Container lid and valve

A lid configured for use with a fluid container includes a body member and a valve. The body member includes a central body that extends to an outer periphery configured to couple to a rim of a fluid container. The body member defines an aperture therethrough and has top and bottom surfaces. The valve has a first portion directly secured to the bottom surface and a second portion that extends from the first portion. The second portion includes a protuberance and is movable relative to the first portion between free and depressed states in response to deflection of at least a portion of the central body relative to the outer periphery. The protuberance is configured for sealed engagement with the aperture while the second portion is in the free state and is spaced from the aperture while the second portion is in the depressed state.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to fluid controlling devices and, more particularly, container lids and valves configured to couple to an open top of a fluid supporting container such as a beverage cup to selectively seal fluid within the fluid supporting container.

BACKGROUND

It has long been known in the prior art to enclose a container such as a cup with a lid selectively mounted to a rim of the cup. For example, lift-tabs or the like may be utilized to provide an opening in the lid for dispensing fluid contained within the cup. The lift-tab is typically perforated to allow a user to fold the lift-tab and secure the lift-tab to a corresponding protuberance provided on a top surface of the lid. However, one problem associated with the lift-tab type lids is that they are not resealable after having been folded.

In comparison, known resealable container lids typically include complex mechanical mechanisms that are often an assembly of several distinct elements. As such, the known resealable container lids can be mechanically complicated, difficult to use, and/or are relatively expensive to manufacture.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a lid configured for use with a fluid container. The lid includes a body member including an outer periphery configured to couple to a rim of a fluid container. The body member defines a pair of apertures that extend through the body member. The body member may be detachably couplable to the fluid container. A valve operably coupled to an interior/bottom surface of the body member includes a pair of protuberances that are configured to selectively engage the pair of apertures. Each protuberance is in registration with one of the pair of apertures. Depression of one of the protuberances moves the pair of protuberances out of sealed engagement with the pair of apertures for dispensing fluid contained within the fluid container. The pair of protuberances may be in vertical registration with the pair of apertures so as to extend parallel to a longitudinal axis that is defined through the fluid container.

The valve may include a generally elliptical configuration that has side portions at opposite ends of a major axis defined through the valve and top and bottom portions at opposite ends of a minor axis defined through the valve. The side portions of the valve may be configured to flex as a result of depressing one or both of the pair of protuberances to enable the pair of protuberances to be spring loaded and to form a fluid tight seal with surfaces of the body member when the pair of protuberances are positioned within the pair of apertures. The top portion of the valve may be thinner and/or thicker than the bottom portion to provide the valve with a suitable flexibility. In embodiments, the top portion of the valve may be spaced apart from the interior surface of the body member to facilitate a sealed engagement between the pair of protuberances and the apertures when the valve is coupled to the interior surface of the body member. In certain embodiments, the top portion of the valve may be configured to rest on the interior surface of the body member.

A mounting bracket may be operably coupled to the interior surface of the body member. The mounting bracket contacts the bottom portion of the valve to couple the valve to the interior surface of the body member such that both protuberances are depressible for dispensing fluid through one or both of the pair of apertures. Alternatively, the mounting bracket may be operably coupled to the interior surface of the body member and in contact with the bottom portion of the valve to couple the valve to the interior surface of the body member such that one of the protuberances is depressible for dispensing a fluid from the aperture in registration with the other protuberance. The mounting bracket may be mechanically coupled to the lid, for example, via at least one biocompatible adhesive. In embodiments, the mounting bracket may be integrally formed with the body member.

Each of the apertures may be provided in a corresponding recess provided on the body member of each lid. In embodiments, the corresponding recesses and/or apertures are positioned on the body member in a diametrically opposite relationship relative to one another. The corresponding recesses may be configured to receive a corresponding one of the pair of protuberances therein so as to allow depression thereof by the user. The corresponding recesses may have a generally circumferential configuration. Additionally, a generally elongated recess may be provided on the body member and positioned between the pair of corresponding recesses so as to allow stacking of a plurality of lids and to save space. In embodiments, the generally elongated recess is configured to enable adjacently stacked lids to be radially offset, for example, approximately 90 degrees.

According to one aspect, the lid includes a body member including an outer periphery configured to couple to a rim of a fluid container. The body member defines a pair of apertures extending through the body member. The body member may be detachably couplable to the fluid container. A valve operably couples to an interior surface of the body member and includes a pair of depressible protuberances disposed in selective sealed engagement with the pair of apertures so as to prevent dispensing of a fluid from the fluid container. A mounting bracket operably couples to an interior surface of the body member and is configured to couple the valve to the body member. The pair of protuberances is configured such that depression of one of the pair of protuberances moves the pair of protuberances out of sealed engagement with the pair of apertures for dispensing a fluid of the fluid container. Each of the pair of protuberances may be in vertical registration with one of the pair of apertures so as to extend parallel to a longitudinal axis that is defined through the fluid container.

The valve may include a generally elliptical configuration that has side portions at opposite ends of a major axis defined through the valve and top and bottom portions at opposite ends of a minor axis defined through the valve. The side portions of the valve may be configured to flex as a result of depressing one or both of the pair of protuberances to enable the pair of protuberances to be spring loaded and to form a fluid tight seal with surfaces of the body member when the pair of protuberances are positioned within the pair of apertures. The top portion of the valve may be thinner and/or thicker than the bottom portion to provide the valve with a suitable flexibility. In embodiments, the top portion of the valve may be spaced apart from the interior surface of the body member to facilitate a sealed engagement between the pair of protuberances and the apertures when the valve is coupled to the interior surface of the body member. In certain embodiments, the top portion of the valve may be configured to rest on the interior surface of the body member.

A mounting bracket may be operably coupled to the interior surface of the body member and in contacting relationship with the bottom portion of the valve to couple the valve to the interior surface of the body member such that both protuberances are depressible for dispensing a fluid from the aperture in registration with the other protuberance. Alternatively, the mounting bracket may be operably coupled to the interior surface of the body member and in contacting relationship with the bottom portion of the valve to couple the valve to the interior surface of the body member such that one of the protuberances is depressible for dispensing a fluid from the aperture in registration with the other protuberance. The mounting bracket may be coupled to the lid via one or more biocompatible adhesives.

Each of the apertures may be provided in a corresponding recess provided on the body member. The corresponding recesses may be configured to receive a corresponding one of the pair of protuberances therein so as to allow depression thereof by the user. The corresponding recesses may have a generally circumferential configuration. Additionally, a generally elongated recess may be provided on the body member and positioned between the pair of corresponding recesses so as to allow stacking of a plurality of lids.

According to one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a lid configured for use with a fluid container and includes a body member and a valve. The body member includes a central body that extends to an outer periphery configured to couple to a rim of a fluid container. The body member defines an aperture therethrough and has a top surface and a bottom surface.

The valve has a first portion directly secured to the bottom surface of the body member and a second portion that extends from the first portion. The second portion includes a protuberance and is movable relative to the first portion between a free state and a depressed state in response to deflection of at least a portion of the central body of the body member relative to the outer periphery of the body member. The first portion may be disposed transverse to the second portion in at least one of the free state and the depressed state. The first portion may be parallel to the second portion in at least one of the free state and the depressed state.

The protuberance is configured for sealed engagement with the aperture of the body member while the second portion is in the free state. The protuberance is spaced from the aperture of the body member while the second portion is in the depressed state. The protuberance may include a tapered surface. The tapered surface may be disposed in the aperture of the body member while the second portion of the valve is in the free state to seal the aperture. The tapered surface may extend through the aperture of the body member in the free state.

In embodiments, the second portion includes a second protuberance configured to contact the bottom surface of the body member. The deflection of the central body deflects the second protuberance such that the second portion pivots relative to the first portion between the free state and the depressed state.

The bottom surface of the central body may contact a top surface of the second portion of the valve to move the second portion from the free state to the depressed state in response to the deflection of the central body. The bottom surface of the central body may be spaced from the top surface of the second portion while the second portion is in the free state. The bottom surface of the central body may be in contact with the top surface of the second portion while the second portion is in the depressed state.

In embodiments, the central body includes a nub that extends from the top surface of the body member. The nub may be deflectable relative to the central body to move the second portion between the free state and the depressed state.

In some embodiments, the valve includes at least one rib along a portion thereof. The valve may include at least two ribs disposed in parallel relation.

In certain embodiments, the first and second portions of the valve may be connected by a hinged portion. The hinged portion may include at least one bend to orient the second portion relative to the first portion.

In embodiments, the first portion may be heat sealed to the bottom surface of the body member. In some embodiments, the first portion is ultrasonically welded to the bottom surface of the body member.

In one aspect, a valve for a container lid is provided. The valve is adapted to directly secure to a container lid and includes a protuberance, wherein upon securement of the valve to the container lid, the protuberance is configured to selectively disengage from sealed engagement with an aperture defined in the container lid in response to a deflection of a central body of the container lid relative to an outer periphery of the container lid.

The valve may include a first portion and a second portion. The second portion may be movable relative to the first portion and supports the protuberance. In embodiments, the second portion includes a second protuberance configured to contact a bottom surface of the central body of the container lid to enable the second portion to move relative to the first portion. In embodiments, the valve includes at least one rib along a portion thereof. The valve may include a hinged portion that connects the first and second portion. The hinged portion can include at least one bend.

Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description, drawings, and the claims

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the terms “proximal” or “trailing” refer to the portion of a structure that is closer to a user, while the terms “distal” or “leading” refer to the portion of a structure that is farther from the user.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a fluid container2that utilizes a lid4according to an embodiment of the instant disclosure. In accordance with the instant disclosure, the lid4, which defines a central axis “A-A” therethrough, enables a user to selectively dispense a fluid “FL” from fluid container2while maintaining a sealed engagement therewith when not dispensing fluid “FL” to prevent inadvertent spilling of the fluid “F.”

Fluid container2may be made from any suitable material including, but not limited to, plastic, paper, glass, metal, ceramic, closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam, cardboard, etc. Although fluid container2may have any suitable configuration, fluid container2is shown, for illustrative purposes, as a typical paper/cardboard cup utilized, for example, by most restaurants, coffee houses, etc.

Fluid container2includes a generally cylindrical configuration having an open top end6and closed bottom end10(FIG. 2). As appreciated, open top end6defines an opening8. A flange or rim12extends along a peripheral edge that defines opening8and is configured to facilitate detachable engagement between fluid container2and lid4. It is within the purview of the present disclosure; however, that lid4may be non-detachably or fixedly secured to fluid container4and movable with respect thereto from an open configuration for filling fluid container2with one or more suitable fluids to a closed, sealed configuration for containing and selectively dispensing fluid “FL.” In this particular embodiment, one or more hinge configurations may be utilized to couple lid4to fluid container2. Those skilled in the art will appreciate other coupling methods that may be utilized to couple lid4and fluid container2to one another.

Referring toFIG. 3, lid4is illustrated. Lid4may be formed from any suitable material, including the materials mentioned above with respect to fluid container2. For illustrative purposes, lid4is shown formed from a relatively soft plastic. In some embodiments, however, lid4may be made from a relatively hard plastic. As can be appreciated, in the former instance, lid4may disposable, and in the latter instance, lid4may be reusable, e.g., lid4may be used and, subsequently, cleaned for future use. In either instance, lid4provides a simple and convenient method for dispensing fluid from fluid container2. Moreover, when fluid “FL” is not being dispensed from fluid container2, lid4is in sealed engagement with fluid container2so as not to allow fluid “FL” to escape therefrom, i.e., fluid container2is spill proof under normal operation, e.g., held by a user in a pre-dispensing configuration.

Continuing with reference toFIG. 3, lid4includes a body14of suitable configuration for attaching to fluid container2. In the illustrated embodiment, body14is shown having a generally circumferential configuration with an outer surface16including a plurality of recesses thereon. Specifically, a pair of opposing recesses20a,20b(FIGS. 3-7) of any suitable configuration are formed on outer surface16and are configured to receive a portion of a finger of a user therein. Recesses20a,20bare shown having a generally circumferential configuration defined by sidewalls22a,22band a bottom wall24a,24b, respectively (FIGS. 3-7). Recesses20a,20bmay be utilized as a reservoir for dispensed fluid “FL” to prevent inadvertent dribbling as fluid “FL” is being dispensed from apertures26a,26band into a user's mouth (see, e.g.,FIG. 1). Moreover, an optional, generally elongated recess21of suitable configuration may be provided between recesses20a,20b. Recess21may be configured to allow stacking of lid2, thereby facilitating packaging of lid4, for example, when lid4is purchased and sold in large quantities to vendors.

A pair of corresponding apertures26a,26b(FIGS. 6 and 8) of suitable configuration are defined through respective bottom walls24a,24band are configured to selectively receive therein a pair of corresponding protuberances28a,28bprovided on a valve30. Specifically, apertures26a,26binclude a generally circumferential configuration that is configured for sealed engagement with a generally conical surface provided on corresponding protuberances28a,28b, seeFIGS. 5-8 and 10for example. In this sealed engagement, fluid “FL” from fluid container2is prevented from being dispensed therefrom.

In accordance with the instant disclosure, body14is formed with a thickness of plastic that provides a suitable rigidity to body14. Specifically, body14should have a thickness that prevents substantial deformation thereof when lid4is manipulated by a user. More specifically, bottom walls24a,24bshould be rigid or sturdy enough so as not to deform when protuberances28a,28bare in sealed engagement with apertures26a,26b. As can be appreciated, if bottom walls24a,24bare not sufficiently thick, there exists the likelihood that bottom walls24a,24bmay deform when protuberances28a,28bare in a sealed engagement therewith, which, in turn, may result in a seal between protuberances28a,28band apertures26a,26bbecoming compromised.

Referring toFIGS. 5-10, valve30couples to an interior surface32of body14and is configured to allow selective dispensing of fluid “FL” contained within fluid container2when lid4is coupled thereto. With this purpose in mind, valve30may be made from any suitable biocompatible material (e.g., plastic) and includes a generally elliptical configuration having side portions34a,34bat opposite ends of a major axis “B-B” defined through valve30and top and bottom portions36a,36bare disposed at opposite ends of a minor axis “C-C” defined through valve30, as best seen inFIG. 9. Side portions34a,34bare configured to flex as a result of depressing one or both of protuberances28a,28b. For example, when protuberance28ais depressed and removed out of sealed engagement with aperture26a, valve30flexes about side portion34a, which, in turn, causes protuberance28bto move out of sealed engagement with aperture26bsuch that fluid “FL” can be dispensed from fluid container2through aperture26b, seeFIGS. 1 and 6. As can be appreciated, the same effect, with the obvious differences being taken into consideration, is achieved when protuberance28bis depressed. Further, in embodiments, although valve30may be shown in some of the figures with only two opposing side portions34a,34b, valve30may have any suitable number of side portions. For example, the valve30may have three or more side portions (e.g., Y-shaped with 3 side portions, star-shaped with 5 side portions, etc.). Moreover, each of these side portions may have any number of protuberances that are movably disposed in registration with any number of apertures defined within the body member of the lid at any number of locations about the body member. Each side portion may be integrally formed and/or mechanically coupled to one or more of the other side portions by any suitable securement process such as welding, fastening, adhesive, etc.

In accordance with the instant disclosure, the depressed protuberance provides a vent that facilitates dispensing fluid from lid4through the opposing aperture. More particularly, for example, when protuberance28ais depressed and fluid container2is tilted for dispensing fluid through aperture26b, aperture26avents air therethrough, which, in turn, provides a smooth, steady flow of fluid “FL” through aperture26band across sidewall22bof recess20b(seeFIG. 1).

Top portion36aof valve30may have any suitable thickness when compared to bottom portion36bto provide valve30with any suitable flexibility sufficient to enable stable movement and selective sealing engagement of the protuberance(s) with the corresponding aperture(s). For example, top portion36amay be thicker than bottom portion36bto facilitate movement of protuberances28a,28binto and/or out of sealed engagement with apertures26a,26bwhen either of protuberances28a,28bis depressed and/or released. In embodiments, top portion36ais configured to be spaced from interior surface32of body member4to facilitate a sealed engagement between protuberances28a,28band apertures26a,26bwhen valve30is coupled to body14(FIGS. 5 and 7). In certain embodiments, top portion36ais configured to engage and/or rest against the interior32of body member4. Additionally, top portion36amay be slanted upwardly from valve30to ensure that protuberances28a,28bremain in sealed engagement with apertures26a,26bwhen protuberances28a,28bare not depressed (see, e.g.,FIG. 9). The upward slanting of top portion36amay also facilitate manufacturing.

As discussed above, bottom portion36bof valve30may have any suitable thickness relative to top portion36ato provide suitable flexibility to valve30sufficient to enable stable movement and selective sealing engagement of the protuberance(s) with the corresponding aperture(s). For example, bottom portion36bmay be thinner than top portion36ato facilitate movement of protuberances28a,28binto and/or out of sealed engagement with apertures26a,26bwhen either of protuberances28a,28bis depressed and/or released. Specifically, a mounting bracket40extends across a medial portion38of bottom portion36band is utilized to couple valve30to interior surface32of body14. In the assembled configuration, medial portion38is pressed towards interior surface32and forms two bowed portions37a,37bthat provide a suitable biasing force that is configured to bias protuberances28a,28binto sealed engagement with apertures26a,26b. In accordance with the instant disclosure, a balance (equilibrium) between a thickness of bottom walls24a,24band a biasing force provided by bowed portions37a,37bis needed to ensure that the biasing force of the bottom portion36bdoes not deform or otherwise alter the apertures24a,24b. As can be appreciated, such a balance may be acquired via rudimentary calculations.

Mounting bracket40may take on any suitable configuration to achieve the purposes described herein (FIG. 9). In the illustrated embodiment, for example, mounting bracket40includes a “C” shape with two opposing flanges42a42bthat are spaced apart from one another by a distance that is slightly greater than a width of bottom portion36b. A pair of sidewalls44a,44bextend from flanges42a,42band meet a base portion46that is configured to contact medial portion38of bottom portion36b. Flanges42a,42bmay couple to interior surface32of body14via any suitable coupling methods, e.g., a biocompatible adhesive or the like. In embodiments, such as, for example, when lid4is reusable, an alternate type of mounting configuration may be utilized for securing valve30to lid4.

Protuberances28a,28bmay include any suitable configuration including sides, or portions thereof, that are slanted at any suitable angle and/or sides, or portions thereof, that are not slanted (e.g., perpendicular to body member). As noted above, protuberances28a,28bcan include a conical configuration to enable spill proof sealing when the sides of the protuberances are positioned in engagement with the surfaces of the lid that define the apertures. As shown inFIG. 8, sides K of protuberances28a,28bare angled to intersect at an angle “θ” relative to axis “D-D.” Angle “θ” may be any suitable angle, e.g., angle “θ” may range from between about 1 degree to about 90 degrees. As appreciated, any of the dimensions of the protuberances, e.g., diameter, height, etc., may be arranged to accommodate different aperture diameters to provide selective sealing engagement of the outer surface of one or both of the protuberances28a,28bwith one or both of the aperture24a,24b. For example, dimensions of the protuberance(s) can be configured such that the protuberance(s) seal with the aperture(s) at a predetermined location L along sides K of the protuberance. In embodiments, the outer surface of the protuberance(s) and the inner surfaces of the body member that define the aperture(s) form an annular seal at the location L.

In the illustrated embodiment, protuberances28a,28bhave a relatively blunt tip29a,29b, seeFIGS. 8-9. Alternatively, protuberances28a,28bmay each include a blunt tip29a,29bthat is ergonomically configured to accommodate various finger sizes (see area of detail “G” inFIG. 8for example).

Protuberances28a,28bare configured such that depression of one of the protuberances, e.g., protuberance28a, moves both of protuberances28a,28bout of sealed engagement with apertures26a,26bsuch that fluid “FL” may be dispensed from fluid container2, seeFIG. 6. In an assembled configuration, protuberances28a,28bare in vertical registration with apertures26a,26bso as to extend along an axis “D-D” that is parallel to the longitudinal axis “A-A” defined through lid2(FIG. 10). It has been found that positioning protuberances28a,28bwithin apertures26a,26bin this fashion provides a tight seal therebetween. In embodiments, however, protuberances28a,28bmay be positioned within apertures26a,26bso as to extend non-parallel to longitudinal axis “A-A.”

Operation of fluid container2including a lid4is described herein. For illustrative purposes, it is assumed fluid “FL” has been previously provided into fluid container2and lid4is secured thereto to form a seal around fluid container2. Moreover, it is assumed that protuberances28a,28bare oriented parallel to axis “D-D.”

With lid4secured to fluid container2, protuberances28a,28bare in sealed engagement with apertures26a,26bso as to prevent inadvertent dispensing of the fluid “FL” from fluid container2. To dispense fluid “FL” contained within fluid container2, a user may depress one of protuberances28a,28b, e.g., protuberance28b. In doing so, protuberance28bmoves out of sealed engagement with aperture26b, which, in turn, causes protuberance28ato move out of engagement with aperture26a(seeFIG. 6for example). Thereafter, a user may move fluid container2to a position for consuming the fluid “FL”, seeFIG. 1for example.

The unique configuration of lid4including valve30overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks that are typically associated with conventional lids. That is, lid4is simple to operate and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture when compared to conventional lids.

From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications can also be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the same. For example, while lid4has been described herein as utilizing valve30that includes two protuberances28a,28bthat may be depressed for dispensing fluid “FL” from fluid container2, other configurations of valve30may also be utilized.

With reference toFIG. 11, an alternative embodiment of a lid is illustrated and designated104. Lid104includes valve130having a bottom portion136bthat provides a suitable biasing force that is configured to bias protuberances128a,128binto sealed engagement with corresponding apertures (not explicitly shown inFIG. 11). Moreover, a mounting bracket140is configured to mount valve130to an interior of lid104by one or more suitable fastening techniques, e.g., an adhesive, and is configured to couple to bottom portion136b(e.g., by an adhesive).

Operation of lid104is similar to lid4, unlike lid4; however, only one of protuberances128a,128bis configured to dispense fluid “FL” from the fluid container. Protuberance128bis configured to dispense fluid “FL” from the fluid container when protuberance128ais depressed. Depressing protuberance128bdoes not cause protuberance128ato move out of sealed engagement with the corresponding aperture. Therefore, this embodiment only allows dispensing of fluid “FL” on one side only.

In accordance with the present disclosure, embodiments of the valve can be directly coupled to an interior or bottom surface of embodiments of the presently disclosed lids by any suitable fastening technique known in the art, e.g., heat sealing, welding such as ultrasonic welding, adhesive, crimping, snap fit, etc., and/or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the valve can be integrally and/or monolithically formed with any one of the presently disclosed lids.

With reference toFIGS. 12-14, another embodiment of a lid is illustrated and designated200. Lid200includes a body210and a valve220that is directly coupled to body210. Body210defines a first aperture210a, a second aperture210b, and a third aperture210c. Valve220includes a first protuberance220a, a second protuberance220b, and a third protuberance220c. Valve220can include one or more stiffening members222secured to, or integrally formed with valve220that function to stiffen valve. Stiffening members222can be positioned anywhere on valve220. In embodiments with a plurality of stiffening members222, one or more of the plurality of stiffening members222can be aligned and/or staggered relative to one another. Stiffening members222can be formed within valve220and may define a cavity222atherein. Stiffening members222and/or one or both of protuberances220a,220bcan be hollow, which can improve sealing with body210upon receiving fluid therein, e.g., by tilting fluid filled container to enable fluid to collect therein and impart fluid pressure from valve220to body210.

Third protuberance220cof valve220is secured to third aperture210cof body210, for example, by heat sealing or welding as noted above. When valve220is secured to body210, valve220is flexibly biased towards body210such that second protuberance220bof valve220engages second aperture210bof body210, and first protuberance220aof valve220engages first aperture210aof body210. Second protuberance220bis actuatable, e.g., via depression, to pivot first protuberance220aabout third protuberance220c, away from first aperture210aof body210. In this regard, upon actuation of second protuberance220b(i.e., when lid200is coupled to a fluid retaining cup), valve220pivots relative to body210so that air can pass into second aperture210band fluid retained in the cup can pass out of first aperture210a.

With reference toFIGS. 15 and 16, another embodiment of a lid is illustrated and designated300. Lid300defines a plurality of apertures and includes a C-shaped valve310. C-shaped valve310includes a first protuberance310a, a second protuberance310b, and third protuberance310c. C-shaped valve310defines a plurality of stiffening members312that define a cavity312atherein. Although stiffening members312a shown extending in a downward direction, stiffening members312are similar to stiffening members222and can project in any direction such as upwards. First protuberance310ais directly secured to lid300so that an actuation of second protuberance310benables second and third protuberances310b,310cto pivot relative to first protuberance310asimilar to that described above with respect to lid200so that fluid can be dispensed through lid300.

Referring now toFIG. 17, still another embodiment of a lid is illustrated and designated400. Lid400defines a plurality of apertures and includes a valve410. Valve410includes a first protuberance410a, a second protuberance410band third protuberance410c. First protuberance410ais directly secured to lid400so that an actuation of second protuberance410benables second and third protuberances410b,410cto pivot relative to first protuberance410asimilar to that described above with respect to lid200so that fluid can be dispensed through lid400.

As illustrated inFIGS. 18-20, yet another embodiment of a lid is illustrated and designated500. Lid500is substantially similar to lid400, but includes a chevron shaped valve510. With reference toFIGS. 21 and 22, one embodiment of a lid600includes a body610and valve620that is directly secured to body610. In particular, valve620includes an arm622that is directly secured to an interior, or bottom surface610a, of lid600such as by heat sealing, welding, adhesive, snap-fit, etc.

Referring now toFIGS. 23 and 24, still another embodiment of a lid is illustrated and designated700. Lid700includes a body710and a valve720. Valve720includes a baffle730that is secured thereto, and which can be monolithically formed with a protuberance720aof valve720. Lid700can include a baffle730with a sinuous flange730a. As shown inFIG. 25, one embodiment of a baffle740defines one or more notches740aand one or more stop members740b. Similarly, as shown inFIGS. 26 and 27, one embodiment of a baffle750has a body750athat defines an opening750b. Also similarly, as shown inFIGS. 28 and 29, another embodiment of a baffle760includes an arm760aand a finger760bthat extends from the arm760a. Any of the presently disclosed baffles function to control and/or restrict fluid dispensed out of a respective one of the presently described lids.

As seen inFIGS. 30-34, yet another embodiment of a lid is illustrated and designated800. Lid800includes a body member810and a valve820.

Body member810includes a central body812that extends to an outer periphery814configured to couple to a rim of a fluid container. Body member810defines an aperture816therethrough and has a top surface810aand a bottom surface810b. Central body812includes a nub818that extends from top surface810aof body member810. Nub818may be positioned at any suitable location on central body812and is configured to move with central body812. In some embodiments, nub818may be deflectable relative to central body812. In certain embodiments, central body812has flat surface devoid of nub818.

Valve820has a first portion822directly secured to bottom surface810bof body member810and a second portion824that extends from first portion822and movable relative to first portion822and/or body member810. In embodiments, first portion822may be heat sealed to bottom surface810bof body member810. In some embodiments, first portion822is ultrasonically welded to bottom surface810bof body member810. First and second portions822,824are connected by a hinged portion823. Hinged portion823may include at least one bend823ato enable second portion824to move between a free state (FIG. 32) and a depressed state (FIG. 33) relative to first portion822and/or body member810in response to deflection of at least a portion of central body812of body member810relative to outer periphery814of body member810.

Second portion824of valve820includes a ledge825that supports a protuberance824aconfigured for sealed engagement with aperture816of body member810in the free state. In the depressed state, protuberance824ais configured to be spaced from aperture816of body member810. Although shown with an L-shape cross-section, ledge825can have any suitable shape and/or dimension. Protuberance824aincludes a tapered surface824bthat is disposed in aperture816of body member810, and extends therethrough, while in the free state to seal aperture816. A second protuberance826of second portion824is configured to contact bottom surface810bof body member810.

A rib828is positioned along at least a portion of valve820thereof to increase stiffness of valve820. Valve820may include any number of ribs828along any portion thereof (or none at all). For example, valve820may include at least two ribs disposed in parallel relation to one another. Two or more ribs may be longitudinally aligned and/or longitudinally offset from one another.

In operation, deflection of central body812deflects second protuberance826such that second portion824pivots relative to first portion822between the free state and the depressed state. A bottom surface812aof central body812may contact a top surface824cof second portion824of valve820to move second portion824from the free state to the depressed state in response to deflection of central body812. Bottom surface812aof central body812may be spaced from top surface824cof second portion824while second portion824is in the free state. Bottom surface812aof central body812may be in contact with top surface824cof second portion824while second portion824is in the depressed state. First portion822may be disposed transverse to second portion824in at least one of the free state and the depressed state. In embodiments, first portion822may be parallel to second portion824in at least one of the free state and the depressed state.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the structures and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying figures are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the description, disclosure, and figures should be construed merely as exemplary of particular embodiments. It is to be understood, therefore, that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise embodiments described, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Additionally, it is envisioned that the elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and features of another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and that such modifications and variations are also intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described.