selectively provide a closed position, by covering both the first opening and the second opening, and an open position, by only covering the second opening. The slider mechanism may additionally include an upper sled configured to be positioned within the recess on the top surface of the middle wall. The upper sled may encapsulate an upper sled magnet. The slider mechanism may also include a lower sled configured to be against the bottom surface of the middle wall. The lower sled may further include an inner surface that has a protruding lower sled ramp, with the lower sled ramp configured to be selectively received into a first trough depression of the two trough depressions on the first side of the second opening and a first trough depression of the two trough depressions on the second side of the second opening when the slider mechanism is in the open position. The lower sled ramp may be configured to be received into a second trough depression of the two trough depressions on the first side of the second opening, and a second trough depression of the two trough depressions on the second side of the second opening when the slider mechanism is in the closed position. The lower sled may encapsulate a lower sled magnet. The lower sled may additionally include a central tube extending from the inner surface of the lower sled, with the central tube having tab ears connected to a distal end configured to extend through the second opening. The slider mechanism may additionally include a lower gasket that is configured to extend around a perimeter of the inner surface of the lower sled, and configured to be compressed between the lower sled and the lower surface of the middle wall. The magnetic attraction between the upper sled magnet and the lower sled magnet may magnetically couple the upper sled to the lower sled.
In one example, the inner wall of the container includes a threaded sidewall configured to receive a thread structure on the sidewall of the lid.
The container may also include a sealed vacuum cavity between the inner wall and the outer wall.
In another example, the lower sled ramp may slide over the crest surfaces of the first and second ramped features as the slider mechanism slides between the open and closed positions.
In one example, the lower sled may move away from the upper sled as the lower sled ramp slides from the selected pair of the trough depressions to the crest surfaces.
The lower gasket of the container assembly may further include a gasket spring portion that stays in contact with the bottom surface of the middle wall as the lower sled moves away from the upper sled.
The second opening of the container assembly may further include detents that extend from the middle wall into the second opening, such that the detents are configured to be received into channels extending along a portion of the central tube when the slider mechanism is in the closed position.
The container assembly may additionally include a detent that extends into the recess on the top surface of the middle wall, and configured to abut the upper sled when in the open position to prevent liquid from being compressed between the upper sled and the end wall of the recess on the top surface of the middle wall.
The upper sled may be manually removable from the lid assembly by exerting a manual force of overcome the magnetic force between the upper sled magnet and the lower sled magnet.
The upper sled of the lid assembly may be manually removable from the lid assembly by exerting a manual force of overcome the magnetic force between the upper sled magnet and the lower sled magnet.
The tab ears of the lid assembly may be configured to catch on the sides of the second opening to prevent the lower sled from separating from the lid assembly when the upper sled is removed from the lid assembly.
The lower sled may further include finger tabs extending from an outer surface.
The lower sled of the lid assembly may be manually removable from the lid assembly by manually actuating the finger tabs to rotate the lower sled through 90° relative to the second opening in the middle wall.
The container assembly may also have a recess pocket extending into an inner surface of the sidewall that extends below the middle wall. The recess pocket may receive a portion of the lower sled when the slider mechanism is in the closed position.
The container assembly may also include a vent pocket on the bottom surface of the middle wall, such that when the lid assembly is attached to the container and in the open position, the lower gasket slides over the vent pocket to allow air to pass between an outside atmosphere and an internal cavity of the container.
The lower sled magnet may be a ring magnet that extends around the central tube.
In another implementation, a lid assembly may include a rim for engaging an opening of a container, and a middle wall extending below the rim, with a top surface of the middle wall having a first opening, a second opening, and an air vent. The bottom surface of the middle wall may define a first ramped feature having a crest surface spaced between two trough depressions. The first ramped feature may be positioned on a first side of the second opening. A second ramped feature may have a crest surface spaced between two trough depressions, the second ramped feature positioned on a second side of the second opening. The lid assembly may additionally include a slider mechanism configured to be manually slid to selectively provide a closed position, by covering both the first opening and the second opening, and an open position, by only covering the second opening. The slider mechanism may further include an upper sled configured to be positioned within the recess on the top surface of the middle wall, the upper sled may encapsulate an upper sled magnet. The slider mechanism may additionally include a lower sled configured to be positioned beside the bottom surface of the middle wall. The lower sled may further include an inner surface having a protruding lower sled ramp. The lower sled ramp may be configured to be selectively received into a first trough depression of the two trough depressions on the first side of the second opening, and a first trough depression of the two trough depressions on the second side of the second opening when the slider mechanism is in the open position. The lower sled ramp may be configured to be selectively received into a second trough depression of the two trough depressions on the first side of the second opening, and a second trough depression of the two trough depressions on the second side of the second opening when the slider mechanism is in the closed position. A lower sled magnet may be encapsulated within the lower sled. The slider mechanism may additionally include a lower gasket that is configured to extend around a perimeter of the inner surface of the lower sled, and configured to be compressed between the lower sled and the lower surface of the middle wall. Magnetic attraction between the upper sled magnet and the lower sled magnet may magnetically couple the lower sled to the upper sled.
In another example, a method of forming a lid assembly can include one or more of: injection molding a lid body of a first shot of material, injection molding a first plate portion of a second shot of material onto the lid body, injection molding a second plate portion of a third shot of material onto the lid body, and injection molding a seal portion with a third shot of material to seal the first plate portion and the second plate portion to the lid body. The method may further include in-molding a magnet assembly into the second plate portion. A channel can be formed between the first plate portion and the second plate portion and the second shot of material can be combined with the third shot of material. The method may also include trapping a pocket of air between the lid body and both the first plate portion and the second plate portion.
In one implementation, a lid assembly may include a rim for engaging an opening of a container, with the rim defining a top wall. The lid assembly may additionally include a sidewall defining a groove for placement of an upper or first gasket. A middle wall may extend below the rim, with a top surface of the middle wall defining a recess. The recess may have a first opening and a second opening. A bottom surface of the middle wall may define a first ramped feature having a first crest surface and a first trough depression. The first ramped feature may be positioned on a first side of the second opening. A second ramped feature may have second a crest surface and a second trough depression, with the second ramped feature positioned on a second side of the second opening. The lid assembly may additionally include a slider mechanism configured to be manually slid to selectively provide a closed position, by covering both the first opening and the second opening, and an open position. The slider mechanism may include an upper sled configured to be positioned within the recess on the top surface of the middle wall. Further, the upper sled may have an encapsulated upper sled magnet. The slider mechanism may additionally include a lower sled configured to be positioned beside the bottom surface of the middle wall. The lower sled may additionally include an inner surface that has a lower sled ramp protruding therefrom, with the lower sled ramp configured to be selectively received into the first trough depression and the second trough depression when the slider mechanism is in the closed position. The lower sled ramp is additionally configured to abut the first crest surface and the second crest surface when the slider mechanism is in the open position. The lower sled may also include a lower sled magnet that is encapsulated within the lower sled. The lower sled may also have a first and a second curved wall that extend from the inner surface of the lower sled and have first and second tab ears at distal ends of the first and second curved walls configured to extend through the second opening. The slider mechanism may also include a lower gasket that is configured to extend around a perimeter of the inner surface of the lower sled, and configured to be compressed between the lower sled and the lower surface of the middle wall. Further, magnetic attraction between the upper sled magnet and the lower sled magnet is configured to magnetically couple the upper sled to the lower sled.
In another example, a spacing distance between the inner surface of the lower sled and the first and second tab ears prevents the first and second tab ears from being inserted into the second opening when the lower sled is incorrectly positioned on the top surface of the middle wall.
In one example, the lower sled moves away from the upper sled as the lower sled ramp slides from the first and second trough depressions to the first and second crest surfaces.
In one example, as the lower sled moves away from the upper sled, the second gasket is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the middle wall to unseal the lower sled from the bottom surface and allow air to flow through the slider assembly.
In one example, as the lower sled moves away from the upper sled, a seal surface of the lower gasket is unsealed from radial ridges of the upper sled to allow air to flow through a knob air vent of the lower sled and through the slider assembly.
The second opening of the lid assembly further includes detents extending from the middle wall into the second opening, such that the detents are configured to be received into channels extending along a portion of the first and second curved walls, when the slider mechanism is in the closed position.
The lid assembly further includes a detent extending into the recess on the top surface of the middle wall, which is configured to abut the upper sled when in the open position to prevent liquid from being compressed between the upper sled and an end wall of the recess on the top surface of the middle wall.
The upper sled of the lid assembly may be manually removable from the lid assembly by exerting a manual force of overcome the magnetic force between the upper sled magnet and the lower sled magnet.
The first and second tab ears of the lid assembly may be configured to catch on the sides of the second opening to prevent the lower sled from separating from the lid assembly when the upper sled is removed from the lid assembly.
The lower sled may further include a knob extending from an outer surface.
The lower sled of the lid assembly may be manually removable from the lid assembly by manually actuating the knob to rotate the lower sled relative to the second opening in the middle wall. The angle of rotation may have any value between 5 degrees and 145 degrees.
The lid assembly may also have a recess pocket extending into an inner surface of the sidewall that extends below the middle wall. The recess pocket may receive a portion of the lower sled when the slider mechanism is in the closed position.
In another aspect, a container assembly may include a container that has an inner wall having a first end with a container opening extending into an internal reservoir, and an outer wall forming an outer shell of the container, with the outer wall having a second end configured to support the container on a surface. The container assembly may additionally include a lid adapted to seal the container opening. The lid may further include a rim for engaging the container opening, the rim defining a top wall. The lid may also have a sidewall defining a groove for placement of an upper gasket, and a middle wall extending below the rim, a top surface of the middle wall defining a recess, and the recess having a first opening and a second opening. A bottom surface of the middle wall may define a first ramped feature that has a first crest surface and a first trough depression. The first ramped feature may be positioned on a first side of the second opening. A second ramped feature may have a second crest surface and a second trough depression, with the second ramped feature positioned on a second side of the second opening. The lid may additionally include a slider mechanism configured to manually slide to selectively provide a closed position, by covering both the first opening and the second opening, and an open position, by only covering the second opening. The slider mechanism may additionally include an upper sled configured to be positioned within the recess on the top surface of the middle wall. The upper sled may encapsulate an upper sled magnet. The slider mechanism may also include a lower sled configured to be positioned against the bottom surface of the middle wall. The lower sled may further include an inner surface that has a protruding lower sled ramp, with the lower sled ramp configured to be selectively received into the first trough depression and the second trough depression when the slider mechanism is in the closed position. The lower sled ramp may be configured to abut the first crest surface and the second crest surface when the slider mechanism is in the open position. The lower sled may encapsulate a lower sled magnet. The lower sled may additionally include first and second curved walls extending from the inner surface of the lower sled, with the first and second curved walls having first and second tab ears connected to a distal end configured to extend through the second opening. The slider mechanism may additionally include a lower gasket that is configured to extend around a perimeter of the inner surface of the lower sled, and configured to be compressed between the lower sled and the lower surface of the middle wall. The magnetic attraction between the upper sled magnet and the lower sled magnet may magnetically couple the upper sled to the lower sled.
In one example, the inner wall of the container includes a threaded sidewall configured to receive a thread structure on the sidewall of the lid.
The container may also include a sealed vacuum cavity between the inner wall and the outer wall.
In another example, a spacing distance between the inner surface of the lower sled and the first and second tab ears prevents the first and second tab ears from being inserted into the second opening when the lower sled is incorrectly positioned on the top surface of the middle wall.
In one example, the lower sled may move away from the upper sled as the lower sled ramp slides from the first and second trough depressions to the first and second crest surfaces.
In one example, as the lower sled moves away from the upper sled, the second gasket is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the middle wall to unseal the lower sled from the bottom surface and allow air to flow through the slider assembly
The second opening of the container assembly may further include detents that extend from the middle wall into the second opening, such that the detents are configured to be received into channels extending along a portion of the first and second curved walls when the slider mechanism is in the closed position.
The container assembly may additionally include a detent that extends into the recess on the top surface of the middle wall, and configured to abut the upper sled when in the open position to prevent liquid from being compressed between the upper sled and the end wall of the recess on the top surface of the middle wall.
The upper sled of the lid assembly may be manually removable from the lid assembly by exerting a manual force of overcome the magnetic force between the upper sled magnet and the lower sled magnet.
The first and second tab ears of the lid assembly may be configured to catch on the sides of the second opening to prevent the lower sled from separating from the lid assembly when the upper sled is removed from the lid assembly.
The lower sled may further include a knob extending from an outer surface.
The lower sled of the lid assembly may be manually removable from the lid assembly by manually actuating the knob to rotate the lower sled relative to the second opening in the middle wall.
The container assembly may also have a recess pocket extending into an inner surface of the sidewall that extends below the middle wall. The recess pocket may receive a portion of the lower sled when the slider mechanism is in the closed position.
In another implementation, a lid assembly may include a rim for engaging an opening of a container, and a middle wall extending below the rim, with a top surface of the middle wall having a first opening and a second opening. A bottom surface of the middle wall may define a first ramped feature having a first crest surface and a first trough depression. The first ramped feature may be positioned on a first side of the second opening. A second ramped feature may have a second crest surface and a second trough depression. The second ramped feature may be positioned on a second side of the second opening. The lid assembly may additionally include a slider mechanism configured to be manually slid to selectively provide a closed position, by covering both the first opening and the second opening, and an open position, by only covering the second opening. The slider mechanism may further include an upper sled configured to be positioned within the recess on the top surface of the middle wall, the upper sled may encapsulate an upper sled magnet. The slider mechanism may additionally include a lower sled configured to be positioned beside the bottom surface of the middle wall. The lower sled may further include an inner surface having a protruding lower sled ramp. The lower sled ramp may be configured to be selectively received into the first and second trough depressions when the slider mechanism is in the closed position. The lower sled ramp may be configured to abut the first and second crest surfaces when the slider mechanism is in the open position. A lower sled magnet may be encapsulated within the lower sled. The slider mechanism may additionally include a lower gasket that is configured to extend around a perimeter of the inner surface of the lower sled, and configured to be compressed between the lower sled and the lower surface of the middle wall. Magnetic attraction between the upper sled magnet and the lower sled magnet may magnetically couple the lower sled to the upper sled.
In another example, a method of forming a lid assembly can include one or more of: injection molding a lid body of a first shot of material, injection molding a first plate portion of a second shot of material onto the lid body, injection molding a second plate portion of a third shot of material onto the lid body, and injection molding a seal portion with a third shot of material to seal the first plate portion and the second plate portion to the lid body. The method may further include in-molding a magnet assembly into the second plate portion. A channel can be formed between the first plate portion and the second plate portion and the second shot of material can be combined with the third shot of material. The method may also include trapping a pocket of air between the lid body and both the first plate portion and the second plate portion.
In one implementation, a lid assembly may include a rim for engaging an opening of a container, with the rim defining a top wall. The lid assembly may additionally include a sidewall defining a groove for placement of an upper or first gasket. A middle wall may extend below the rim, with a top surface of the middle wall defining a recess. The recess may have a first opening and a second opening. A bottom surface of the middle wall may define a first ramped feature having a first crest surface and a first trough depression. The first ramped feature may be positioned on a first side of the second opening. A second ramped feature may have second a crest surface and a second trough depression, with the second ramped feature positioned on a second side of the second opening. The lid assembly may additionally include a slider mechanism configured to be manually slid to selectively provide a closed position, by covering both the first opening and the second opening, and an open position. The slider mechanism may include an upper sled configured to be positioned within the recess on the top surface of the middle wall. The slider mechanism may additionally include a lower sled configured to be positioned beside the bottom surface of the middle wall. The lower sled may additionally include an inner surface that has a lower sled ramp protruding therefrom, with the lower sled ramp configured to be selectively received into the first trough depression and the second trough depression when the slider mechanism is in the closed position. The lower sled ramp may be additionally configured to abut the first crest surface and the second crest surface when the slider mechanism is in the open position. The lower sled may also have a first and a second curved wall that extend from the inner surface of the lower sled and have first and second tab ears at distal ends of the first and second curved walls configured to extend through the second opening. The slider mechanism may also include a lower gasket that is configured to extend around a perimeter of the inner surface of the lower sled, and configured to be compressed between the lower sled and the lower surface of the middle wall.
The present disclosure is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of examples. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide examples of the various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of the present invention.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/125,835, filed Dec. 15, 2020 and to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/988,301 filed on Aug. 7, 2020, which claims priority to International Application No. PCT/US2019/057420 entitled “CLOSURE AND LID AND METHOD OF FORMING CLOSURE AND LID,” filed Oct. 22, 2019, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/749,443 filed Oct. 23, 2018. All of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for any and all non-limiting purposes.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/US21/30256 | 4/30/2021 | WO |
Number | Date | Country | |
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63125835 | Dec 2020 | US | |
62749443 | Oct 2018 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 16988301 | Aug 2020 | US |
Child | 18019889 | US | |
Parent | PCT/US19/57420 | Oct 2019 | US |
Child | 16988301 | US |