Abstract:
A lid connected to a container or body portion of a bottle includes: a base defining a channel; a cover in communication with a top of the channel; a lid-latch configured to releasably engage the cover and hold the cover proximate the top of the channel; and a tube defining a conduit housed in the channel and coupled to the base. At least a portion of the tube is resiliently collapsible so as to bias the cover away from the top of the channel.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Some conventional drink bottles or containers that house water or other potable beverages can include a lid. Some lids may include a spout, a nozzle or an opening to fit, for example, a tube or straw, and allow a user to access or drink the liquids contained within the bottle without removing the lid. However, such spouts, nozzles and/or openings are susceptible to leaks, particularly as the bottle is jostled during every day travels. 
         [0002]    Accordingly, there is a need for improved lids for bottles that possess leak resistance while allowing access contents of the bottle without removing the lid. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    One aspect of the disclosure provides a lid having a base that defines a channel and a cover or cap in communication with a top of the channel. The lid includes a lid-latch configured to releasably engage the cover and hold the cover proximate the top of the channel in the closed position. The lid also includes a tube that defines a conduit. The tube is housed in the channel of the lid and coupled to its base. The tube permits access to contents (e.g., liquids) of a corresponding container via the conduit. At least a portion of the tube is collapsible so as to bias the cover away from the top of the channel. In addition, the tube, when collapsed, restricts fluid flow through the conduit. 
         [0004]    In certain embodiments, the lid further includes a nipple coupled to the tube. The nipple is configured to restrictively allow fluid flow through the conduit. According to some embodiments, the nipple is coupled to a proximal end of the tube. Operatively, the nipple, when moved toward a distal end of the tube (e.g., when the tube is compressed), causes a middle portion of the tube is resiliently collapsed thereby restricting fluid flow through the conduit, as discussed above. 
         [0005]    In other embodiments, the channel of the lid (which houses the tube) also defines a path of movement for the nipple. 
         [0006]    In some embodiments, the lid further includes a hinge attaching the cover to the lid. In such embodiments, the cover is biased away from the top of the channel via the hinge (e.g., in addition to the compressed tube). The hinge is typically formed, at least in part, from silicone. 
         [0007]    According to other embodiments, the cover includes a cover-latch that engages the lid-latch of the lid. Operationally, the cover pivots about the hinge into open and closed positions. In the closed position, the cover-latch engages the lid-latch thereby holding the cover proximate the top of the channel. To open the lid, the lid-latch is disengaged (e.g., via a release member) thereby allowing the cover to pivot open or away from the top of the channel (e.g., via a bias from the compressed tube and/or a bias from the cover hinge, discussed above). The release member is actuated toward the tube to cause the lid-latch to release the cover. 
         [0008]    In certain other embodiments, the lid further includes a nipple coupled to the tube. The nipple is configured to restrictively allow fluid flow through the conduit. Similarly, the tube, when compressed, also restricts fluid flow through the conduit. 
         [0009]    Notably, as discussed herein, the lid is configured to couple to a drink container, e.g., a bottle. The above discussed embodiments can be implemented alone or in combination, as is understood by those skilled in the art. 
         [0010]    These and other features of the lid of the subject disclosure will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the various embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    For a fuller understanding of the nature and desired objects of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the figure wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a lid arranged on a bottle according to one representative embodiment of the present invention, showing the lid in an open position; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the lid arranged on the bottle of  FIG. 1 , showing the lid in a closed position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the lid shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the lid taken at cut lines  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the lid shown in  FIG. 1 , showing the lid between the open and the closed position; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the lid taken at cut lines  6 - 6  of  FIG. 2 . 
       
    
    
     DEFINITIONS 
       [0018]    The instant invention is most clearly understood with reference to the following definitions: 
         [0019]    As used in the specification and claims, the singular form “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0020]    As used in the specification and claims, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “containing,” “having,” and the like can have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. patent law and can mean “includes,” “including,” and the like. 
         [0021]    Unless specifically stated or obvious from context, as used herein, the term “or” is understood to be inclusive. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    Various aspects of the invention provide lids and containers. Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects of the subject invention. For purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a lid in accordance with the disclosure is shown in  FIG. 1  and is designated generally by reference character  100 . Other aspects of the lid are provided in  FIGS. 2-6 , as will be described herein. The lids of this disclosure can be used in with various containers, bottles, canisters, or other suitable applications. 
         [0023]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a lid  100  can include a base portion  105 , which can be coupled to a container or body portion  110 , and together can be referred to as a “bottle.” Container  110  can be sized to hold a volume of liquid and can include a neck portion having an opening that can releasably couple to base portion  105 . For example, the neck portion and base portion  105  can be coupled by complimentary threading (e.g., a screw on configuration), a snap closure, etc. Lid  100  can also include a spout or tube  115  defining a conduit  120  therein, where the spout or tube defines a straw. As shown, tube  115  can be coupled to an extension portion  118  so as to access liquid housed within container  110  (e.g., a person can draw liquid up through extension tube  118  through conduit  120  of tube  115 ). In other embodiments, tube  115  can be formed integral (e.g., via a single mold) with the extension tube  118 . Alternatively, extension tube  118  may not be present, thus requiring a user to tilt and pour liquid out of container  110  via tube  115 . Additionally, as shown, tube  115  can be formed or coupled with a nipple  117  (e.g., a one way valve, a bite valve, etc.). 
         [0024]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , lid  100  includes a cover  125  that pivots about a hinge  130  to open and close the lid. Lid  100  also includes a lid-latch  127  that releasably mates or releasably engages with a corresponding cover-latch  128 . In operation, lid-latch  127  holds cover  125  proximate to tube  115  causing lid  100  to maintain a closed position as depicted in  FIG. 2 . Lid-latch  127  disengages cover-latch  128  via actuating a release member  135  toward tube  115 . As shown, lid-latch  127  is formed integral with release member  135 . Release member  135  (and thus, lid-latch  127 ) is biased away from tube  115  via a spring. In this fashion, lid-latch  127  catches or engages with cover-latch  128  and hold cover-latch  128  proximate a top of tube  115  when cover  125  is closed. 
         [0025]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of lid  100  is shown in a closed position. Operatively, as discussed above, cover  125  pivots about hinge  130  into a closed position, which causes tube  115  to resiliently collapse about itself. In the closed position, conduit  120  (not shown) is restricted (e.g., the walls of tube  115  collapse or fold on each other). In other words, tube  115  can include a flexible material such as silicone that folds over itself thereby restricting or compressing the inner walls of tube  115  to prevent liquid from escaping container  110 , when tube  115  is collapsed. In some embodiments, tube  115  is biased against collapse such that tube  115  pushes against or resists cover  125  as cover  125  rotates into the closed position. Further, as shown, lid-latch  127  is engaged or mated with corresponding cover-latch  128  thereby holding cover  125  in the closed position. 
         [0026]    With reference now to  FIG. 3 , components of lid  100  are shown in an exploded perspective view. Notably, each of these components can be individually constructed (e.g., via known molding techniques), constructed in various combinations, or constructed as a one piece design (e.g., via 3-D printing or other similar molding techniques). 
         [0027]    As shown, lid  100  includes a channel  305 , which receives tube  115  and nipple  117 . Channel  305  is configured to provide a path of movement for nipple  117  (and tube  115 ). Notably, in some embodiments, channel  305  and/or nipple  117  are configured to prevent tube  115  and nipple  117  from being removed from lid  100 . For example, nipple  117  can be fixed to tube  115  and tube  115  can be configured to attach to a bottom of channel  305  thereby preventing tube  115  and nipple  117  from being removed from channel  305 . Further, channel  305  can include a tapered design whereby the channel becomes narrow at the opening that nipple  117  exits. Similarly, nipple  117  can include a complimentary tapered design whereby nipple  117  is thicker at a base portion so as to prevent nipple  117  from being pulled through a top of channel  305 . Additional configurations are also appreciated without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention (e.g., protrusions and complimentary receiving orifices, etc.). 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  also illustrates a spring  310  that biases release member  135  away from tube  115  and channel  305 . As discussed above, cover  125  pivots about hinge  130  to open and close the lid while release member  135  acts to releasably engage/disengage lid-latch  127  to/from cover-latch  128 . In particular, when release member  135  is actuated toward tube  115  thereby compressing spring  310 , lid-latch  127  disengages cover-latch  128 . 
         [0029]      FIGS. 4-6  provide cross-sectional side elevation views of lid  100  when operated to open and close tube  115 . Particularly,  FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional side elevation view taken at cut lines  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1  and showing tube  115  in the open position. As shown, cover  125  pivots about hinge  130  to begin closing the lid  100 . Notably,  FIG. 4  illustrates tube  115  in an open position with a middle portion  405  fully extended. 
         [0030]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the lid  100 , showing cover  125  approaching tube  115  (and nipple  117 ). Nipple  117  actuates or moves in a path defined by channel  305  (i.e., perpendicularly upward and downward relative to lid  100 ). When cover  125  approaches tube  115 , nipple  115  actuates or moves down channel  305  thereby causing tube  115  to begin to collapse about middle portion  405 . That is, middle portion  405  of tube  115  begins to fold or collapse on itself when nipple  117  traverses down channel  305 . When middle portion  405  collapses, inner walls  505  begin compress thereby restricting restrict conduit  120 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the lid  100  taken at cut lines  6 - 6  of  FIG. 2 , showing tube  115  in the closed position with lid-latch  127  releasably engaging cover  125  (via cover latch  128 ) and holding cover  125  proximate the top of channel  305 . As shown, nipple  117  is retained within channel  305  via cover  125  thereby causing tube  115  to collapse about middle portion  405 . When tube  115  is collapsed, inner walls  505  compress to restrict fluid flow through conduit  120  thereby preventing liquids from escaping lid  100 . The progression shown in  FIGS. 4-6  can be reversed to open lid  100  as discussed above. Upon opening lid  100 , cover  125  rotates about hinge  130 , nipple  117  traverses channel  305  to exit conduit  120  and middle portion  405  of tube  115  extends. 
         [0032]    The embodiments described herein and shown in the drawings, provide for a lid that can be opened and closed without removal of the lid. In particular, a user can easily move the tube  115  between an open and a closed position via the actuating release member  135  and consume a liquid (e.g., a beverage) in the container. While these embodiments have been described using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.