Abstract:
Applicant has developed a novel lid assembly. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, a lid for use in conjunction with a beverage container comprises: a plastic molding of circular footprint with a first inverted U-channel feature at its perimeter which engages the lip of a container. The outermost wall of the channel incorporates a plurality of molded, rolled, or similarly created, inwardly facing latch features at its boundary that engage reentrant detailing on the underside of the container&#39;s lip. The lid is detached from the container by the purposeful disengagement of said latch details from the lid.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to, and is entitled to the benefit of the earlier filing date and priority of U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/712,092 filed Aug. 30, 2005.  
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to a lid for use with a beverage container and in particular, to a lid that may be used with a disposable beverage container.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     The use of a molded plastic lid to cover and seal the top of a beverage container is well documented. The known lids, with varying degrees of success, provide spill and leak resistance of the contained fluid, air venting, sealing capability enabling the content&#39;s intermittent consumption, and the prevention of foreign bodies entering the beverage.  
         [0004]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,440 (“the 440 patent”) to Gartner, issued Jul. 12, 1988, describes a non-vented lid having a deformable planer cover surface that incorporates a raised drinking spout. The spout&#39;s concave tip profile incorporates a plurality of small apertures through which the containers contents are selectively dispensed. The product&#39;s lid and spout detailing function cooperatively enabling the pressure balancing deformation of the cover element at the application of suction, negative pressure, during the drinking process. The lid sealingly engages a beverage container at its perimeter with prior-art detailing, a radiused snap-on, snap-off feature which determines the usefulness of the subject application.  
         [0005]     Subsequent to the &#39;440 patent, U.S. Pat. No 4,925,051 (“the 051 patent”) to Herbst, issued May 15, 1990, describes a substantially similar product to the &#39;440 patent in which the lid&#39;s raised spout feature is positioned within a trough that is integrated within the cover element. The tip of the spout feature incorporates slit detailing which opens responsive to the application of a downward force, to dispense the container&#39;s content there through. The positional relationship between the valved spout and trough detailing restrict the product&#39;s convenient usage.  
         [0006]     In addition, U.S. Pat. No 4,946,062 (“the 062 patent”) to Coy, issued Aug. 7, 1990, describes a product that is substantially similar to the &#39;440 patent in which the spout is adapted to incorporate a ‘duck-bill’ valve that controls the flow of beverage from the container. The lid&#39;s planer cover incorporates vent detailing that balances the negative pressure created by suction during beverage dispensing. As the &#39;440 patent, the lid sealingly engages a container at its perimeter with a radiused snap-on, snap-off feature which determines the usefulness of the subject application.  
         [0007]     U.S. Pat. No 5,050,758 (‘the 758 patent’) to Freeman, issued Sep. 24, 1991, describes a non-venting lid, that as the corollary to the now lapsed U.S. Pat. No. 4,138,033 to Payne, issued Feb. 6, 1979, incorporates a flap-sealed spout detail which is activated by the pinching pressure of the lips about its outer surface during beverage dispensing. The flap-seal may be selectively snapped shut within the lid to prevent egress of fluid. A companion container within whose inner lip detail the outer lid&#39;s lip sealingly engages, is illustrated but not discussed.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,347 (‘347 patent’) also to Freeman, issued Feb. 16, 1993, describes a product that is substantially similar in form to both the &#39;440 patent and the now lapsed U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,156 to Lobbestael, issued Jan. 6, 1981, and functionally similar to the &#39;051 patent, replacing said spout&#39;s beverage-dispensing slit detailing with a membrane component.  
         [0009]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,255 (‘255 patent’) to Varano, issued Jan. 31,1995, describes a vented, biodegradable product that incorporates lid-to-container engagement detailing which is derivative of here-cited prior art solutions, but is more substantially retained and constructed. The product&#39;s inwardly rolled perimeter detailing engages the similarly detailed container lip providing an improved, reversible holding force.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No 5,850,908 (‘908 patent’) to Jasek, issued Dec. 22, 1998, describes a vented, pressure sensitive closure device that is mounted to the top of a beverage container. When suction is applied to the device&#39;s mouthpiece, seal details within its structure are opened enabling fluid dispensing, and close when the suction force is removed. If carbonated beverage is present within a related container, an increase of internal pressure will result in a higher fluid sealing force. The complexity of the product dictates both an elevated manufacturing cost and its non-disposable usage.  
         [0011]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,565 (‘565 patent’) to Paczonay, issued Jul. 27, 1999, describes a vented, pressure sensitive closure device which, activated by positive pressure, is the corollary of the vacuum, negative pressure activated &#39;908 patent. Both products are mounted to the top of a beverage container, but Paczonay&#39;s valve assembly requires that the container be upended when dispensing fluid.  
         [0012]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,205, (‘the 205 patent”) to LaJoie, issued Aug. 31, 1999 describes a baby feeding bottle that incorporates an air vent component within its structure. Similar in detail to the valved spouts of cited prior art devices, the air vent, which is mounted to either the side wall or base surface of the container, enables desirable internal pressure balance as its fluid contents are dispensed.  
         [0013]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,426, (“the 426 patent”) to Stern, issued Nov. 23, 1999 describes a product that is substantially similar in form and performance characteristics, to the &#39;440, &#39;051 and &#39;62 patents in its lid-to-container engagement detailing. A non-fluid dispensing lid, the product incorporates a vent hole at the center of its planer cover over which a hydrophobic filter is attached. The filter facilitates the release of pressure from inside the container while preventing leakage of its contents.  
         [0014]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,710, (“the 710 patent”) to Chomic, issued Oct. 31, 2000 describes a feeding bottle vent disc that is substantially similar in overall concept to the &#39;205 patent and in specific design detailing, to the spout tip elements of both the &#39;440 patent which comprises a plurality of through holes and &#39;051 patent which comprises a plurality of slots. The vent is incorporated within a feeding bottle to elevate the vacuum pressure created when fluid is withdrawn there from during feeding.  
         [0015]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,711, (“the 711 patent”) to Lansky, issued Mar. 13, 2001 describes a splash guard for a beverage container that comprises an upper and lower lid component, which are assembled in an axially adjustable relationship to one another. The lids may be rotated with respect to one other to effect either a ‘flow’ or ‘no flow’ capable positioning. As the &#39;758 patent, the splash guard sealably engages the interior wall of the beverage container adjacent to its lip detail, and at its exterior wall by similar, performance determining detailing to that of the &#39;440 patent.  
         [0016]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,570, (“the 570 patent”) to Atkin, issued Oct. 23, 2001 describes a ‘leak proof’ closure, lid assembly, which as the &#39;440 patent, sealingly engages a container at its perimeter with a radiused snap-on, snap-off feature. The lid comprises a planer cover surface and raised spout feature as the &#39;440 patent to which additionally, a multi-functional diaphragm valve assembly is mounted. When a suction force is applied to the spout the axially mounted valve is drawn away from its seat enabling passage of the contained beverage to the user. Flexion of the diaphragm simultaneously enables the passage of air into the container at the valves perimeter, which beneficially balances its internal and external pressures.  
         [0017]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,938,048 (“the 048 patent”) to Kevorkian, issued Jun. 4, 2002 describes a vented feeding bottle which combines the general form of the &#39;205 patent with the specific hydrophobic vent detail of the &#39;426 patent. As the &#39;710 patent and others, the vent is incorporated within the bottle to alleviate the vacuum pressure created when fluid is withdrawn there from during feeding.  
         [0018]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,390 (“the 390 patent”) to Waller, issued Aug. 13, 2002 describes a lid that is substantially similar in overall conception to the &#39;051 patent but distinct in its spill-limiting feature. In one embodiment, the planer cover surface incorporates a radially partitioned trough feature adjacent to its outer edge. The trough positioned more closely to the lid center incorporates a plurality of apertures within its outermost wall as it transitions to the through base. Fluid dispensed through said apertures, accumulates in the trough before being consumed, a feature that both limits spill volume and enables the protected dispensing of either hot or cold fluids. The planer cover also incorporates a small vent hole that alleviates the vacuum pressure created when fluid is withdrawn there from.  
         [0019]     What is needed in the industry is a beverage lid that will overcome problems observed with the known lids discussed previously. It is an advantage of an embodiment of the present invention to provide a functional spill-proof lid that will not separate from the beverage container to which it is attached during normal use. It is a further advantage of an embodiment of the present invention to provide a lid that may be selectively locked to, and released from a beverage container.  
         [0020]     It is yet another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention that the incorporated spout feature comprises a valve. It is yet another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention to incorporate a spout that enhances the spill resistance of the beverage container while simultaneously providing selective activation or deactivation of beverage flow to the user.  
         [0021]     It is yet another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention that the spout valving is activated by compression of the users lips, rather than force generated by suction. It is still another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention that the spout is ergonometrically detailed and is self-adapting to the users unique needs.  
         [0022]     It is still another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention that the spout element is positioned in angular relationship to the lid&#39;s planer cover surface thereby enhancing user comfort and convenience. It is still another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention to provide a spout incorporating vent detailing that enables pressure normalization within the container while its contents are being consumed.  
         [0023]     It is a further advantage of an embodiment of the present invention to provide a valve assembly that enables pressure normalization while simultaneously preventing fluid leakage there through. It is an additional advantage of an embodiment of the present invention that a leak-proof seal between lid and beverage container is created by slidingly mating the conic surfaces of the inner container wall adjacent its lip and, the outer alignment wall of the lid, in preference to the surface-to-surface sealing method of existing product offerings. It is an additional advantage of an embodiment of the present invention that a lid comprising the aforementioned detailing is adaptable for use with beverage containing cold beverage, carbonated or non-carbonated beverage, and/or hot beverage.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0024]     Responsive to the foregoing challenges, Applicant has developed a novel lid assembly. At least one embodiment of the present invention comprises a lid assembly for a beverage container comprising a lid component and an integrated spout, wherein the spout comprises a dispensing aperture and a valve, wherein the lid component comprises a first perimeter channel dimensioned to reversibly engage the lip of a container and a second inscribed channel in communication with the inner circumference of the first perimeter channel, at least one latching feature disposed on an interior surface of the first perimeter channel, and wherein the valve has a first position and a second position. The assembly may further comprise at least one venting aperture. The valve may be biased towards the first position. The valve comprises at least one flap, and/or a sealing plate. The latching feature may comprise at least one latching edge.  
         [0025]     The at least one venting aperture may be disposed on the lid component and/or on the integrated spout. There may be at least two venting apertures. The venting aperture and/or the spout may be comprised of a hydrophobic membrane. The lid assembly may comprise individual latching features, at least two latching features, and/or one continuous latching feature disposed around the interior surface of the first perimeter channel. The valve may have a first closed position and a second open position, wherein the valve may be biased towards the first closed position. The spout may further comprise a valve seat incorporating at least one venting aperture which is sealed off by a sealing plate when the valve is in the first closed position and are open when the valve is in the second open position.  
         [0026]     According to at least one embodiment of the invention, a lid for use in conjunction with a beverage container comprises: a plastic molding of circular footprint with a first inverted U-channel feature at its perimeter which engages the lip of a container. The outermost wall of the channel incorporates a plurality of molded, rolled, or similarly created, inwardly facing latch features at its boundary that engage reentrant detailing on the underside of the container&#39;s lip. The lid is detached from the container by the purposeful disengagement of said latch details from the lid.  
         [0027]     A second, deeper ‘U’ channel is positioned concentrically inboard of the first channel and comprises a plurality of gas-venting slots. The channel sealingly locates the lid within the container while providing structural integrity to the molding. A planer cover surface, bordered by the inner circumference of the second channel, arcs upwardly to one side of the lid to create a drinking spout feature.  
         [0028]     The spout comprises an outer, low profiled, elongated ‘nipple like’ form and a concentric, inwardly tapering trough feature having a sphincter valve within its base plane. Downward pressure on the nipple opens the sphincter valve thereby enabling flow of beverage to the user. Air is simultaneously drawn through the venting slots into the container thereby preventing the problematic creation of a vacuum. The molded spout component is combined with the lid during the manufacturing process: it may also be a fully integrated feature of a unitary lid component.  
         [0029]     According to at least another embodiment of the invention, a lid for use in conjunction with a beverage container comprises: a plastic molding of circular footprint with an inverted ‘U’ channel feature at its perimeter which engages the lip of a container. The outermost wall of the channel incorporates a plurality of integrated, inwardly facing latch features at its boundary that engage the reentrant detailing on the underside of the container. The lid is detached from the container by the purposeful disengagement of said latch details from the lip.  
         [0030]     A second, deeper ‘U’ channel is positioned concentrically inboard of the first channel and comprises a plurality of gas-venting slots. The channel sealingly locates the lid within the container while providing structural integrity to the molding. A planer cover surface bordered by the inner circumference of said second channel, arcs upwardly to one side of the lid to create a drinking spout.  
         [0031]     The spout comprises a low profile, elongated nipple having a circular spindle evolving from its rear surface, about which a sealing plate is snap-located, and a rebated valve seat of elliptical outline incorporating a plurality of breather holes. Downward pressure on the nipple disengages the sealing washer from the valve seat enabling flow of beverage to the user, and the simultaneous flow of air through the breather holes to normalize pressure within the container. The independent spout component is combined with the lid molding during the manufacturing process: it may also be a fully integrated feature within a unitary lid component.  
         [0032]     According to another embodiment of the invention, the first described latching detail may be integrated within the second alternative lid detail. According to another embodiment of the invention, the second described latching detail may be integrated within the first alternative lid detail. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0033]     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Where appropriate, the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.  
         [0034]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view—front, of a lid assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0035]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view—rear, of a lid assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0036]      FIG. 3  is an assembly of a lid and beverage container according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0037]      FIG. 4  is an inverted perspective view—front, of a lid assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0038]      FIG. 5  is a longitudinal cross-section, of a lid assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0039]      FIG. 6  is a scrap section indicating latch detailing and lid/spout positional relationship according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0040]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view—front, of a lid assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0041]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view—rear of a lid assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0042]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view—rear of a lid assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0043]      FIG. 10  is an assembly of lid and beverage container according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0044]      FIG. 11  is an inverted perspective view—rear, of a lid assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0045]      FIG. 12  is a longitudinal cross-section, of a lid assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0046]      FIG. 13  is a scrap section indicating latch detailing and lid/spout positional relationship according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0047]     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , an example of lid assembly  100  is illustrated which comprises lid component  20  and an integrated spout  40 . Lid component  20  and spout  40  may be integrated features of a unitary lid assembly  100  or may alternatively be distinct elements which are integrated during product manufacture. Lid assembly  100  may be produced by injection/over-molding, pressure/vacuum forming or similar technique, or combination thereof, using thermoplastic materials that may include polystyrene/polyethylene and their derivatives, medical grade polypropylene, polyurethane or polymer of similar performance characteristics, or any other suitable material. Lid component  20  is of a circular footprint and has a first inverted ‘U’ shape cross-sectioned perimeter channel  21  that is adapted to be in communication with, and removeably engages from, external reentrant lip  61  of disposable beverage container  60 , as shown in FIGS.  4 A-C. Second tapered inscribed channel  22  is inscribed within the inner circumference of and in communication with perimeter channel  21  enabling inscribed channel  22  to form a sealing communication against inner lip detail  62  of container  60 . Inscribed channel  22  is in communication with planar cover surface  23  at inscribed channel&#39;s  22  inner circumference. Spout  40  is integrated into the top surface of lid component  20  and is in communication with a portion of cover surface  23  and a portion of inscribed channel  22 . Spout  40  comprises dispensing aperture  47  and valve  41  wherein valve  41  has a first position and a second position. The first position is a substantially closed position defined by a valve position that substantially impedes or reduces the flow of a liquid through the valve. The second position is an open position defined by a valve position that permits the flow of liquid through the valve. Valve  41  is biased towards the first, or closed, position. Valve  41  may comprise a pressure valve, a slit-valve, flap-valve, sealing plate valve, or any other suitable valve. During operation valve  41  alternately facilitates fluid dispensing and fluid sealing at the application of downward pressure of the user&#39;s lips thereupon, shown as Direction G in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0048]     In addition,  FIGS. 1-3  illustrate biometrically contoured surface  42  of spout  40 , whose elliptical footprint  43  transitions outwardly at an obtuse angle, shown as J°, with respect to planer cover surface  23  of lid component  20 , terminating on swept surface  44 . Surface  44  is invaginated to create tapered ob-round cavity  45 . In one embodiment valve  41  comprises at least one slit or flap  46 . In one embodiment valve  41  comprises two slits or flaps  46 . When user&#39;s lip-pressure is applied to contoured surface  42 , cavity  45  rolls inwardly, thereby opening flaps  46  of valve  41  and allowing the flow of beverage therethrough. The angular orientation of at least one dispensing aperture  47 , disposed on spout  40  within swept surface  44 , provides improved user ergonomics that, in distinction to prior art beverage container lids, do not require the hyper-extension of the neck when drinking and thereby, a more comfortable, leak-proof drinking experience. The embodiment may or may not further comprise at least one venting aperture  24 . Venting aperture  24  and/or spout  40  may be formed of a hydrophobic membrane.  
         [0049]     In  FIGS. 4-6 , particular reference is made to one embodiment of a container-engagement latching feature  31  and fluid-sealing feature of perimeter channel  21  of lid component  20  and lid assembly  100 . Lid perimeter channel  21  incorporates at least one latching feature  31  disposed on its interior surface that is in communication with and removably engages with the underside external reentrant lip  61  of the beverage container, thereby reducing the possibility of the accidental separation of lid assembly  100  from container  60  and consequent beverage loss. Re-entrant detail latching edges  32  of latch feature  31  enables the easy assembly of lid assembly  100  and container  60 , but requires the purposeful disengagement of at least one and preferably at least two opposed latching edges  32  from the underside of lip  61  for its removal. Latching edges  32  may be sharp-edged and/or eyebrow-shaped, and/or of any other suitable edge and shape detailing. Molded tabs  27  ( FIG. 2 ), and/or markings  28  ( FIG. 2B ) and/or similar detailing, delineate the location of latch feature  31  on lid perimeter channel  21 . Second Inscribed channel  22  may further incorporate at least one venting aperture  24 . Venting aperture  24  may be comprised of at least one minute ‘pass by core,’ formed opening or slot, or any other suitable opening. In one embodiment venting aperture  24  is positioned circumferentially opposite spout  40 . Venting aperture  24  facilitates egress of carbonation from within container  60  while simultaneously preventing the loss of fluid there through and, ingress of pressure balancing ambient air during the dispensing of beverage there from.  
         [0050]     In an embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 7-13 , lid assembly  100  comprises lid component  20  and integrated spout  40 . Lid component  20  and spout  40  may be integrated features of a unitary lid assembly  100  or may alternatively be distinct elements that are integrated during product manufacture. Lid assembly  100  may be produced by injection/over-molding, pressure/vacuum forming or similar technique, or combination thereof, using thermoplastic materials that may include polystyrene/polyethylene and their derivatives, medical grade polypropylene, polyurethane or polymer of similar performance characteristics, and/or any other suitable material. Lid component  20  is of circular footprint and has a first inverted ‘U’ shape cross-sectioned perimeter channel  21  that is adapted to communicate with, and removeably engages with, external reentrant lip  61  of disposable beverage container  60 ,  FIG. 11A -C. Second tapered inscribed channel  22  is inscribed within the inner circumference of perimeter channel  21  enabling inscribed channel&#39;s  22  sealing communication against inner lip detail  62  of container  60 . Spout  40  comprises valve  41 . In this embodiment valve  41  is a sealing plate valve and further comprises sealing plate  48 , enabling alternate fluid dispensing or fluid sealing at the application of downward pressure of the user&#39;s lips thereupon, shown as Direction L in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . Valve  41  has a first position and a second position depending on the disposition of sealing plate  48 . The first position is defined as substantially closed, reducing the flow of liquid through valve  41 , and the second position is defined as open, allowing the flow of liquid through valve  41 . Valve  41  is biased towards the first, or closed, position.  
         [0051]      FIGS. 7-10 , illustrate biometrically contoured surface  42  of spout  40 , whose elliptical footprint  43  at arcing surface  50  transitions outwardly to form elongated dome  51  about vertical axis Q. The arced surface  50  of dome  51  incorporates, and is pierced by, at least one dispensing aperture  47  and at least one venting aperture  24 . Ob-round spindle  54  evolves from the rear of arcing surface  50  at point  55  and provides an axis about which sealing plate  48  of valve  41  is snap-assembled. A portion of plate  48  is sealingly disposed within rebated feature valve seat  56  at the rear of contoured surface  42  and dome  51 . Plate  48  and rebated feature valve seat  56  function cooperatively to provide valve  41  function. In an alternative embodiment, valve seat  56  incorporates at least one venting aperture  24 . When lip-pressure is applied to contoured surface  42 , spindle  54  and attached sealing plate  48  roll inwardly enabling the flow of beverage around plate  48  to dispensing aperture  47 , and air to enter the container through venting aperture  24 . The angular orientation K of spout  40  and dispensing aperture  47  with respect to planer cover surface  23 , provides improved user ergonomics that, in distinction to prior art beverage container lids, does not require the hyper-extension of the neck when drinking and thereby, a more comfortable, leak-proof drinking experience.  
         [0052]     In  FIGS. 11-13 , particular reference is made to one embodiment of a beverage container-engagement latching feature  31  and fluid-sealing features of perimeter channel  21  of lid assembly  100 . Perimeter channel  21  incorporates at least one latching feature  31  that may be in communication with and reversably engages the underside external reentrant lip  61  of beverage container  60  thereby reducing the probability of the accidental separation of lid from container and consequent fluid loss. At least one latching edge  32  of latching feature  31  enables the easy assembly of lid assembly  100  to container  60  but requires the purposeful disengagement of at least one, and preferably at least two opposed latching edges  32  from external reentrant lip  61  for its removal. Latching edge  32  may be sharp-edged, re-entrant designed, or any other suitable shape and/or design. Molded tabs  27 , markings  28  or similar detailing delineate the location of latching feature  31  on perimeter channel  21 . Inscribed channel  22  may further incorporate at least one venting aperture  24 . Venting aperture  24  may be comprised of at least one minute ‘pass by core,’ formed opening, or any other suitable opening. In one embodiment venting aperture  24  is positioned circumferentially opposite spout  40 . Venting aperture  24  facilitates egress of carbonation from within container  60  while simultaneously preventing the loss of fluid there through and, ingress of pressure balancing ambient air during the dispensing of beverage there from.  
         [0053]     Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of structure and function. The novel features are pointed out in the appended claims. The disclosure, however, is illustrative only, and changes, may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts, within the principle of the invention, to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.