BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure relates to lids and closure mechanisms for beverage containers and methods of manufacturing and use thereof, including leak resistant lids providing a means for drinking.
- 2. Description of the Background of the Disclosure
Many people like to drink beverages while on the go. Beverages are often carried by people for different reasons and to different places, such as to the beach, to the office, in the car, on a boat, at the golf course, at the shopping mall, and other similar places. Beverage containers can be useful to transport, physically protect, and thermally insulate beverages. For example, beverage containers, including coffee mugs, tumblers, aluminum cans, or glass bottles are often used to store and transport hot or cold beverages, such as water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, or alcoholic beverages, such as beer or seltzers. Lids are often used with beverage containers to prevent the contents of a beverage container from spilling while being carried, and lids are also often used to further thermally insulate the contents of a beverage container. However, conventional lids for beverage containers may leak when tipped or moved, which can be undesirable for a user. Further, a user may desire to use a straw to drink the beverage, but conventional lids for beverage containers lack the means necessary to accommodate the use of straws. Therefore, a need exists for an improved beverage container lid.
SUMMARY
Various aspects are described in connection with illustrative implementation of a container disclosed herein.
In some aspects, a lid assembly for a beverage container includes a lid body having a central channel formed therein and defining a first aperture that extends longitudinally therethrough. The lid assembly further includes a lower flipper rotatably coupled to the lid body, the lower flipper defining a second aperture and a third aperture which extend longitudinally therethrough. A plug is coupled to the lower flipper and defines a fourth aperture that extends longitudinally therethrough. A seal is disposed within and covers the fourth aperture. In some embodiments, the first aperture, the second aperture, and the fourth aperture are concentrically aligned when the lower flipper is rotated to a first position in the central channel. In some embodiments, the plug further includes a fastening pin that extends therefrom, and the fastening pin is configured to fit into the third aperture of the lower flipper to couple the plug to the lower flipper.
In some embodiments, the lower flipper includes a first alignment flange that extends downwardly therefrom and concentric to the second aperture. In some embodiments, a bearing gap is formed in the plug between a bearing surface and a second alignment flange which extend concentrically around the fourth aperture, and the first alignment flange is configured to be fastened within the bearing gap when the plug is coupled to the lower flipper. In some embodiments, the first aperture defines an elliptical shape. In some embodiments, a third alignment flange extends downward from the plug concentrically and corresponds to the elliptical shape of the first aperture, and the third alignment flange is configured to be seated within the first aperture when the plug is rotated to a first position in the central channel. In some embodiments, the lower flipper includes a lower flipper body with a front end and a rear end, a lower tab that extends upwardly from the front end of the flipper body, and a hinge joint that extends rearwardly from the lower flipper body.
According to another aspect of the disclosure, a lid assembly for a beverage container includes a lid body including a head and a base that extends downward from the head along a longitudinal axis, the head defining a front end, a rear end, and a diameter therebetween. The lid assembly further includes a transverse axis that intersects the front end and the rear end of the head, and a central channel is formed in the head and extends along the transverse axis between the front end and the rear end. The lid assembly further includes sidewalls that extend upward on either side of the central channel and define a width of the central channel therebetween. In some aspects, the width of the central channel is between about 20% and about 30% of the diameter of the head.
In some embodiments, the lid body further includes an outer rim that extends circumferentially around the head and defines a top-most edge of the lid body. In some embodiments, a slot is formed in the outer rim at the rear end of the head, and the central channel is formed between the outer rim at the front end of the head and the slot. In some embodiments, the central channel defines a concavely shaped first segment that extends rearwardly from the front end of the head, a linear second segment that extends rearwardly from the first segment, and a planar third segment that extends between the second segment and the rear end of the head. In some embodiments, a first aperture extends longitudinally through the first segment of the central channel, and hinge recesses are formed in each of the sidewalls adjacent to a junction between the second segment and the third segment of the central channel.
According to another aspect of the disclosure, a lid assembly for a beverage container includes a lid body including a first aperture that extends longitudinally therethrough, a central channel formed in the lid body, and an upper flipper rotatably coupled to the lid body within the central channel. The lid assembly further includes a lower flipper rotatably coupled to the upper flipper within the central channel, the lower flipper defining a second aperture and a third aperture which extend longitudinally therethrough. The lid assembly further includes a plug coupled to the lower flipper, the plug defining a fourth aperture which extends longitudinally therethrough. In some aspects, the first aperture, the second aperture, and the fourth aperture are axially aligned when the lower flipper is rotated to a first position in the central channel.
In some embodiments, the upper flipper and the lower flipper are coupled to the lid body along a hinge axis formed across the central channel. In some embodiments, sidewalls extend upward on either side of the central channel, and each sidewall includes one or more retainers which protrude inwardly therefrom into the central channel. In some embodiments, the upper flipper and the lower flipper are capable of being rotated about the hinge axis between the first position and a second position, and the one or more retainers contact the upper flipper and the lower flipper when the lower flipper is rotated to the second position. In some embodiments, an alignment ring extends downward from the upper flipper, and the alignment ring extends into the second aperture and contact an inner wall of the second aperture when the upper flipper is rotated to the first position.
Various alternative implementations of the foregoing aspects are disclosed. The foregoing various aspects may be combined in any manner without limitation. The foregoing and other aspects and advantages of the disclosure will appear from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown by way of illustration a preferred configuration of the disclosure. Such configuration does not necessarily represent the full scope of the disclosure, however, and reference is made therefore to the claims herein for interpreting the scope of the disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present disclosure will be better understood and features, aspects, and advantages other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such detailed description makes reference to the following drawings.
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of a lid assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a lid body of the lid assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1 attached to a beverage container;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1 taken through line 5-5 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is top perspective view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1 with an upper flipper in an open position and a lower flipper in a closed position;
FIG. 7 is top view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1 with an upper flipper and a lower flipper in an open position;
Before the embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Aspects of the disclosure are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The features, aspects and advantages are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate but not to limit the present disclosure. While the articles disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms, several specific embodiments are discussed herein with the understanding that the embodiments described in the present disclosure are to be considered only exemplifications of the principles described herein, and the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated. Throughout the disclosure, the terms “about” and “approximate” mean plus or minus 5% of the number or value that each term precedes. In the drawings, like reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the drawings. Also, while the terms “front side,” “back side,” “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. Unless otherwise stated, 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.
In the description that follows, reference is made to one or more container structures. It is contemplated that any of the disclosed structures may be constructed from any polymer, composite, plastic, injection molded plastic, and/or metal/alloy material, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, it is contemplated that any manufacturing methodology may be utilized, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, one or more of welding, e.g., high frequency, ultrasonic welding, or metal/alloy welding, gluing, molding, injection molding, blow molding, stamping, deep-drawing, casting, die-casting, rotational molding, or additive manufacturing processes may be used, as well as various finishing processes, including drilling, deburring, grinding, polishing, sanding, or etching processes, among many others, may be utilized to construct the various container structures, or portions thereof, described throughout the disclosure.
FIG. 1 illustrates various aspects of an implementation of a lid assembly 100, which may be configured as a lid for a beverage container, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. In some applications, the lid assembly 100 is configured for use with a beverage container (see FIG. 4) to transport, protect, and thermally insulate a beverage or free fluid. It should be understood, however, that the teachings herein are not limited to any particular beverage container, and are applicable to lids for containers of other substances, including solids and liquids of various forms, temperatures, and compositions, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure. In some aspects, the lid assembly 100 comprises a lid body 102, a first or upper flipper 104, a second or lower flipper 106, a plug 108, and a circular gasket 110. The lid body 102 includes a head 112 and a base 114 which are integrally formed with one another. In some embodiments, the lid body 102 is formed as a unitary component from injection molded plastic, such as, e.g., polypropylene (“PP”), homopolymer PP, Copolymer PP, Random Copolymer, thermoplastics, and/or any other plastics or polyolefins, or combinations thereof.
In some aspects, the head 112 and base 114 of the lid body 102 form substantially concentric, circular-shaped perimeters, and the base 114 extends downwardly from the head 112. In addition, the lid body 102 has a top or first end 116 and a bottom or second end 118 that is opposite the first end 116. Put another way, the head 112 defines the first end 116 of the lid body 102, and the base 114 defines the second end 118 of the lid body 102. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the lid body 102 defines a longitudinal axis 120 that extends between the first end 116 and the second end 118, and a transverse axis 122 that extends along a diameter of the head 112, i.e., a head diameter in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 120. It is contemplated that the longitudinal axis 120 and the transverse axis 122 define a corresponding plane, e.g., a longitudinal-transverse plane (not shown), of the lid assembly 100.
Turning now to FIG. 3, the head 112 defines an outer rim 124 which extends circumferentially around the outer periphery or edge of the head 112. In some aspects, the outer rim 124 defines the first end 116 of the lid body 102, i.e., a top-most point and/or edge of the lid body 102. Further, the lid body 102 includes a front end 126 which is located adjacent to a point where the transverse axis 122 intersects the outer rim 124. Relatedly, a rear end 128 of the lid body 102 is located along the outer rim 124 and opposite of the front end 126 so as to be intersected by the transverse axis 122. Thus, it will be understood that the transverse axis 122 extends between the front end 126 and the rear end 128 of the head 112, and that a head diameter Dh of the lid body 102 is defined between the front end 126 and the rear end 128 of the head 112 along the transverse axis 122. Further, the outer rim 124 defines an arcuately shaped front rim wall 130 which is symmetrical relative to the transverse axis 122, i.e., mirrored relative to the transverse axis 122, and the outer rim 124 also defines a pair of arcuately shaped side rim walls 132 which extend from either side of the front rim wall 130. In particular, the side rim walls 132 are symmetrical relative to the transverse axis 122. In some aspects, a slot 134 is formed in the outer rim 124 at the rear end 128 of the head 112. Put another way, the outer rim 124 defines a C-shape (see FIGS. 1-3) which includes the front rim wall 130 and the side rim walls 132, such that the outer rim 124 is open at the rear end 128 to define the slot 134. When viewed from the rear, the slot 134 has a substantially rectangular shape. As will be discussed below in greater detail, the front rim wall 130 includes a first locking recess 136 formed in a center thereof, and the first locking recess 136 is substantially elliptical in shape.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3, a central channel 138 is formed in the head 112 along the transverse axis 122 and between the front end 126 and the rear end 128. Specifically, the central channel 138 is formed between the front rim wall 130 and the slot 134 along the transverse axis 122. In some aspects, the central channel 138 defines a curved or first segment 140 that extends rearwardly, i.e., towards the rear end 128 along the transverse axis 122, from the front rim wall 130, a linear or second segment 142 that extends rearwardly from the first segment 140, and a planar or third segment 144 that extends between the rear end 128 and the second segment 142. The first segment 140 defines a substantially concave shape that curves downward with respect to the longitudinal axis 120 (see FIG. 1). In the illustrated embodiment, the first segment 140 includes a first aperture 146 which extends longitudinally through the lid body 102. The first aperture 146 defines a substantially elliptical shape and is configured as a drinking opening. For example, the first aperture 146 is configured as a pour-to-drink opening in which a drinker tilts the beverage container (see FIG. 4) to pour the contents therein, i.e., a beverage or liquid, through the first aperture 146 and into the user's mouth. Correspondingly, the concave shape of the first segment 140 acts as a funnel to direct any amount of a liquid that has spilled into the central channel 138 back into the beverage container (see FIG. 4) through the first aperture 146, thus preventing liquid from pooling in the central channel 138.
Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the second segment 142 is substantially planar and slopes downward towards the first segment 140 from the third segment 144 at an angle 148 relative to the transverse axis 122. In some aspects, the angle 148 is between about 2.0 degrees and about 10 degrees, between about 4.0 degrees and about 8.0 degrees, between about 5.0 degrees and about 7.0 degrees, between about 6.0 degrees and about 7.0 degrees, or about 6.5 degrees. The downward slope of the second segment 142 further directs any amount of a beverage that has spilled into the central channel 138 towards the first segment 140, which in turn funnels the beverage back into the beverage container (see FIG. 4) through the first aperture 146. In some aspects, the second segment 142 includes a vent 150 which is formed as an aperture that extends longitudinally through the second segment 142. The vent 150 is substantially circular in shape and is centrally located in the second segment 142. As liquid is dispensed from the beverage container (see FIG. 4), i.e., when a drinker is sipping a beverage through the first aperture 146 as discussed above, the vent 150 reduces pressure build up in the beverage container (see FIG. 4). To that end, the vent 150 is positioned on the second segment 142 and spaced apart from first aperture 146 a sufficient distance to maintain an airflow path that is not impeded or interfered with by the liquid contents, whether the container is full or partially filled. Accordingly, the vent 150 provides a steady flow rate through the first aperture 146 and prevents inefficient emptying behavior, e.g., fluctuating flow rates, gurgling, and trapped fluid. Further, the vent 150 defines a flow path between the ambient environment and the internal volume of the beverage container (see FIG. 4), meaning that air from the ambient environment is drawn through the flow path defined through the vent 150 when fluid in the beverage container (see FIG. 4) is emptied, e.g., poured through the first aperture 146. Thus, the vent 150 prevents a negative suction pressure from forming in the beverage container (see FIG. 4) as a result of fluid exiting through the first aperture 146.
As discussed above, the third segment 144 is formed between the rear end 128 and the second segment 142. The third segment 144 is substantially planar, meaning that the third segment 144 extends in a direction that is parallel to the transverse axis 122. Referring specifically now to FIG. 3, the first segment defines a length 152 that extends between the front rim wall 130 and the second segment 142, the second segment 142 defines a length 154 that extends between the first segment 140 and the third segment 144, and the third segment 144 defines a length 156 that extends between the second segment 142 and the rear end 128. In addition, the first aperture 146 defines a length 158, and the vent 150 defines a diameter 160. Each of the lengths 152, 154, 156 of the segments 140, 142, 144, the length 158 of the first aperture 146, and the diameter 160 of the vent 150, respectively, are measured in a direction that is parallel with respect to the transverse axis 122. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the lengths 152, 154, 156 are illustrated as maximum lengths of the segments 140, 142, 144. Further, the length 158 of the first aperture 146 and the diameter 160 of the vent 150 are illustrated as maximum lengths of the first aperture 146 and the vent 150, respectively.
In some aspects, the length 152 of the first segment 140 is between about 50% and about 150% of the length 154 of the second segment 142, or between about 75% and about 125% of the length 154 of the second segment 142, or between about 90% and about 110% of the length 154 of the second segment 142, or between about 100% and about 110% of the length 154 of the second segment 142, or about 105% of the length 154 of the second segment 142. In some aspects, the length 152 of the first segment 140 is between about 25% and about 75% of the length 154 of the third segment 144, or between about 30% and about 40% of the length 154 of the third segment 144, or between about 40% and about 60% of the length 154 of the third segment 144, or between about 50% and about 60% of the length 154 of the third segment 144, or about 55% of the length 154 of the third segment 144.
In some aspects, the length 158 of the first aperture 146 is between about 575% and about 625% of the diameter 160 of the vent 150, or between about 600% and about 625% of the diameter 160 of the vent 150, or between about 610% and about 620% of the diameter 160 of the vent 150, or about 615% of the diameter 160 of the vent 150.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the lid body 102 includes two channel sidewalls 162 which extend along the transverse axis 122 on opposite sides of the central channel 138. Put another way, the channel sidewalls 162 extend along the first, second, and third segments 140, 142, 144 of the central channel 138. Each of the channel sidewalls 162 includes a hinge recess 164 that is formed therein adjacent to a junction J between the second and third segment 144 of the central channel 138. As will be discussed below in greater detail, a hinge axis 166 extends between the hinge recesses 164 in a direction that is normal to the longitudinal-transverse plane (not shown) formed by the longitudinal axis 120 and the transverse axis 122. In some aspects, the longitudinal axis 120 and the hinge axis 166 define a corresponding plane, e.g., a longitudinal-hinge plane (not shown), and the transverse axis 122 and the hinge axis 166 define a corresponding plane, e.g., a transverse-hinge plane (not shown). In addition, each of the channel sidewalls 162 includes one or more retainers 168, e.g., two opposing retainers 168, which protrude inwardly therefrom into the central channel 138. The retainers 168 are located in the slot 134, meaning that the retainers 168 are disposed on the channel sidewalls 162 at a location that is adjacent and frontward of the rear end 128 of the lid body 102. Further aspects of the retainers 168 will be discussed below in greater detail. It will be understood that any components of the lid assembly 100 discussed herein are described in relation to the longitudinal axis 120, the transverse axis 122, and the hinge axis 166 of the lid body 102. Likewise, it will be understood that any discussion hereinafter of a “front” or “rear” of any of the components of the lid assembly 100 is in reference to the front end 126 and the rear end 128, respectively, of the lid body 102. Put another way, the “front” or “rear” of a component of the lid assembly 100 discussed herein should be understood to mean the end of the component nearest the front end 126 or rear end 128, respectively, of the lid body 102 when all components are in a “closed” position as described below, unless explicitly described otherwise.
Now referring specifically to FIG. 3, the central channel 138 has a width 170 that is measured between the channel sidewalls 162, and the first aperture 146 has a width 172. Each of the widths 170, 172 of the central channel 138 and the first aperture 146, respectively, are measured in a direction that is parallel to the hinge axis 166. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the widths 170, 172 are illustrated as maximum widths of the of the central channel 138 and the first aperture 146, respectively. In some examples, the width 170 of the central channel 138 is between about 25% and about 50% of the head diameter Dh, or between about 30% and about 40% of the head diameter Dh, or between about 30% and about 35% of the head diameter Dh, or about 33% of the head diameter Dh. In some examples, the width 172 of the first aperture 146 is between about 10% and about 40% of the head diameter Dh, or between about 20% and about 30% of the head diameter Dh, or between about 25% and about 30% of the head diameter Dh, or about 28% of the head diameter Dh.
In some aspects, the channel sidewalls 162 each include a rounded top edge 174 from which curved top faces 176 extend outwardly towards the outer rim 124. In particular, the curved top faces 176 convexly curve downward from the rounded top edges 174 and the front rim wall 130 until reaching a point on the outer rim 124 that is about 90 degrees from the front rim wall 130 and the slot 134 measured along the outer rim 124. Put another way, the curved top faces 176 reach a deepest point, i.e., a point farthest away from the first end 116 with respect to the longitudinal axis 120, at the interface with the outer rim 124 and at about 90 degrees away from the front rim wall 130 and the slot 134 along the outer rim 124. In some aspects, the curved top faces 176 are symmetrical and mirrored with one another relative to the transverse axis 122. In some embodiments, at least one of the curved top faces 176 includes a logo along the corresponding rounded top edge 174, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the base 114 of the lid body 102 extends downwardly from the head 112 of the lid body 102. The base 114 includes a plurality of threads 178 that extend outwardly therearound. The plurality of threads 178 may be configured to engage with correspondingly shaped grooves (see FIG. 4) in a beverage container (see FIG. 4) to secure the lid assembly 100 to the beverage container (see FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the plurality of threads 178 are oriented clockwise around the base 114 of the lid body 102. In some embodiments, the plurality of threads 178 are also oriented counterclockwise around the base 114 of the lid body 102. Thus, it is contemplated that the lid assembly 100 may be easily rotated, e.g., tightened or loosened, in connection with a beverage container (see FIG. 4) by right-handed and/or left-handed users. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the base 114 defines a base diameter Db which is illustrated as a maximum diameter of the base 114 and is measured along the transverse axis 122. In some aspects, the base diameter Db is between about 75% and about 100% of the head diameter Dh, or between about 75% and about 90% of the head diameter Dh, or between about 80% and about 85% of the head diameter Dh, or about 85% of the head diameter Dh. In some aspects, the circular gasket 110 is attached to an interior of the base 114, and the circular gasket 110 may be made of silicone or another rubber-like material or elastomer, or the circular gasket 110 may be made of a combination of plastic and silicone. Further aspects of the circular gasket 110 will be discussed below in greater detail.
Returning now to FIG. 1, the upper flipper 104 is configured to be coupled to the lid body 102, and the upper flipper 104 is capable of being rotated about the hinge axis 166 between an open position and a closed position, as will be discussed below in greater detail. The upper flipper 104 includes an upper flipper body 180, an upper tab 182, and two hinge rings 184. Specifically, the upper flipper body 180 defines a substantially rectangular shape which is solid and continuous along an entire length thereof. Further, the upper flipper body 180 defines a planar top face 186 and a planar bottom face 188 which extend along the transverse axis 122 when the upper flipper 104 is coupled to the lid body 102 in a closed position. An alignment ring 190 (see FIG. 5) extends downwardly from the planar bottom face 188 of the upper flipper body 180 and is configured to interact with the lower flipper 106 of the lid assembly 100, as will be discussed below in greater detail.
The upper tab 182 extends outwardly and upwardly from upper body 180. In some aspects, the upper tab 182 extends upwardly at an angle 192 which is offset from the longitudinal axis 120. In some aspects, the angle 192 is between about 75 degrees and about 125 degrees, or between about 100 degrees and about 125 degrees, or between about 110 degrees and about 120 degrees, or between about 110 degrees and about 115 degrees, or about 113 degrees. In addition, the upper tab 182 includes an upper lip 194 located at an upper end thereof that extends outwardly therefrom in a direction that is parallel relative to the transverse axis 122. Since the upper lip 194 extends forwardly and outwardly from the upper tab 182, the upper lip 194 is arranged to facilitate actuation access, e.g., pressing or lifting, by a user to rotate the upper tab 182 between a closed or open position along the hinge axis 166, as will be discussed below in greater detail. The upper tab 182 also defines a convexly curved profile relative to the longitudinal-hinge plane (not shown), and a first locking protrusion 196 extends outwardly, i.e., forward along the transverse axis 122, therefrom. The first locking protrusion 196 is configured to interact with the lower flipper 106 of the lid assembly 100, as discussed below in greater detail.
The hinge rings 184 extend rearwardly from the upper flipper body 180 at opposing sides thereof. Specifically, the hinge rings 184 extend rearward and downward past the planar bottom face 188 of the upper flipper body 180. Further, an upper recess 198 is formed in the upper flipper body 180 between the hinge rings 184, and the upper recess 198 is dimensioned to correspond to a hinge structure of the lower flipper 106, as will be discussed in greater detail below. The hinge rings 184 include outer hinge protrusions 200 which extend outwardly therefrom in a direction that is parallel to the hinge axis 166. Relatedly, the outer hinge protrusions 200 are circular in shape and are dimensioned to be fastened within the hinge recesses 164 formed in the channel sidewalls 162 of the lid body 102, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Accordingly, it will be understood that the upper flipper 104 is coupled to the lid body 102 by fastening, e.g., pressing, the outer hinge protrusions 200 of the upper flipper 104 into the hinge recesses 164 of the lid body 102, which in turn allows the upper flipper 104 to rotate about the hinge axis 166. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the hinge rings 184 also include circular ring recesses 202 which are formed within the inner sides of the hinge rings 184, i.e., the sides of the hinge rings 184 that are opposite to the sides from which the outer hinge protrusions 200 extend. As will be discussed below in greater detail, the circular ring recesses 202 are dimensioned to interact with correspondingly shaped structures on the lower flipper 106.
In some aspects, the upper flipper 104 is formed as a unitary component, meaning that each of the subcomponents thereof, e.g., the upper flipper body 180, the upper tab 182, the hinge rings 184, etc., are formed integrally with one another. For example, the upper flipper 104 can be formed as a unitary component from injection molded plastic, such as, e.g., polypropylene (“PP”), homopolymer PP, Copolymer PP, Random Copolymer, thermoplastics, and/or any other plastics or polyolefins, or combinations thereof. Referring specifically to FIG. 2, the upper flipper 104 defines a length 206 and a width 208 which are illustrated as maximum lengths and widths, respectively, of the upper flipper 104. The length 206 is measured between the front and the rear of the upper flipper 104 in a direction that is parallel with respect to the transverse axis 122, and the width 208 is measured across the upper flipper body 180 in a direction that is parallel with respect to the hinge axis 166. In some examples, the length 206 of the upper flipper 104 is between about 25% and about 75% of the diameter Dh of the head 112 of the lid body 102, or between about 40% and about 50% of the diameter Dh of the head 112 of the lid body 102, or between about 45% and about 50% of the diameter Dh of the head 112 of the lid body 102, or about 45% of the diameter Dh of the head 112 of the lid body 102. In some aspects, the width 208 of the upper flipper 104 is between about 90% and about 100% of the width 170 of the central channel 138 of the lid body 102.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the lower flipper 106 is configured to be rotatably coupled to the upper flipper 104, and, similar to the upper flipper 104, the lower flipper 106 is capable of being rotated about the hinge axis 166 between an open position and a closed position, as will be discussed below in greater detail. The lower flipper 106 includes a lower flipper body 210, a lower tab 212, and a hinge joint 214. Specifically, the lower flipper body 210 has a substantially rectangular shape and includes a planar top face 216 and a planar bottom face 218. A second aperture 220 extends longitudinally through the lower flipper body 210, i.e., through the top and bottom faces 216, 218 of the lower flipper body 210 in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis 120. Specifically, the second aperture 220 is substantially circular in shape and is dimensioned to receive the alignment ring 190 of the upper flipper 104 therein, as will be discussed below in greater detail. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second aperture 220 defines an outer diameter 222 and an inner diameter 224. The inner diameter 224 is defined by a first step surface 226 formed in the interior of the second aperture 220. In some aspects, the inner diameter 224 of the second aperture 220 is between about 75% and about 100% of the outer diameter 222 of the second aperture 220, or between about 80% and about 90% of the outer diameter 222 of the second aperture 220, or between about 80% and about 85% of the outer diameter 222 of the second aperture 220, or about 83% of the outer diameter 222 of the second aperture 220.
Correspondingly, a third aperture 230 also extends longitudinally through the lower flipper body 210, i.e., through the top and bottom faces 216, 218 of the lower flipper body 210 in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis 120. In some aspects, the third aperture 230 is dimensioned to correspond to a structure on the plug 108, as will be discussed below in greater detail. Further, the third aperture 230 defines an outer diameter 232 and an inner diameter 234, and the inner diameter 234 is defined by a second step surface 236 formed in the interior of the third aperture 230. In some aspects, the inner diameter 234 of the third aperture 230 is between about 25% and about 75% of the outer diameter 232 of the third aperture 230, or between about 50% and about 60% of the outer diameter 232 of the third aperture 230, or between about 55% and about 60% of the outer diameter 232 of the third aperture 230, or about 57% of the outer diameter 232 of the third aperture 230. In some examples, the inner diameter 234 of the third aperture 230 is between about 25% and about 50% of the outer diameter 222 of the second aperture 220, or between about 30% and about 40% of the outer diameter 222 of the second aperture 220, or between about 35% and about 45% of the outer diameter 222 of the second aperture 220, or about 39% of the outer diameter 222 of the second aperture 220.
Referring briefly to FIG. 7, a retaining wall 238 extends downwardly from the bottom face 218 of the lower flipper 106 and is configured to interact with the plug 108, as will be discussed below in greater detail. In some aspects, the retaining wall 238 extends along each side edge of the bottom face 218 at the front of the lower flipper 106, and the retaining wall 238 gradually angles inward, i.e., towards the transverse axis 122, as it extends rearward along the bottom face 218. Additionally, each side of the retaining wall 238 converges to form a curved wall segment 240 that curves around the third aperture 230. In this way, the retaining wall 238 defines an arrow-like profile which is pointed towards the rear of the lower flipper 106, as illustrated in FIG. 7. In some aspects, rectangular fastening tabs (not shown) extend inwardly from the retaining wall towards the transverse axis 122. Referring now to FIG. 5, a first alignment flange 244 extends downwardly from the bottom face 218 of the lower flipper 106 around the second aperture 220, i.e., the inner diameter 224 of the second aperture 220. The first alignment flange 244 is configured to interact with one or more components of the plug 108 (see FIG. 1), as will be discussed below in greater detail.
Still referring to FIG. 5, the lower tab 212 is connected to the front of the lower flipper body 210 and extends outwardly and upwardly therefrom. In some aspects, the lower tab 212 extends upwardly at an angle 246 which is offset from the longitudinal axis 120. In some aspects, the angle 246 is between about 75 degrees and about 125 degrees, or between about 100 degrees and about 125 degrees, or between about 110 degrees and about 120 degrees, or between about 110 degrees and about 115 degrees, or about 113 degrees. In addition, the lower tab 212 includes a lower lip 254 located at an upper end thereof that extends outwardly therefrom along the transverse axis 122. Since the lower lip 254 extends past the lower tab 212, the lower lip 254 can be easily pushed or pulled by a user to rotate the lower tab 212 between a closed or open position along the hinge axis 166 (see FIG. 1), as will be discussed below in greater detail.
Referring now to FIG. 1, the lower tab 212 also defines a front face 256 and a rear face 258, the front face 256 of the lower tab 212 having a convexly curved profile and the rear face 258 of the lower tab 212 having a concavely curved profile. A second locking protrusion 260 extends outwardly, i.e., forward along the transverse axis 122, from the front face 256 of the lower tab 212. The second locking protrusion 260 is configured to fit, e.g., be pressed by a user, into the first locking recess 136 of the lid body 102 (see FIG. 3), thereby locking the lower flipper 106 in the closed position. In addition, a second locking recess 262 (see FIG. 5) is formed in the center of the rear face 258 of the lower tab 212, and the second locking recess 262 is substantially rectangular in shape. In some aspects, the first locking protrusion 196 of the upper flipper 104 is configured to fit, e.g., be pressed by a user, into the second locking recess 262 of the lower flipper 106, thereby locking the upper flipper 104 to the lower flipper 106. Further aspects of the locking protrusions 196, 260 and the locking recesses 136, 262 will be discussed below in greater detail.
Returning to FIG. 1, the hinge joint 214 extends rearwardly from the lower flipper body 210, i.e., opposite from the lower tab 212. In some aspects, the hinge joint 214 defines a rearward, rounded profile that corresponds to the upper recess 198 that is formed in the upper flipper body 180. In some aspects, the hinge joint 214 defines a rounded step surface 264 which extends upwardly from the rear of the lower flipper body 210, and a planar upper surface 266 which extends rearwardly from an upper edge of the rounded step surface 264 in a direction that is parallel with respect to the planar top face 216 of the lower flipper body 210. Further, a hinge surface 268 of the hinge joint 214 convexly curves between the upper surface 266 and a planar lower surface 270 of the hinge joint 214. The lower surface 270 extends rearwardly from and is flush with the bottom face 218 of the lower flipper body 210, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Put another way, the hinge joint 214 defines a substantially rounded, rear profile of the lower flipper 106. As will be appreciated from FIGS. 2, 4, and 6, the hinge joint 214 is configured to fit within the upper recess 198 when the lid assembly 100 is arranged in a closed position. Specifically, the hinge joint 214 includes inner hinge protrusions 272 (see FIG. 1) which extend outwardly therefrom in a direction that is parallel to the hinge axis 166. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the inner hinge protrusions 272 are circular is shape, and the inner hinge protrusions 272 are dimensioned to be fastened within the circular ring recesses 202 formed in the inner sides of the hinge rings 184 of the upper flipper 104. Accordingly, it will be understood that the lower flipper 106 is coupled to the upper flipper 104 by fastening, e.g., pressing, the inner hinge protrusions 272 of the lower flipper 106 into the circular ring recesses 202 of the upper flipper 104, which in turn allows the lower flipper 106 to rotate about the hinge axis 166 when the upper flipper 104 is coupled to the lid body 102, as will be discussed in greater detail below.
In some aspects, the lower flipper 106 is formed as a unitary component, meaning that each of the subcomponents thereof, e.g., the lower flipper body 210, the lower tab 212, the hinge joint 214, etc., are formed integrally with one another. For example, the lower flipper 106 can be formed as a unitary component from injection molded plastic, such as, e.g., polypropylene (“PP”), homopolymer PP, Copolymer PP, Random Copolymer, thermoplastics, and/or any other plastics or polyolefins, or combinations thereof. Referring now to FIG. 2, the lower flipper 106 defines a length 276 and a width 278 which are illustrated as maximum lengths and widths, respectively, of the lower flipper 106. The length 276 is measured between the front and the rear of the lower flipper 106, e.g., between the outer edges of the lower tab 212 and the hinge joint 214, in a direction that is parallel with respect to the transverse axis 122. In addition, the width 278 is measured across the lower flipper body 210 (see FIG. 1) in a direction that is parallel with respect to the hinge axis 166.
In some examples, the length 276 of the lower flipper 106 is between about 50% and about 75% of the diameter Dh of the head 112 of the lid body 102, or between about 60% and about 70% of the diameter Dh of the head 112 of the lid body 102, or about 65% of the diameter Dh of the head 112 of the lid body 102. In some examples, the length 276 of the lower flipper 106 is between about 100% and about 125% of the length 206 of the upper flipper 104, or between about 110% and about 115% of the length 206 of the upper flipper 104, or about 112% of the length 206 of the upper flipper 104. In some aspects, the width 278 of the lower flipper 106 is between about 90% and about 100% of the width 170 of the central channel 138 of the lid body 102, and/or between about 95% and about 105% of the width 208 of the upper flipper 104.
With reference to FIG. 1, the plug 108 is configured to be secured to the lower flipper 106 and be rotated about the hinge axis 166 with the lower flipper 106 between an open position and a closed position. Put another way, the lower flipper 106 and the plug 108 are configured to be rotated about the hinge axis 166 as a single component, as will be discussed in greater detail below. The plug 108 is defined by a planar top face 286 and a planar bottom face 288, along with a curved front face 290 and a side face 292 which extend between the top and bottom faces 286, 288. In some aspects, the plug 108 defines an arrow-like profile when viewed along the longitudinal axis 120, and the shape of the plug 108 corresponds to the shape of the retaining wall 238 of the lower flipper 106. Put another way, the side face 292 of the plug 108 begins at each side edge of the curved front face 290 and extends linearly in a rearward direction before extending inward at an angle and converging to form a rounded corner point 294 at the rear of the plug 108. In addition, rectangular fastening recesses 296 are formed on either side of the side face 292 and offset from the edges formed between the curved front face 290 and the side face 292. Therefore, it will be understood that the retaining wall 238 contacts the side face 292 of the plug 108 when the plug 108 is coupled to the lower flipper 106. In some aspects, the rectangular fastening recesses 296 are dimensioned to receive the rectangular fastening tabs (not shown) disposed on the retaining wall 238 of the lower flipper 106, thus providing a connection point between the lower flipper 106 and the plug 108.
Still referring to FIG. 1, the plug 108 includes a fourth aperture 300 which extends longitudinally therethrough, i.e., through the top and bottom faces 286, 288 in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis 120, and the fourth aperture 300 defines a diameter 302 (see FIG. 5). In some aspects, the fourth aperture 300 is offset from the edges of the top face 286, meaning that the fourth aperture 300 is centrally located in the plug 108. A bearing surface 304 is recessed into the top face 286 and is disposed concentrically about the fourth aperture 300. The bearing surface 304 is substantially planar and defines a diameter (not shown) that is similar to a diameter (not shown) of the first alignment flange 244 of the lower flipper 106. For example, the first alignment flange 244 is configured to contact the bearing surface 304 when the plug 108 is attached to the lower flipper 106. To retain the first alignment flange 244, the plug 108 includes a second alignment flange 308 which extends concentrically around the fourth aperture 300 and is upwardly offset from the top face 286 of the plug 108. Put another way, the second alignment flange 308 is higher relative to the top face 286 taken along the longitudinal axis 120. Thus, a bearing gap 310 is formed between the bearing surface 304 and the second alignment flange 308, and the first alignment flange 244 is configured to be fastened within the bearing gap 310 when the plug 108 is coupled to the lower flipper 106, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Put another way, an interference fit is defined between the first alignment flange and the bearing gap 310 formed between the bearing surface 304 and the second alignment flange 308 when the plug 108 is coupled to the lower flipper 106.
In some aspects, fastening the first alignment flange 244 within the bearing gap 310 (see FIG. 1) includes snapping the first alignment flange 244 into the bearing gap 310 (see FIG. 1), or the first alignment flange 244 is secured with the bearing gap 310 (see FIG. 1) during manufacture of the lid assembly 100. Correspondingly, fastening the first alignment flange 244 within the bearing gap 310 forces the second alignment flange 308 upward through the second aperture 220 of the lower flipper 106, such that the second alignment flange 308 is disposed within the second aperture 220 and is flush with the planar top face 216 of the lower flipper 106. In addition, an alignment lip 312 extends upwardly from the second alignment flange 308 concentrically around the fourth aperture 300. In some aspects, the alignment lip 312 is configured to abut the planar bottom face 188 of the upper flipper body 180 when the lid assembly 100 is assembled, as will be discussed below in greater detail. Thus, it will be understood that the alignment lip 312 extends upwardly past the planar top face 216 of the lower flipper 106 when the plug 108 is coupled thereto.
In addition, an aperture seal 314 is disposed within the fourth aperture 300 and is configured to cover the fourth aperture 300 unless manually opened. The aperture seal 314 convexly curves downward with respect to the transverse axis 122, as illustrated in FIG. 5, and the aperture seal 314 is dimensioned to cover the entirety of the fourth aperture 300. In some aspects, the aperture seal 314 may be made of silicone or another rubber like material or elastomer, or the aperture seal 314 may be made of a combination of plastic and silicone. Further aspects of the aperture seal 314 will be discussed below in greater detail.
With reference to FIG. 1, the plug 108 also includes a fastening pin 316 which is formed integrally therewith and extends therethrough, i.e., through the top and bottom faces 286, 288. The fastening pin 316 is located at the rear of the plug 108 towards the rounded corner point 294. Specifically, the rounded corner point 294 curves around the fastening pin 316, and the fastening pin 316 is offset from the edges formed between the top and bottom faces 286, 288 and the side face 292 proximate the rounded corner point 294. The fastening pin 316 includes a head portion 318 which extends upward from the top face 286 of the plug 108, and the head portion 318 includes a cylindrical base 320 and a pin flange 322 that extends therearound and is tapered downward with respect to the longitudinal axis 120. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the head portion 318 of the fastening pin 316 is inserted through the third aperture 230 in the lower flipper body 210 such that the pin flange 322 abuts the second step surface 236 formed in the interior of the third aperture 230. For example, a diameter (not shown) of the fastening pin 316 is slightly smaller than or equal to the inner diameter 234 of the third aperture 230, and a diameter (not shown) of the pin flange 322 is slightly less than or equal to the outer diameter 232 of the third aperture 230. In this way, the plug 108 is further coupled to the lower flipper 106 by retaining the head portion 318 of the fastening pin 316 within the third aperture 230 of the lower flipper body 210.
With continued reference to FIG. 5, the fastening pin 316 also includes a knob portion 328 which extends downward from the bottom face 288 (see FIG. 7) of the plug 108. The knob portion 328 tapers as it extends downward until converging in a rounded tip 330. In some aspects, the knob portion 328 is configured to fit partially within and/or cover the vent 150 that extends through the lid body 102 when the lower flipper 106 and the plug 108 are arranged in a closed position. While the vent 150 provides a number of desirable benefits when uncovered, as discussed above, it may also be desirable to cover the vent 150 with the knob portion 328 of the fastening pin 316 to prevent a liquid from leaking out of the vent 150 when a beverage container 332 is being transported, e.g., when a user is walking with the beverage container 332, or to prevent airflow and heat from being exchanged with the ambient environment. Accordingly, the fastening pin 316 provides dual functionality in that it couples the plug 108 to the lower flipper 106 and also covers the vent 150 when the lower flipper 106 and the plug 108 are arranged in a closed position.
Referring briefly to FIG. 7, a third alignment flange 336 also extends downward from the from the bottom face 288 of the plug 108. The third alignment flange 336 and extends between the edges formed between the planar bottom face 288 and the side face 292 of the plug 108, and the third alignment flange 336 is located directly adjacent, i.e., abutting, the curved front face 290 of the plug 108 (see FIG. 5). Further, the fourth aperture 300 is concentric with respect to the third alignment flange 336. In some aspects, the third alignment flange 336 is substantially elliptical in shape and corresponds to the shape of the first aperture 146 that extends through the lid body 102. Correspondingly, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, the third alignment flange 336 is configured to be seated within the first aperture 146 when the plug 108 is arranged in a closed position. Further aspects of the arrangement of the plug 108 relative to the lid body 102 will be discussed below in greater detail.
With continued reference to FIG. 5, the plug 108 may be formed as a unitary component, meaning that each of the subcomponents thereof, e.g., the second alignment flange 308, the fastening pin 316, the third alignment flange 336, the lower tab 212, the hinge joint 214, etc., are formed integrally with one another. For example, the lower flipper 106 can be formed as a unitary component from injection molded plastic, such as, e.g., polypropylene (“PP”), homopolymer PP, Copolymer PP, Random Copolymer, thermoplastics, and/or any other plastics or polyolefins, or combinations thereof. However, as discussed above, it is contemplated that the aperture seal 314 may be made of silicone or another rubber like material or elastomer, or the spigot gasket may be made of a combination of plastic and silicone. In some aspects, the plug 108 defines a length 334 and a width (not shown) which will be understood to be maximum lengths and widths, respectively, of the plug 108. The length 334 of the plug 108 is measured between the front and the rear of the plug 108, e.g., between the forwardmost edge of the plug 108 and the rearward-most point of the rounded corner point 294, in a direction that is parallel with respect to the transverse axis 122. In addition, the width (not shown) of the plug 108 is measured across the plug 108 in a direction that is parallel with respect to the hinge axis 166.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the length 334 (see FIG. 5) of the plug 108 (see FIG. 1) is between about 25% and about 50% of the diameter Dh of the head 112 of the lid body 102, or between about 35% and about 45% of the diameter Dh of the head 112 of the lid body 102, or about 41% of the diameter Dh of the head 112 of the lid body 102. In some examples, the length 334 (see FIG. 5) of the plug 108 (see FIG. 1) is between about 50% and about 75% of the length 206 of the lower flipper 106, or between about 60% and about 70% of the length 276 of the lower flipper 106, or about 63% of the length 276 of the lower flipper 106. In some aspects, the width (not shown) of the plug 108 (see FIG. 1) is between about 85% and about 90% of the width 172 of the central channel 138 of the lid body 102, and/or between about 85% and about 95% of the width 278 of the lower flipper 106.
Referring now to FIG. 4, the lid assembly 100 is illustrated as being attached to the beverage container 332. It will be understood that the beverage container 332 is an example beverage container, and that the lid assembly 100 is configured to be used with a variety of beverage containers, e.g., coffee mugs, mugs, tumblers, aluminum cans, etc. For example, the lid assembly 100 may be dimensioned for use with differently sized beverage containers, including beverage containers with volumes that are between about 0.03 liters and about 3.8 liters, or between about 0.35 liters and about 2 liters, or between about 0.5 liters and about 1.5 liters, or between about 0.8 liters and about 1.2 liters, or about 0.88 liters, or about 1.18 liters. Put another way, the beverage container 332 may have a volume of between about 1 fluid ounce and about 128 fluid ounces, between about 10 fluid ounces and about 64 fluid ounces, or between about 18 fluid ounces and about 40 fluid ounces, or between about 30 fluid ounces and about 40 fluid ounces, or about 30 fluid ounces, or about 40 fluid ounces.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view is illustrated of the lid assembly 100 and beverage container 332 taken through line 5-5 of FIG. 4. As shown, the lid body 102 is attached to the beverage container 332 by way of screwing the plurality of threads 178 of the base 114 into corresponding grooves 338 formed in beverage container 332. In some examples, inner threads 340 are formed on an interior wall 342 of the beverage container 332 and are configured to interact with the plurality of threads 178 on the base 114 to secure the lid assembly 100 to the beverage container 332. In particular, the inner threads 340 may be configured for both right- and left-handed fastening such as, e.g., by arranging the inner threads 340 to protrude inwardly, i.e., toward the longitudinal axis 120, from the interior wall 342. In some aspects, the inner threads 340 are configured for dual-direction attachment so that each thread 340 is arranged vertically spaced apart from one another relative to the longitudinal axis 120 and extends along the interior wall 342 less than 360 degrees, i.e., less than the entire circumference. Further, each thread 340 can be disposed parallel with the transverse axis 122 and radially offset from one another. In this way, the lid assembly 100 can be lowered so that the plurality of threads 178 on the base 114 engage the inner threads 340 of the beverage container 332 and, when rotated in either a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction, tighten the lid assembly 100 to the container 332 for a secure fit therewith. In some embodiments, the inner threads 340 include a portion of threads that extend in a clockwise direction and another portion of threads that extend in a counterclockwise direction.
Attaching the lid body 102 to the beverage container also places a bottom surface 344 of the outer rim 124 in contact with a top surface 346 of the beverage container 332, thus sealing the beverage container 332. In some aspects, one or more external gaskets (not shown) are used in combination with the plurality of threads 178 on the base 114 to further seal the beverage container 332 when the lid assembly 100 is attached thereto.
As discussed above, the lid assembly 100 can be arranged in a variety of open and closed positions. FIG. 5 illustrates the upper flipper 104, the lower flipper 106, and the plug 108 in the closed position. Further, the plug 108 is coupled to the lower flipper 106, meaning that the first alignment flange 244 is fastened within the bearing gap 310 (see FIG. 1) and the fastening pin 316 is inserted through the third aperture 230, as discussed above. Further, the third alignment flange 336 is seated within the first aperture 146. Specifically, the third alignment flange 336 contacts the first segment 140 (see FIG. 3) of the central channel 138 which defines the first aperture 146. Dimensioning the third alignment flange 336 to directly contact the first segment 140 (see FIG. 3) of the central channel 138 prevents fluid from leaking out of the first aperture 146 when the plug 108 is arranged in a closed position. Correspondingly, the aperture seal 314 completely covers the fourth aperture 300, further enhancing fluid leak prevention and providing insulation, e.g., thermal insulation, for the contents of the container 332.
The lower flipper 106 is configured to be rotated about the hinge axis 166 into the closed position, such that the second aperture 220 is arranged concentrically with respect to the first aperture 146 and the fourth aperture 300. As discussed above, the second locking protrusion 260 extends outwardly from the front face 256 of the lower tab 212 of the lower flipper 106, and the second locking protrusion fits within the first locking recess 136 in the closed position. In this way, the lower flipper 106 resists rotation about the hinge axis 166 (see FIG. 1), meaning that the lower flipper 106 is locked in the closed position. However, it is contemplated that the lower flipper 106 may be rotated, e.g., rotated into the open position, by applying sufficient upward force to the lower tab 212 to release the second locking protrusion 260 from the first locking recess 136, as will be discussed in greater detail below. In addition, the lower lip 254 of the lower tab 212 extends outwardly, i.e., radially outwardly with respect to the transverse axis 122, past the outer rim 124 in the closed position, which allows a user to easily push or pull the lower lip 254 to rotate the lower flipper 106 and the plug 108 between the open and closed positions.
With continued reference to FIG. 5, the upper flipper 104 is in the closed position, meaning that the upper flipper 104 is rotated about the hinge axis 166 such that the alignment ring 190 is arranged concentrically with respect to the first aperture 146, the second aperture 220, and the fourth aperture 300. Specifically, the alignment ring 190 extends into the fourth aperture 300 and contacts an inner wall 348 of the fourth aperture 300. In this way, the alignment ring 190 aligns the upper flipper 104 with the lower flipper 106, thereby allowing the upper flipper 104 to completely cover the second aperture 220 and the fourth aperture 300 in the closed position. Accordingly, it will be understood that when the upper flipper 104 is arranged in the closed position, the lid assembly 100 seals the beverage container 332. Thus, the lid assembly is configured to prevent leakage or spillage when the upper flipper is arranged in the closed position. Additionally, the planar bottom face 188 of the upper flipper body 180 contacts or is seated on the alignment lip 312 of the plug 108 when the upper flipper 104 is arranged in the closed position.
Relatedly, and as discussed above, the first locking protrusion 196 extends outwardly from the front face 256 of the upper tab 182 of the upper flipper 104, and the first locking protrusion 196 fits within the second locking recess 262 in the closed position. In this way, the upper flipper 104 resists rotation about the hinge axis 166 (see FIG. 1), meaning that the upper flipper 104 is locked in the closed position. However, it is contemplated that the upper flipper 104 may be rotated, e.g., rotated into the open position, by applying sufficient upward force to the upper tab 182 in order to release the first locking protrusion 196 from the second locking recess 262, as will be discussed in greater detail below. Specifically, the upper lip 194 of the upper tab 182 extends outwardly, i.e., radially outwardly with respect to the transverse axis 122, past the outer rim 124 in the closed position, which allows a user to easily push or pull the upper lip 194 to rotate the upper flipper 104 between the open and closed positions. In addition the upper tab 182 extends vertically above the lower tab 212 such that a gap 350 (see FIG. 5) is formed between the upper lip 194 and the lower lip 254. The gap 350 allows a user to grab the upper lip 194 and rotate the upper flipper 104 about the hinge axis 166 removing the lower flipper 106 from the closed position. However, it will be understood that the upper flipper 104, the lower flipper 106, and the plug 108 are all removed from the closed position when a user grabs the lower lip 254 and rotates the lower flipper 106 about the hinge axis 166 since the upper flipper 104 is outwardly arranged relative to the lower flipper 106, and because the plug 108 is always coupled to the lower flipper 106.
Still referring to FIG. 5, it will be understood that a flow path is defined between the interior of the beverage container 332, first aperture 146, the second aperture 220, the fourth aperture 300, and the ambient environment. However, the aperture seal 314 interrupts the flow path in the fourth aperture 300, and the alignment ring 190 covers and/or seals the fourth aperture 300 from communication with the ambient environment when the upper flipper 104 is arranged in the closed position. Accordingly the lid assembly 100 described herein provides multiple layers of leak resistance, which is particularly advantageous when the beverage container 332 is being transported, e.g., when a user is walking with the beverage container 332. In some aspects, the configuration illustrated FIGS. 2 and 5, i.e., the upper flipper 104 and lower flipper 106 covering the flow path, is defined as a first or closed position.
Turning now to FIG. 6, the lid assembly 100 is illustrated as having the upper flipper 104 in the open position and the lower flipper 106 in the closed position. As discussed, above, the upper flipper 104 may be rotated about the hinge axis 166 independently from the lower flipper 106. In some aspects, the upper flipper 104 is arranged in a completely open position after having been rotated about 180 degrees about the hinge axis 166 such that it lays flat along the third segment 144 (see FIG. 3) of the central channel 138. Specifically, the upper flipper 104 lays flat in the central channel 138 and extends through the slot 134 formed in the outer rim 124 of the lid body 102. In addition, the retainers 168 contact the sides of the upper flipper body 180, thereby retaining the upper flipper 104 in the slot 134, i.e., the open position. However, it will be understood that the upper flipper 104 may be released from the retainers 168, i.e., rotated out of the slot 134, by applying sufficient force to the upper tab 182 (see FIG. 1).
Correspondingly, the planar bottom face 188 of the upper flipper body 180 faces upward when the upper flipper 104 is in the open position, thereby uncovering the flow path defined through the first aperture 146, the second aperture 220, and the fourth aperture 300. In some aspects, a drinker may desire to sip a beverage provided in a beverage container (see FIG. 4) through a straw 352. As discussed above, the fourth aperture 300 is substantially cylindrical in shape and may be configured as a straw aperture, i.e., dimensioned to receive the straw 352 therein. In some aspects, the straw 352 defines a diameter 354 that is between about 90% and about 100% of the diameter 302 (see FIG. 5) of the fourth aperture 300 such that the straw 352 is configured to fit tightly or snug in the fourth aperture 300 to prevent axial movement and prevent fluid from leaking from the fourth aperture 300. Thus, it will be understood that the straw 352 is configured to be inserted within the first aperture 146 (see FIG. 5), the second aperture 220, and the fourth aperture 300. In some aspects, the straw 352 includes an annular flange (not shown) disposed thereon, such as near a bottom or lower end (not shown), which enlarges the diameter 354 of the straw 352 to contact the inner wall 348 (see FIG. 5) of the fourth aperture 300 and prevent complete axial removal therethrough, thereby further securing the straw 352 to the lid assembly 100. It is contemplated the straw 352 can be made of a variety of materials, including plastics, paper, metal, etc. Further, it is contemplated that the straw 352 can have a variety of different lengths, such as, e.g., between about 100% and about 150% of a length of the beverage container 332 (see FIG. 4), or between about between about 110% and about 130% of a length of the beverage container 332 (see FIG. 4), or between about 115% and about 125% of a length of the beverage container 332 (see FIG. 4).
When the straw 352 is inserted into the second aperture 220, the straw 352 causes the aperture seal 314 to compress or move to a side so that the flow path defined through the first aperture 146, the second aperture 220, and the fourth aperture 300 is unobstructed. Therefore, it is contemplated that the aperture seal 314 is only secured along a certain region of the fourth aperture 300 rather than along the entire circumference thereof. In some aspects, the aperture seal 314 is elastic and is configured to return to a closed position, i.e., obstruct the flow path, after the straw 352 is removed from the second aperture 220. Thus, it will be understood that the aperture seal 314 acts as a one way valve which allows the straw 352 to enter the beverage container (see FIG. 4) through the flow path but prevents fluid from leaking out of the flow path, e.g., out of the fourth aperture 300, when the straw 352 is not inserted in the second aperture 220. In some aspects, the configuration illustrated FIG. 6, i.e., the upper flipper 104 being secured in the third segment 144 (see FIG. 1) of the central channel 138 and the lower flipper 106 being arranged concentric to the first aperture 146 (see FIG. 1), is defined as a second or straw-open position.
Referring now to FIG. 7, the lid assembly 100 is illustrated as having the upper flipper 104 and the lower flipper 106 in the open position. The lower flipper 106 is configured to be rotated about the hinge axis 166. As discussed above, the lower flipper 106 is coupled to the plug 108, so the plug 108 rotates with the lower flipper 106. In some aspects, the lower flipper 106 is arranged in a completely open position after having been rotated about 180 degrees about the hinge axis 166 such that the first locking protrusion 196 (see FIG. 1) is locked within the second locking recess 262 (see FIG. 1). Thus it will be understood that the lower flipper 106 may be coupled to the upper flipper 104 in the open position and the closed position, and/or when the upper and lower flippers 104, 106 are rotated between the open and closed positions. Put another way, the lower flipper 106 is arranged in the completely open position after having been rotated about the hinge axis 166 and seated on top of the upper flipper 104 within the third segment 144 (see FIG. 1) of the central channel 138. In some aspects, the retainers 168 contact the sides of the lower flipper body 210, thereby retaining the lower flipper 106 in the slot 134 and the third segment 144 of the central channel 138, i.e., in the open position. However, it will be understood that the lower flipper 106 may be released from the retainers 168, i.e., rotated out of the slot 134, by applying sufficient force to the lower tab 212. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the upper flipper 104 and the lower flipper 106 being secured in the third segment 144 (see FIG. 3) of the central channel 138, such that the first aperture 146 is uncovered, is defined as a third or open position.
Correspondingly, the bottom face 218 of the lower flipper body 210 and the bottom face 288 of the plug 108 face upward when the lower flipper 106 is in the open position. Accordingly, the first aperture 146 and the vent 150 are uncovered in the open position. As discussed above, the first aperture 146 may be configured as a pour-to-drink opening in which a drinker tilts the beverage container (see FIG. 4) to pour or drink the contents of the beverage container (see FIG. 4) therefrom. Accordingly, it will be understood that the lid assembly 100 described herein provides a user with the option of switching between a pour-to-drink opening or a straw opening by rotating the flippers 104, 106, as discussed above. Thus, the lid assembly 100 is capable of being modified based on a user's desired drinking preferences or a user's environmental setting.
Although various aspects are herein disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments, implementations, and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventive aspects and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the aspects have been noted, other modifications, which are within their scope, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It should be also understood that the scope of this disclosure includes the various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, such that the various features, modes of implementation and operation, and aspects of the disclosed subject matter may be combined with or substituted for one another. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments or implementations described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.
Similarly, this method of disclosure, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim require more features than are expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
Numerous modifications to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.
Patent Application
20250058943
