Patent Application
20220289438
The invention generally relates to a lid for a container. More particularly but not exclusively the invention relates to a lid for a beverage container.
Beverages such as takeaway coffee or hot chocolate are usually sold in takeaway cups or containers which have lids applied to them. These lids typically have an open drinking aperture in them and therefore there is a risk of the liquid spilling (or even injury in the case of hot beverages) through the aperture. Another known problem with these lids is that heat can escape through the drinking aperture and in some instances the lids can come off easily as they do not fit securely to the cups they are applied to. Even if the beverage is a cold beverage such as soft drink or cold coffee, liquid spillage through the aperture while drinking is still not desirable because such spill can not only create mess but can also cause stains in clothes, carpets etc.
It is an object of a preferred form of the present invention to go at least some way towards addressing one or some of the above problems. While this is an object of a preferred embodiment, it should not be seen as a limitation on the scope of the invention as claimed. The object of the invention per se is simply to provide the public with a useful choice.
As used herein the term “and/or” means “and” or “or”, or both. As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun. The term “comprising” as used in this specification and claims means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprised” are to be interpreted in the same manner.
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a lid closing, or for closing, the opening of a container that is able to contain a flowable material, the lid comprising a peripheral region engaging, or able to engage, about, within, or both about and within, the container, and
Preferably the condition that at least substantially closes the opening is a stable condition.
Preferably the condition that at least substantially closes the opening is so retained by a catch of the lid (preferably of the non-peripheral region).
Preferably the formation is a spout.
Preferably the formation is triangular in plan shape having a base adjacent the material egress opening and an apex that is more proximate an opposed edge of the non-peripheral region.
In a second aspect the present invention may be said to be a lid closing, or for closing, the opening of a container that is able to contain a flowable material, the lid comprising a peripheral region engaging, or able to engage, about, within or both about and within the container at the opening of the container and
Preferably the formation is live hinged save for where it is to define part of the material egress opening.
Preferably the formation is live hinged from the remainder of the non-peripheral region, save for where it is to define part of the material egress opening.
Preferably the non-peripheral region includes a planar region and the formation.
Preferably the live hinging (live hinged formation) is in a depression of the non-peripheral region preferably thereby to enable retention of part of the formation inwardly of the peripheral region.
Preferably the non-peripheral region includes a planar region and the formation intermediate of which the depression is located.
Preferably, when not retained, the formation can assume a stable condition above the peripheral region.
Preferably when not retained, the formation can assume a stable condition above the peripheral region that corresponds to the open condition of the egress opening.
Preferably the peripheral region is annular.
Preferably the non-peripheral region has an annular periphery.
Preferably the formation is of substantially a triangular form when viewed in plan but with a convex curvature at least at where the formation is to define part of the material egress opening.
Preferably the formation is biased to its material egress condition.
Preferably the formation is elongate and preferably substantially subdivides (preferably bisects) the non-peripheral region.
Preferably the formation extends across a majority of the distance of the non-peripheral region inwardly of the peripheral region.
Preferably capture of part of the formation is required for retention of the formation in its closing condition.
Preferably capture of the non-hinged part of the formation is required for retention of the formation in its closing condition.
Preferably the material egress opening is in part arcuate when viewed in side elevation.
Preferably the non-peripheral portion can be directly or indirectly squeezed in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the elongate direction of the formation, the squeezing causing the catch to displace relative to the formation and thereby releasing the formation from retention.
Preferably a rim of the formation defines the actuate profile of the opening.
Preferably the rim of the formation in plan view is also arcuate.
Preferably the lid is of a thin walled construction.
Preferably the flowable material is a liquid material.
Preferably the liquid material is a beverage.
In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a lid for covering a rim defined open end of a container that can contain a flowable material, the lid comprising:
Preferably the spout is hinged.
Preferably the spout has a tab adapted such that a user can pull the tab to move the spout to an open configuration or push the tab to move the spout to a closed configuration.
Preferably the elevated portion is substantially annular.
Preferably the elevated portion is greater in height above the base in a first side wall portion than a diametrically opposed second side wall portion.
Preferably the first side portion is about 10 mm in height and the second side portion is about 8 mm in height above the base.
Preferably the lid has an inner annular wall adapted to engage with the inside wall of a container.
Preferably the elevated portion (preferably an inward facing wall thereof) is adapted and configured to releasably engage with the spout when the spout is in a closed configuration.
Preferably the elevated portion comprises a catch which is adapted to releasably receive part of the spout when it is in a closed configuration.
Preferably the elevated portion comprises a catch which is adapted to releasably receive part of the spout when it is in a closed configuration, the spout biased by the hinge to the open configuration but prevented to moving to the open configuration when the spout is received by the catch.
Preferably it is made from material(s) which is/are biodegradable.
Preferably the lid is made substantially from biodegradable plastic.
In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a lid as herein described when in use with a container.
Preferably the container is a disposable hot beverage container.
Preferably a user can squeeze the container and/or lid, the squeezing resulting in the spout moving from a closed configuration to an open configuration when in the closed configuration.
Preferably a user can squeeze the container and/or lid in a direction parallel to the direction in which the spout engages and disengages with the catch, the squeezing resulting in the spout moving from a closed configuration to an open configuration when in the closed configuration.
Preferably in use a user can squeeze the elevated portion which results in the spout, when in the closed configuration, moving from the closed configuration to the open configuration.
Preferably in use a user can squeeze the annular base which results in the spout, when in the closed configuration, moving from the closed configuration to the open configuration.
In still a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a lid closing, or for closing, the opening of a container that is able to contain a flowable material, the lid comprising a peripheral region engaging, or able to engage, about, within or both about and within the container at the opening of the container and
Preferably the spout formation is elongate and extends across at least half of the lid top.
Preferably spout formation extends at least 75% across the lid top.
Preferably the spout formation is elongate and straight and extends from a first peripheral region of the lid top towards an opposed peripheral region of the lid top, the egress opening provided at said first peripheral region.
Preferably the egress opening is defined by the end of the spout formation and the first mentioned peripheral region.
Preferably the egress opening is able to be closed when the spout formation is depresses, the closure being created by end of the spout and the first mentioned peripheral region coming into contact with each other.
Preferably when depressed, the end of the spout formation is closer to the first mentioned peripheral region than when released.
Preferably the end of the spout is able to be retained in the depressed condition by a catch of the first mentioned peripheral region.
Preferably the first mentioned peripheral region comprises an annular rim able to be secured to the opening rim of the container and an annular wall extending upwardly relative the rim to the lid top.
Preferably the annular wall together with the end of the spout formation form the egress opening.
Preferably the annular wall extends from the annular rim to the lid top.
Preferably the annular wall is substantially vertical.
Preferably the annular wall has a catch formation provided with which the end of the spout can lodge to be retained in the depressed condition.
Preferably the annular wall at the catch formation can be caused to displace relative the end of the spout in a radial direction upon a compression of the lid top in a direction lateral to the elongate direction of the spout formation.
In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a lid to releasably engage to the rim of an open topped cup or container, the lid comprising
Preferably the end of spout when depressed is able to lodge under a catch formation of the annular wall (preferably provides on the inside of the wall) to be retained by the catch formation and retain the closable opening in the closed condition.
Preferably the lodged condition of the spout with the catch is able to be dislodged upon a compression of the lid top causing relative movement of the end of the spout with the catch.
Preferably the live hinge is adapted and configured to bias the spout away from the depressed condition of the spout so that when the spout is dislodged from the catch the spout assumes a condition where the closeably opening is open.
Preferably the lid is able to be compressed but naturally moves back to its non-compressed state.
Preferably the live hinge is of a resiliently deformable nature.
Preferably the spout of a resiliently deformable nature.
In a further aspect, the invention may also be said to reside in a lid for closing an opening of a container that is adapted to contain a flowable material, the lid comprising a peripheral region engaging, or able to engage, about, within, or both about and within, the container, and
Preferably, the formation is a spout.
Preferably, the formation is triangular in shape having a base adjacent the material egress opening and an apex that is more proximate an opposed edge of the non-peripheral region.
Preferably, the formation is live hinged save for where it is to define part of the material egress opening.
Preferably, the live hinging (live hinged formation) is in a depression of the non-peripheral region preferably thereby to enable retention of part of the formation inwardly of the peripheral region.
Preferably, wherein when not retained, the formation assumes a stable condition above the peripheral region.
Preferably, the peripheral region is annular.
Preferably, the formation is biased to the open condition.
Preferably, the formation extends across over half of distance of the non-peripheral region inwardly of the peripheral region.
Preferably, the lid comprises a catch that is adapted to capture of part of the formation for retaining the formation in its closing condition.
Preferably, the material egress opening is in part arcuate.
Preferably, the lid comprises an annular internal extension projecting downwardly from or relative to the base, the annular internal extension being configured to fit at least partially inside the container during use.
Preferably, the formation extends from or proximal to a lid top to or towards a base of the lid with the material egress opening facing towards the lid top.
Preferably, the lid further comprises a first gripping portion formed at one side of the formation and a second gripping portion formed on at another side of the spout, wherein squeezing of the first and second gripping portions is adapted to cause the formation to transition from the closed condition to the open condition.
Preferably, the gripping portion comprises a textured profile to facilitate gripping using user's finger(s).
Preferably, wherein applying the force on the formation towards the peripheral region is adapted to cause the formation to transition from the open condition to the closed condition.
Preferably, the lid further comprises an air circulation hole for improving the fluid flow.
Preferably, the lid further comprises a horizontal surface to allow stacking of the container onto the lid.
Preferably, the lid comprises:
Preferably, the spout is hinged.
Preferably, the spout has a tab adapted such that a user can pull the tab to move the spout to the open condition or push the tab to move the spout to a closed condition.
Preferably, the elevated portion is substantially annular.
Preferably, the elevated portion is greater in height above the base in a first side wall portion than a diametrically opposed second side wall portion.
Preferably, the first side wall portion is about 10 mm in height and the second side wall portion is about 8 mm in height above the base.
Preferably, the lid has an inner annular wall adapted to engage with the inside wall of a container.
Preferably, the elevated portion (preferably an inward facing wall thereof) is adapted and configured to releasably engage with the spout when the spout is in the closed condition.
Preferably, the lid comprises a catch which is adapted to releasably receive part of the spout when it is in a closed condition.
Preferably, the catch is located at the lid top.
Preferably, the catch is located at the elevated portion.
Preferably, the catch is adapted to releasably receive part of the spout when the spout is in a closed condition, the spout being biased by the hinge to the open condition but prevented to moving to the open condition when the spout is received by the catch.
Preferably, the lid made from material(s) which is/are biodegradable.
Preferably, the lid is made substantially from biodegradable plastic.
Preferably, the lid is adapted to be in use with a container.
Preferably, the container is a disposable hot beverage container.
Preferably, when in a closed condition, application of force to the container and/or lid by the squeezing results in the spout moving from the closed condition to the open condition.
Preferably, when in closed condition, the application of force by squeezing the container and/or lid in a direction parallel to the direction in which the spout engages and disengages with the catch results in the spout moving from the closed condition to the open condition.
Preferably, application of force by squeezing the elevated portion results in the spout, when in the closed condition, moving from the closed condition to the open condition.
Preferably, application of force by squeezing the annular base results in the spout, when in the closed condition, moving from the closed condition to the open condition.
In a further aspect, the invention may also be said to reside in a lid to releasably engage to the rim of an open topped cup or container, the lid comprising:
In a further aspect the present invention may also be said to be a lidded container comprising a lid as herein described and a rim defined open top container at where the lid is secured.
In a further aspect the present invention may also be said to be a container with a lid located at the top of a container portion of the container, the lid as herein described.
Preferably the lid is integrally formed with the container portion.
Preferably the lid is removable from the container portion.
These and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the entirety of this disclosure, which includes the accompanying drawings and claims.
Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying photos and drawings, of which:
The lid 1 preferably has an annular base 2 with an annular rim 10. The base 2 is adapted to releasably engage with the outside of the top of a container 20 (as shown in
Dependent from the base 2 is preferably an annular elevated portion 3. The annular elevated portion may comprise of a lid top and an annular wall that extends between the lid top and the base. It is preferably peripherally inward of the base (when seen in plan view). A first region 4 of the elevated portion 3 is preferably of greater in height above the base than an opposite second region 5. The difference in elevation between the two regions 4 and 5 is not critical to the operation of the opening and retaining of a spout 7. The difference in height between the first region 4 and second region 5, of the elevated portion 3 may help to create a pitch which allows liquid in the container when in use to flow further into a user's mouth.
The first and second regions 4,5 are preferably diametrically opposed each other on the elevated portion 3.
As shown in
Forming part of the elevated portion 3 is a formation to define the spout 7. It is herein also described as being a formation of the lid top. It is preferably provided as part of the lid top. The spout 7 is preferably elongate. Preferably the spout is hinged at its periphery. The hinge is elongate and runs about at least part of the spout. Preferably the spout is formed of or as a pliable member or region of the elevated annular portion (eg at the lid top) and preferably extends across a substantial portion of the footprint of the lid 1. The hinge may be a hinge region at each side of the spout. The hinge may extend about the entire connected periphery of the spout 7. In the preferred embodiment the hinge is a living hinge. The hingeable nature of the hinge is at least in part determined by the stiffness and flexibility of material that it is made from, as well as the preformed configuration and shape of the hinge. The hinge allows the lid top to be compresses in a direction lateral to the elongate direction of the spout 7. Preferably the spout 7 extends from a peripheral region of the lid top and to or towards an opposite peripheral region of the lid top. Preferably the spout 7 is located to substantially dissect and preferably bisect the elevated portion 3 (lid top).
Preferably the spout 7 is of substantially a triangular form (preferably an isosceles triangle) when viewed in plan where the base of the triangle is at or near the periphery of the elevated annular portion and the apex is proximate an opposed region of the periphery of the elevated annular portion. The spout preferably has a convex upward curvature over its length as shown drawings when the spout is in the open configuration. The spout is shown in the open or drinking configuration in
The lid 1 has an aperture 8 via which liquid can flow so that a user can drink the contents of the container when the spout 7 is in the open or drinking configuration. In one embodiment, the aperture 8 is at the elevated first region 4. When the spout 7 is in a closed configuration this aperture 8 is closed. Preferably the closed aperture 8 creates a seal sufficient to help prevent liquid from the egressing from the aperture 8. The seal is preferably established between the end 12 of the spout and the annular wall of the elevated portion 3.
The hinge facilitates the spout 7 to move between the open and closed condition/configuration. The hinge preferably biases the spout to the open configuration. In some forms, the hinge may also be able to bias the spout to the closed configuration. This may occur when the spout 7 is in the closed configuration. In other forms the spout 7 may be retained, against the bias to the open configuration, in the closed configuration.
In one embodiment, the spout 7 in the open condition is preferably more stable than the spout 7 in the closed condition. I.e. the spout 7 may be biased towards being in the open condition by the hinge. When in the closed condition, pulling the spout 7 upwards away from the annular base and/or squeezing of the lid 1, will or will cause to move (eg spring) the spout 7 towards the open configuration. Preferably the direction of the squeezing at the periphery is orthogonal to the elongate direction of the spout 7. I.e. the squeezing forces from a user are on either side of the spout 7. This will be explained more later. Preferably only pushing on the spout 7 downwards will force the spout 7 to its closed condition.
Moving from the closed condition to the open condition, the spout 7 may utilise an over centre type mechanism. In such a form, to move from the closed condition, to the open condition, the spout 7 must pass over a particular point where it is biased towards the open configuration. Once the spout 7 has gone past its over centre point, it does not easily return to the closed configuration without an external input. In other embodiments, the spout 7 always wants to be in it is open configuration even when closed, and is only in its closed configuration when actively retained in its closed configuration. This may be achieved by a catch 11.
The spout 7 may be retained in its closed condition by the catch 11. When a user, or other means such as a manufacturing machine or packing machine, closes the open spout 7A (wherein A represents the open configuration) to the closed condition the closed spout 7B (wherein B represents the closed configuration) can catch on the catch 11 as shown in the schematic
The preferred action of squeezing the annular base 2, or lid 1, or cup 20, in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the spout, and towards the centre of the annular base 2, will have the effect of moving the catch 11 away from the end 12 of the spout 7. In one embodiment, where the container 20 is a circular rimmed cup, the effect of squeezing the container 20 to a more elliptical shape will move the catch 11 away from the end 12 so as to release from the spout 7. The spout can then move or caused to be moved to its open condition. As described above, once the spout 7 is released from the catch 11 it can return to the open condition, i.e., open configuration.
Another method of releasing the spout 7, is to pull the catch 11 away from the end 12. A further method of releasing the spout 7, is to pull up on the spout 7. The effect of pulling on the spout 7 will merely bend the spout 7 so that it can get out from underneath the catch 11.
The end 12 of the spout 7 is connected at sides 14 (as shown in
A further preferred feature of the spout 7 is that it's “pivot point” 13, as shown in
The spout 7 and aperture 8 may be adapted such that they help to provide a natural flow of liquid when open and in use. The dimensions of the spout and aperture 8 based around at least one of (a) typical mouth size of users (b) liquid volumes to escape and (c) comfortable angles for the liquid to pour into a user's mouth.
In one embodiment, the spout 7 may have a tab 9. This is preferably shaped like a fin. The purpose of the tab 9 is so that a user has another means, aside from the preferred sidewall squeezing, to open the hinged spout 7 when it is in its closed configuration. It may also be used to push down on the tab 9 to close the spout 7 when it is in its open configuration.
The lid 101 has an annular base 102 with an annular rim which is adapted to releasably engage with the outside of the top of a container such that in use it preferably substantially sealably fits about the circumference of a drinking edge of a container. The diameter of the lid 101 can be manufactured according to the size of the container. Projecting upwardly from the base 102 is an annular elevated portion 103 and as can be seen one first region 104 of the elevated portion 103 is greater in height than the other second region 5. The first region 104 of the elevated portion 103 is preferably about 10 mm in height from the base 102 whereas the second region 105 is preferably about 8 mm in height from the base 102. Projecting downwardly from the base 102 may be an annular internal extension 106 which when in use fits inside a container to assist application to the container and to make the attachment of the lid 101 to the container more stable, this is described above as the extension 6.
As shown in
The purpose of the tab 109 is so that a user can pull open the hinged spout 107 when it is in its closed configuration or to push down on the tab 109 to close the spout 107 when it is in its open configuration. The distance from the front of the spout 7 to the tab 109 is preferably about 12.5 mm. Also, as can be seen in
In use, a user places the annular rim of the base 2, 102 around the circumference of a drinking edge of a disposable container and the inner annular 6, 106 wall inside the container such that a secure fit is made. A user can then decide whether to keep the spout 7, 107 closed to transport the contained liquid and help maintain the temperature of the liquid or to open the spout 7, 107 by either popping the spout 7, 107 open or by pulling the tab 9, 109 which results in the spout 7, 107 moving to a drinking or open configuration. Once the spout 7, 107 is in the drinking configuration, a user can drink the liquid contained within the container via the aperture 8, 108. As the hinged spout 7, 107 can be opened and closed the user can either finish drinking all the liquid or close the spout 7, 107 and drink the remaining liquid at a later point in time.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the spout 7, 107 which can be opened and shut can come in different configurations and shapes and need not be limited to the embodiments disclosed (e.g. it doesn't need to be lengthwise hinge in a cone or triangle like shape). A closed condition may mean that some liquid can still escape. It may not be a complete fluid tight seal. A holding of the container upside down may for example allow liquid to trickle from the lid via the closed spout 7, 107.
As shown in
Preferably, the lid 207 comprises a horizontal surface. Such horizontal surface can allow stacking of the cup/container onto the lid 207.
Preferably, the lid top may comprise a tapered surface or surface that is shaped in such a way that user can drink the liquid inside the container comfortably. The shape may be configured to suit the face or part of the face of the user that may come in contact with the lid top during use.
As shown in
As can be seen for example in
From the above description and from
Preferably, apart from the orientation and location of the spout 207, the structure and/or shape of the spout 207 is same as the structure and/or shape of the spout 7, 107 as described above. Similarly, the hinge arrangement of the spout 207 at the periphery of the spout may also be same or at least similar as hinge arrangement of the spout 7, 107 as described above.
A first gripping portion 251a is formed on the elevated annular portion 203 at one side of the spout 207 and similarly a second gripping portion 251b is formed on the elevated annular portion 203 at another side of the spout 207 as shown in
When the spout 207 is in a closed configuration the aperture 208 is closed. Preferably the closed aperture 208 creates a seal sufficient to help prevent liquid from the egressing from the aperture 208. The closed configuration may be achieved by applying force to the end 212 of the spout 207 in the direction of the arrow 260 as shown in
The spout 207 may be retained in its closed condition by a catch 211. When the spout 207 is in a closed configuration, the spout 207 may engage with the catch 211 as shown in the schematic
When the spout 207 is in an open configuration the aperture 208 is open. The open configuration is shown in
The preferred action of squeezing the annular base 202, or lid 201, or container 220, in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the spout, and towards the centre of the annular base 202, will have the effect of moving the catch 211 away from the end 212 of the spout 7. In one embodiment, where the container 220 is a circular rimmed cup, the effect of squeezing the container 220 to a more elliptical shape will move the catch 211 away from the end 212 so as to release from the spout 207. The spout 207 can then move or caused to be moved to its open configuration. Once the spout 207 is released from the catch 211, the spout 207 may be in the open configuration.
As shown in
Another method of releasing the spout 207, is to pull the catch 211 away from the end 212. A further method of releasing the spout 207, is to pull up on the spout 207 and in order to facilitate pulling of the spout 207, the end 212 may comprise a tab (not shown) that is similar to tab 9, 109 as described above in the previous embodiments. The effect of pulling on the tab of the spout 207 will merely bend the spout 207 so that it can get out from underneath the catch 211.
The spout 207 and aperture 208 may be adapted such that they help to provide a natural flow of liquid when open and in use. The dimensions of the spout 207 and aperture 208 may be based around at least one of (a) typical mouth size of users (b) liquid volumes to escape and (c) comfortable angles for the liquid to pour into a user's mouth.
As shown in
In use, a user places the annular rim of the base 202 around the circumference of a drinking edge of the container 220. If an inner annular wall is present, such inner annular wall is present inside the container such that a secure fit is made. A user can then decide whether to keep the spout 207 closed to transport the contained liquid and help maintain the temperature of the liquid or to open the spout 207 by either popping the spout 207 open or by applying force on the gripping portions 251a, 251b towards the direction of the inside of the container 220 which results in the spout 207 moving to a drinking or open configuration. Once the spout 207 is in the open or drinking configuration a user can drink the liquid contained within the container via the aperture 208. As the spout 207 can be opened and closed the user can either finish drinking all the liquid or close the spout 207 and drink the remaining liquid at a later point in time.
Therefore, it will be appreciated that the lid 1, 101, 201 comprises a formation in a non-peripheral region that is able to be pressed or already pressed, to a condition that at least substantially closes a flowable material egress opening (i.e. aperture 8, 108, 208). The formation is able to be released from that condition to allow material egress from the container via the material egress opening. The formation may be a spout 7, 107, 207. It will be appreciated that the lid 1, 101, 201 and its various parts can be produced in a range of different sizes. It will also be appreciated that the lid 1, 101201, can be made in a number of different ways such as injection formed, vacuum formed, compression molding, pressure forming, and hydro forming etc. The lid 1, 101, 201 can also be made from a number of different materials however most preferably the lid is made from plastic and most preferably a biodegradable plastic.
In one preferred embodiment the lid 1, 101201 is made substantially from CPLA (crystallised polylactic) which is a compostable polymer. In another preferred embodiment the lid 1, 101, 201 is made substantially from PP (polypropylene). In another preferred embodiment the lid 1, 101, 201 is made substantially from PP (polypropylene) at 0.5 mm gauge.
The opening of the spout may be of many sizes. In the most preferred form the flow area is at around 1.2 cm^2. A typical range may be 0.8 cm^2 to 1.5 cm^2.
The two diameters of the lids may for example be, ‘Regular’ and ‘Large’ which are 80 mm and 90 mm respectively.
The lid 1, 101 may optionally comprise air circulation hole similar to circulation hole 270 on lid top in order to improve liquid flow. The lid 1, 101, 201 has a number of benefits and advantages over known lids. It can be opened and closed by the user which minimises accidental spillage. When closed the spout also helps to maintain the temperature of the liquid in the container for longer. The lid is also user friendly as is easy to use and allows liquid to escape in a more ergonomic fashion when the spout is open. The inner wall 6, 106 of the lid 1, 101 also makes the lid 1, 101 to container connection more secure than known lids. Such inner walls may also be present in lid 201. The simple squeezing manner that allows the spout 7, 107, 207 to move/transition to its open configuration is an important aspect of at least some embodiments of invention. The simple squeezing manner can be performed with one hand, while the same hand can also be used to carry the container.
Although in the preferred embodiments the lid 1, 101, 201 is for a container it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the lid 1, 101, 201 could be used on other items for example the lid 1, 101,201 could be used for any type of container which has an open top which flowable material such as a liquid or granular solids (e.g. sugar) or paste or sauce or the like is poured out of.
It will be appreciated that having a spout 7, 107, 207 and aperture 8, 108, 208 of a particular shape/structure as shown in the drawings is advantageous as such triangular and convex shape/structure does not allow ice cubes to fully block flow of liquid from the aperture 8, 108, 208. Further such shape/structure is adapted to suit drinking thicker or more viscous liquids such as smoothies or milkshakes.
It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and functioning of various embodiments of the invention, this disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail so long as the functioning of the invention is not adversely affected. For example, the particular elements of the lid 1, 101 such as the base 2, 102, internal wall 6, 106, elevated portion 3, 103, spout 7, 107 and tab 9, 109 may vary dependent on the particular application for which it is used without variation in the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth.
Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and/or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 720514 | Nov 2016 | NZ | national |
The current application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/422,910 filed on May 24, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part patent application of PCT International Patent Application No. PCT/IB2017/057397 filed on Nov. 24, 2017, which claims priority to and the benefits of the New Zealand Patent Application No. 720514 filed on Nov. 25, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated in their entireties by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16422910 | May 2019 | US |
| Child | 17831434 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/IB2017/057397 | Nov 2017 | US |
| Child | 16422910 | US |
