Patent Publication Number: US-9901199-B2

Title: Liquid dispensing lid

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a liquid dispensing lid for drinking vessels of various designs, and more particularly to a liquid dispensing lid which regulates the flow of a liquid from the internal cavity of the drinking vessel in a reliable manner, and which further can be readily disassembled and cleansed so as to maintain the liquid dispensing lid in a sanitary condition. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Assorted liquid dispensing lids and drinking vessels have been marketed and sold to the general public for many years. At least some of these drinking vessels have been designed for particular purposes such as to be used during athletic competitions, or when an individual is engaged in other athletic pursuits, such as riding a bicycle, running, and other physical activities and where the continual hydration of the participant is desired. 
     Assorted efforts have been undertaken to develop drinking vessels, and assorted lids utilized with same, and which permit the selective dispensing or consumption of the beverage enclosed within the drinking vessel in a manner which prevents the consumed fluid from inadvertently spilling on the user, or further spilling from the drinking vessel should the drinking vessel be inadvertently overturned during the activity or due to other events such as when the drinking vessel is dropped or overturned as might be occasioned while a person is operating a motor vehicle. 
     In addition to the foregoing, many users of the aforementioned prior art drinking vessels have employed the drinking vessels to dispense assorted different beverages such as water, coffee, alcoholic beverages, and the like. As should be understood, dispensing carbonated beverages from a drinking vessel, for example, tends to deposit small amounts of this liquid on the exposed surface areas. This residue typically includes sugar-based components and which, when dried, can often create a sticky residue which facilitates the growth of various undesirable microorganisms. If these coated and exposed surfaces are not periodically cleaned, the surfaces may be contaminated to a point where a user can become exposed to undesirable levels of microorganisms thereby causing illness. Still further, this type of contamination in certain designs of liquid dispensing lids may rise to a level where the residue impedes the operation of the liquid dispensing lid and prevents the effective closure or opening of the fluid dispensing lid. 
     Many designers of drinking vessels have attempted to provide various arrangements for avoiding the problems associated with the coating of exposed surfaces with various residues derived from the fluids which have been dispensed from a drinking vessel. While these various design attempts have operated with varying degrees of success, one of the chief problems associated with these previous prior art designs has been that such liquid dispensing lids have been unduly mechanically complex, and therefore have been quite costly to fabricate, or on the other hand, have often been difficult to disassemble and clean notwithstanding the representations of the designers that such products can be readily disassembled for cleaning so as to maintain them in a sanitary condition. 
     The present invention avoids the detriments associated with the various prior art practices and products utilized heretofore, and provides a fluid dispensing lid which is easy to operate, is easy to disassemble and reassemble, and further provides a convenient means whereby a user can single-handedly operate the liquid dispensing lid in a manner which allows the user to continue their daily activities whether they be athletic, or otherwise, and can further reliably secure the liquid dispensing lid so as to prevent liquid spills when the liquid dispensing lid and associated drinking vessel is inadvertently overturned, or not in use. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A first aspect of the present invention relates to a liquid dispensing lid which includes a lid body having a drinking aperture, and which further defines an internal cavity, and wherein the lid body releasably cooperates with a drinking vessel which encloses a source of a liquid to be consumed through the drinking aperture; an actuator assembly moveably mounted within the internal cavity of the lid body, and wherein an external force applied to the actuator assembly moves the actuator assembly along a first path of travel; a fluid regulating plate which movably cooperates with the lid body, and wherein the actuator assembly forcibly engages the fluid regulating plate when the external force is applied to the actuator assembly to move the fluid regulating plate along a second path of travel from a first position which impedes the movement of the liquid to the drinking aperture, to a second position which allows liquid movement to the drinking aperture; and a biasing member mounted on the lid body, and further coupled to the fluid regulating plate, and wherein the biasing member biasingly urges the fluid regulating plate towards the first position along the second path travel when the external force is no longer applied to the actuator assembly. 
     Still another aspect of the present invention relates to a liquid dispensing lid which includes a lid body having a top surface which has a peripheral edge, a bottom surface, and a downwardly depending sidewall, and wherein the bottom surface and the downwardly depending sidewall define an internal cavity, and wherein a drinking aperture, and a coupling aperture are formed in the top surface, and extend through the lid body to the bottom surface thereof, and wherein an actuator aperture is defined in the downwardly depending sidewall of the lid body; an actuator assembly moveably located within the internal cavity as defined by the lid body, and wherein the actuator assembly includes a first, force receiving member which moveably cooperates with the actuator aperture which is defined by the downwardly depending sidewall of the lid body, and a second force receiving member which is coupled in force receiving relation relative to the first force receiving member, and wherein an external force applied to the first actuator assembly causes the first force receiving member to move in a first, predetermined direction along a first path of travel; a fluid regulating plate which moveably cooperates with the lid body, and wherein the fluid regulating plate has an inwardly facing surface which has a peripheral edge, and wherein the inwardly facing surface further includes a valve member which operably cooperates with the drinking aperture, and wherein a biasing member aperture passes through the fluid regulating plate, and wherein the second force receiving member of the actuator assembly transmits force to the inwardly facing surface of the fluid regulating plate so as to move the fluid regulating plate along a second path of travel from a first position which impedes the movement of a liquid into the internal cavity of the lid body, and out through the drinking aperture, to a second position, and where movement of the liquid through the internal cavity of the lid body is permitted; and a biasing member having a first portion which is mounted on the lid body, and a second portion which is made integral with the first portion, and which further extends through the coupling aperture formed in the top surface, and wherein the biasing member has a distal end which passes through the biasing member aperture which is formed in the fluid regulating plate, and which further exerts a biasing force on the fluid regulating plate so as to move the fluid regulating plate in the direction of the first position along the second path of travel, and to urge the actuator assembly to further move in an opposite direction along to the first predetermined path of travel. 
     Still another aspect of the present invention relates to a liquid dispensing lid, and which includes a lid body having a top, outwardly facing surface, an opposite bottom facing surface, and which is further defined by a longitudinal axis, and wherein the lid body is also defined, at least in part, by a peripheral edge, and wherein a sidewall extends generally vertically upwardly relative to the peripheral edge of the top surface, and further has a variable height dimension when measured from the top surface of the lid body, and wherein the lid body further has a downwardly extending sidewall which is mounted on the bottom surface, and which depends downwardly relative thereto, and wherein the downwardly extending sidewall has an exterior facing surface, and an opposite interior facing surface, and wherein the downwardly extending sidewall further has a distal peripheral edge which defines an aperture, and wherein the bottom surface of the lid body, and the interior facing surface of the downwardly extending sidewall, in combination, define an internal cavity of the lid body, and wherein the exterior facing surface of the downwardly extending sidewall of the lid body is sized so as to releasably cooperate with a fluid dispensing vessel having an internal cavity and which encloses a source of a liquid to be dispensed, and wherein the lid body further defines a drinking aperture, and a second, coupling aperture, each of which extends through the top and bottom surfaces of the lid body, and further communicate with the internal cavity of the lid body, and wherein the downwardly extending sidewall of the lid body additionally defines an actuator aperture which is located below the top surface of the lid body, and laterally, outwardly, relative to the longitudinal axis thereof; a continuous ring member which matingly, and circumscribingly cooperates, at least in part, with the lid body, and is further positioned laterally, outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the lid body, and wherein the continuous ring member further defines an aperture which is substantially coaxially aligned relative to the actuator aperture of the lid body; an actuator assembly which is moveably borne by the lid body, and which is located, at least in part, within the internal cavity of the lid body, and wherein the actuator assembly includes a first, force receiving member which is matingly, and moveably received within the actuator aperture, and which further extends, at least in part, laterally outwardly relative to the peripheral edge of the top surface of the lid body, and wherein an exterior force applied to the first, force receiving member effects an inwardly directed movement of the first, force receiving member in a direction towards the longitudinal axis, and wherein the actuator assembly further includes a second, force receiving member which is coupled to the first, force receiving member, and which further is wholly located within the internal cavity which is defined by the lid body, and wherein the actuator assembly is moveable along a reciprocal, first path of travel, from a first, at rest position, to a second, operational position, and wherein the exterior force applied to the first, force receiving member is effective in moving the actuator assembly along the first path of travel from the first, at rest position, to the second, operational position; a gasket which is fluid-sealingly mounted on, and about, the distal peripheral edge of the downwardly depending sidewall of the lid body, and wherein the gasket is effective in impeding movement of the liquid from the internal cavity of the fluid dispensing vessel into the internal cavity as defined by the lid body when the actuator assembly is in the first, at rest position; a moveable fluid regulating plate having a main body which is defined by an inwardly facing surface, an outwardly facing surface, and a peripheral edge, and wherein a pair of generally vertically upwardly extending, and spaced ribs are mounted on the inwardly facing surface of the main body and which further each have an upper, force receiving edge, and wherein the second force transmitting member of the actuator assembly forcibly cooperates with the upper, force receiving edge of one of the spaced ribs, and wherein a valve member is further mounted on the inwardly facing surface of the moveable base plate and further extends vertically upwardly relative thereto, and wherein a biasing member aperture is formed in, and passes through, the respective inwardly and outwardly facing surfaces of the movable fluid regulating plate, and wherein the moveable fluid regulating plate is further operable to move along a second path of travel from a first position, and where the main body of the moveable fluid regulating plate is positioned in fluid sealing engagement with the gasket member, and further occludes the internal cavity as defined by the lid body, and additionally positions the valve member in occluding relation relative to the drinking aperture as defined by the lid body, to a second position, and wherein in the second position, at least a portion of the main body of the moveable fluid regulating plate is located in spaced relation relative to the gasket member, and the valve member is located in non-occluding relation relative to the drinking aperture, and wherein the moveable fluid regulating plate, when located in the second position along the second path of travel allows the source of the fluid enclosed within the fluid dispensing vessel to pass from the fluid dispensing vessel, into the internal cavity as defined by the lid body, and then pass through the non-occluded drinking aperture, and wherein movement of the actuator assembly from the first, at rest position, to the second, operational position, effects the movement of the moveable fluid regulating plate along the second path of travel from the first position to the second position; and a biasing member having a main body which is mounted on the top surface of the lid body, and which further biasingly cooperates with, and urges the moveable fluid regulating plate in the direction of the first position, and which is located along the second path of travel, and where, in the first position, the fluid regulating plate sealingly engages the gasket member, and wherein the main body of the biasing member has a first portion which is supported on the lid body, and is further located near the top surface thereof, and wherein the biasing member further includes a second, elongated portion which is made integral with the first portion, and which further has a distal end, and wherein the second portion depends downwardly relative to the first portion, and further passes through the coupling aperture, and extends through the internal cavity of the lid portion, and wherein the distal end of the second portion further extends through the biasing member aperture, and forcibly cooperates with the fluid regulating plate, and wherein the movement of the moveable fluid regulating plate along the second path of travel from the first position, to the second position, is effective in forcibly elongating the second portion of the biasing member, and wherein the fluid regulating plate moves along the second, arcuately shaped path of travel from the second position to the first position under the biasing force exerted by the second portion of the biasing member when the exterior force is no longer applied to the first portion of the actuator assembly. 
     These and other aspects of the present invention will be described in greater detail hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a fragmentary, longitudinal vertical sectional view of the present invention, shown in a first operational position. 
         FIG. 2  is a second, fragmentary, longitudinal vertical sectional view of the present invention shown in a second operational position. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective, bottom plan view of the liquid dispensing lid of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective, exploded, side elevation view of an actuator assembly which forms a feature of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective, top plan view of a fluid regulating plate which forms a feature of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a greatly enlarged perspective, side elevation view of a biasing assembly, and which forms a feature of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8). 
     The present invention relates to a liquid dispensing lid which is generally indicated by the numeral  10  in  FIG. 1 , and following. As seen in the drawings, the liquid dispensing lid  10  is operable to releasably engage a drinking vessel  11  of conventional design. The drinking vessel  11  has a first end (not shown), and an opposite, second end  13  which releasably engages the liquid dispensing lid  10 . The drinking vessel  11  further is defined by a base portion located at the first end, and a circumscribing and continuous sidewall  15  which terminates at a neck  16 . The neck allows access to the interior of the drinking vessel  11 . The drinking vessel  11  is defined by an outside facing surface  20 , and an opposite, inside facing surface  21 . The inside facing surface  21 , defines an internal cavity  22  having a given volume. The internal cavity  22  is operable to receive and enclose a fluid or liquid to be dispensed, and which is generally indicated by the numeral  23 . As seen in the drawings ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), the inside facing surface  21  of the sidewall  15 , in the region of the neck  16 , has formed therein screw threads  24 , and which are operable to releasably and matingly cooperate with the liquid dispensing lid  10  as will be described in the paragraphs which follow. 
     The liquid dispensing lid  10  includes a lid body which is generally indicated by the numeral  30 . The lid body  30  is defined, in part, by an outwardly or top facing surface  31 , and an opposite, bottom facing surface  32 . Still further, the lid body  30  is defined, in part, by a longitudinal axis that is generally indicated by the numeral  33  ( FIG. 2 ), and which is substantially, coaxially aligned relative to a longitudinal axis of the drinking vessel  11  when the lid body  30  is matingly cooperating with the neck  16  of the drinking vessel  11 . When properly mounted or positioned on the drinking vessel  11 , the top surface  31  of the lid body  30  is oriented in a non-horizontal plane as best seen in the drawings ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The lid body  30  is defined, in part, by a peripheral edge  34 . The peripheral edge  34  has an elevated first portion  35 , and a second portion  36  which is positioned elevationally below the first portion  35 . As seen in the drawings, the lid body  30  further includes a vertically upwardly extending sidewall which is generally indicated by the numeral  40 . The upwardly extending sidewall  40  is made integral with the top surface  31 , and extends upwardly and laterally outwardly relative to the top surface  31 . The sidewall  40  has an inside facing surface  41 , and an outside facing surface  42 . Still further, the sidewall  40  has a peripheral edge  43  which is disposed in a non-horizontal orientation. Yet further, it will be recognized that the sidewall  40  extends upwardly relative to the top surface  31  of the lid body  30  to a height dimension which is variable. As seen in the drawings, the height dimension of the sidewall  40  is greatest when measured along the second portion  36  of the peripheral edge  34 . 
     As seen in the drawings, a cavity  50  is formed in the top facing surface  31  of the lid body  30 , and is located adjacent to the second portion  36  of the peripheral edge  34 . The cavity  50  has a first end  51 , and an opposite second end  52  which is disposed radially inwardly relative thereto. A drinking aperture  53  is formed in the first end  51  of the cavity  50 , and further extends through the top and bottom surfaces  31  and  32 , respectively. As can be seen in the drawings, an elongated coupling aperture  54  is formed in the second end  52  of the cavity  50 , and also extends through the top and bottom surfaces  31  and  32  of the lid body. The cavity  50  defines a region which is operable to matingly couple with or receive a biasing member which will be discussed in greater detail, hereinafter. 
     The lid body  30  is defined, in part, by a downwardly extending sidewall  60  which is made integral with the peripheral edge  34 , and which further extends downwardly relative thereto. The downwardly extending sidewall  60  has an exterior facing surface  61 . A recessed region  62  having a given shape is formed in the exterior facing surface  61 , and is operable to matingly cooperate with a continuous ring member which will be discussed in greater detail, below. Still further, and as seen in the drawings, the exterior facing surface  61  defines, in part, a multiplicity of screw threads  63 . The screw threads  63  are operable to screw-threadably cooperate with the screw threads  24 , and which are formed in the inside facing surface  21  of the drinking vessel  11 , and in the region of the neck  16 . Still further, the downwardly extending sidewall  60  is defined, in part, by a distal peripheral edge  64 . As seen in the drawings, the downwardly extending sidewall has an inside facing surface  65 . The downwardly extending sidewall  60 , further defines an actuator aperture  66  which has a predetermined size, and shape, and which is further operable to receive a first force receiving member of an actuator which will be described, below. Still further, the inside facing surface  65 , in combination with the bottom facing surface  32  of the lid body  30  defines, in combination, an internal cavity  67  which has given dimensions. As should be understood, the drinking aperture  53 , and elongated coupling aperture  54 , communicate with the internal cavity  67 . The distal peripheral edge  64  defines an aperture  68  which allows communication with the internal cavity  67 . 
     As best seen in the drawings, a continuous ring member, and which is generally indicated by the numeral  70 , is sized so as to conformably and matingly interfit or cooperate with the recessed region  62  which is formed in the exterior facing surface  61  of the downwardly extending sidewall  60 . The continuous ring member  70  has an outside facing surface  71 . In practice, the outside facing surface  71  may have a different colored hue than the surrounding exterior facing surface  61  so as to provide a decorative accent to the exterior facing surface  61 . The continuous ring member  70  has a bottom peripheral edge  72 . As should be understood, a multiplicity of drain holes (not shown) are formed in the bottom peripheral edge  72 , and are operable to allow moisture which might accumulate between the continuous ring member  70 , and the exterior facing surface  61 , to drain away as might be the case when the lid body  30  is sanitized by means of a dishwasher or the like. Still further, the continuous ring member  70 , and more specifically, the outside facing surface  71 , defines an aperture  74  which is formed therein, and which further is substantially coaxially aligned with, and sized similar to the actuator aperture  66 , and which is formed in the exterior facing surface  61  of the downwardly extending sidewall  60 . As seen in the  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a gasket or other liquid impervious seal  80 , of traditional design, is received about the distal peripheral edge  64  of the downwardly extending sidewall  60 , and is operable to cooperate with a moveable fluid regulating plate as will be described in greater detail, hereinafter. The gasket or other fluid seal  80  can be removed, by hand, from the distal peripheral edge  64 , and then subjected to cleaning so as to maintain the liquid dispensing lid  10  in a sanitary condition. 
     Referring again to the drawings, the lid body  30  includes a cylindrically shaped wall  90  ( FIG. 2 ) which is mounted on the bottom surface  32  of the lid body  30  and which depends downwardly relatively thereto. The cylindrically shaped sidewall  90  defines a passageway  91  ( FIG. 3 ), and which is substantially coaxially aligned with the drinking aperture  53 , and which further extends through the top and bottom surfaces  31  and  32 , respectively, of the lid body  30 . The cylindrically shaped wall  90  has an exterior facing surface  92  ( FIG. 3 ) which defines an outside diametral dimension for the cylindrically shaped wall  90 . As seen in the drawings, the coupling aperture  54  is located in spaced relation relative to the exterior facing surface  92  of the cylindrically shaped wall  90 . Further, as seen in the drawings, the cylindrically shaped wall  90  has a distal end  93 . 
     As will be seen in  FIG. 3 , a first pair of movement limiting members  100  are made integral with the bottom facing surface  32  of the lid body  30 , and depend downwardly therefrom, and are further located in spaced relation, and laterally outwardly relative to the cylindrically shaped wall  90 . The respective movement limiting members are defined by a main body  101 , and which further has a distal end that is generally indicated by the numeral  102 . As should be appreciated from a study of the drawings, the distal ends  102  of the respective movement limiting members  100  define a movement defining channel  103 , therebetween. Still further in the arrangement as seen in the drawings, a second movement limiting member  104  is located in adjacent, spaced relationship relative to the coupling aperture  54 . As noted earlier, the coupling aperture  54  extends between the top and bottom surfaces  31  and  32 , respectively, of the lid body  30 . As seen in the drawings ( FIG. 3 ), the second movement limiting member  104  is located in substantial alignment with the elongated coupling aperture  54 , and the drinking aperture  53 , respectively. 
     As illustrated in the drawings, a pair of spaced support members  110 , which include a first support member  111  ( FIG. 3 ), and a second support member  112 , are each respectively made integral with the bottom surface  32  of the lid body  30 , and depend downwardly therefrom. Each of the support members  111  and  112 , respectively, has a distal end  113  which defines a cradle or recessed region  114  therein. Still further, each of the first and second support members  111  and  112 , respectively have a generally vertically oriented sidewall  115  which defines a passageway  116 , therebetween the spaced support members  111  and  112 , respectively. As seen in the drawings, individual engagement members  117  are made integral with the bottom facing surface  32 , and are further coupled to each of the sidewalls  115 . The respective engagement members  117  are oriented in a normal or perpendicular relationship relative to each of the sidewalls  115 , and further extend into the passageway  116 , and which is defined between the two sidewalls  115  of the spaced support member  111  and  112 , respectively. 
     The liquid dispensing lid  10  of the present invention includes an actuator assembly  130  which is movably borne by the lid body  30 , and which is located, at least in part, within the internal cavity  67  of the lid body  30  ( FIG. 1 ). The actuator assembly  130  includes a first force receiving member which is generally indicated by the numeral  131  ( FIG. 4 ). The first force receiving member has a main body  132  which has a first end  133 , and an opposite second end  134 . As seen in the drawings ( FIG. 4 ), a flange member  136  is formed on the main body  132 . Still further, the first force receiving member  131  cooperates with a fluid seal  137 , and which is received about the main body  132 , and is further disposed in juxtaposed relation relative to the flange member  136 . The fluid seal  137  impedes the movement of any fluid or liquid  23  of the drinking vessel  11  from passing through the actuator aperture  66  when the liquid dispensing lid  10  is in operation ( FIG. 1 ). As seen in the drawings ( FIG. 4 ), an exterior cap or member  138  is positioned in mating receipt on the first end  133 . A portion of the exterior cap  138  extends radially outwardly from the actuator aperture  66  ( FIG. 1 ), and which is operable to receive a radially inwardly directed exterior force  139  such as might be applied by the finger of a user, while consuming a beverage from the drinking vessel  11 . In the arrangement as seen in the drawings, the actuator assembly  130 , and more specifically the first force receiving member or portion  131  is operable, when exterior force  139  is applied to same to effect an inwardly directed movement of the first force receiving member in a first direction towards the longitudinal axis. This radially inwardly directed movement of the first force receiving member  131  is effective in transmitting force, as will be described below, in a manner which permits the liquid dispensing lid  10  to be rendered operational, and further allows the liquid  23  to pass from the drinking vessel  11  to the drinking aperture  53 . 
     The actuator assembly  130  includes a second force receiving member or portion  150 , and which is coupled in force receiving relation relative to the first force receiving member or portion  131 . In this regard, the second force receiving member or portion  150  ( FIG. 4 ) is defined, in part, by a bifurcated main body  151 , and which is wholly received within, and is movable relative to the internal cavity  67  of the lid body  30  ( FIG. 1 ). The bifurcated main body  151  has a top surface  152  ( FIG. 4 ) which is disposed in spaced relation relative to the bottom surface  32  of the lid body  30 . Still further, the bifurcated main body  151  has a bottom surface  153 . Yet further, the bifurcated main body has a first end  154 , and a distal, second end  155 . Still further, the bifurcated main body is defined, in part, by first and second spaced arms  156  and  157 , respectively. Each of the first and second arms has a distal end  158 . Still further, and as seen in the drawings, the first and second arms  156  and  157 , respectively define a passageway  159 , therebetween, and which has a width dimension which is greater than the outside diametral dimension of the cylindrically shaped wall  90  as defined by the exterior facing surface  92  thereof. As should be appreciated, and when assembled, the respective first and second arms  156 , and  157  straddle the cylindrically shaped wall  90 . Further, the first and second arms  156 , and  157  are received and travel within the movement limiting channel  103 . As should be understood, the second end  134  of the first force receiving member  131  is made integral with the first end  154  of the bifurcated main body  151 . As will be appreciated, therefore, when the exterior force  139  is applied to the first force receiving member  131 , this force is transmitted to the second force receiving member  150  to cause a motion of the actuator assembly  130  along a given path of travel which will be discussed, below. 
     As seen in the drawings ( FIG. 4 ), the second force receiving member  150  further includes movement limiting members which are generally indicated by the numeral  170 , and which are further mounted on the top surface  152 , of the bifurcated main body  151 , and near the distal end  158  of each of the pair of spaced arms  156  and  157 , respectively. As seen in  FIG. 4 , a pair of elevated camming surfaces  171  are located on the first end  154  of the bifurcated main body  151 , and on the top surface  152  thereof. A second pair of caroming surfaces  172  are individually made integral with each of the pair of spaced arms  156  and  157 , respectively, and which further depend downwardly from the bottom surface  153  of the bifurcated main body  151  of the second force transmitting member  150 , and which forms a portion of the actuator assembly  130 . Each of the camming surfaces  172  have a sloped peripheral edge  173 . As seen in the drawings, the movement limiting members  170  are operable to cooperate with the first pair of movement limiting members  100  which are made integral with the bottom surface  32  of the lid body  30 . Still further, the first pair of elevated camming surfaces  171  matingly engage and cooperate with the individual engagement members  117 , and which are mounted on the bottom surface  32  of the lid body  30 , and which further are disposed in transverse relation relative to the passageway  116 , and which is defined between the pair of spaced support members  110 . The first pair of elevated camming surfaces  171  are operable to define, at least in part, the course of movement of the actuator assembly  130  as will be described in greater detail, below. The second pair of camming surfaces  172  have a peripheral edge  173  which is angled inclined or otherwise sloped, and which are operable to transmit force to one of a pair of ribs which will be described in greater detail, below. As should be understood, the second force receiving member  150  is coupled to the first force receiving member  131 , and is wholly received within the internal cavity  67  which is defined by the lid body  30 . The actuator assembly  130  is movable along a reciprocal first path of travel  174  ( FIG. 2 ) from a first, at rest position  175  ( FIG. 1 ), to a second, operational position  176  ( FIG. 2 ). This movement is effected by the exterior force  139 , and which is applied to the first force receiving member  130 . This exterior force  139  imparts movement to the actuator assembly  130  along the first path of travel  174 , from the first, at rest position  175  ( FIG. 1 ), to the second operational position ( FIG. 2 ). In the second operational position  176 , the lid body  30  is rendered operable to dispense liquid  23  from the drinking vessel  11 , as will be described in greater detail in the paragraphs which follow. 
     The liquid dispensing lid  10  of the present invention includes a movable fluid regulating plate which is generally indicated by the numeral  190  in the drawings. The movable fluid regulating plate  190  ( FIG. 5 ) has a main body  191 , and which includes an inwardly facing surface  192 , and an outwardly facing surface  193 . The main body is defined by a peripheral edge  194 . The main body  191  is sized so as to cooperate with the peripheral edge  64  of the downwardly extending sidewall  60 , and rest in fluid sealing cooperation with the gasket  80  which is positioned about the distal peripheral edge  64 . As will be discussed, below, the fluid regulating plate  190  is movable along a given path of travel so as to effect the dispensing of the liquid or fluid  23  which is contained within the drinking vessel  11 . The movable fluid regulating plate  190  further has a pair of generally vertically extending, and spaced ribs, here indicated as a first rib  195 , and a second rib  196 , and which are mounted on the inwardly facing surface  192  of the main body  191 . Further, each of the first and second spaced ribs  195  and  196  have an upper, force receiving edge  197  and  198 , respectively. As should be understood, the second force receiving member  150 , of the actuator assembly  130 , forcibly cooperates with the upper force receiving edge  197  of the first rib  195  during operation. As should be appreciated, the upper force receiving edge  198  of the second rib  196  is received, and otherwise rotatably cooperates with the respective cradles  114  which form a feature of the pair of spaced support members  110 , as earlier described. As will be appreciated from a study of the drawings, the force receiving edge of the first rib  195  is located elevationally above the force receiving edge  198  of the second rib  196 . The function of the movable fluid regulating plate  190  will be discussed in greater detail, below. 
     The movable fluid regulating plate  190  includes a valve member  200  which is mounted, or otherwise made integral with the inwardly facing surface  192  of the main body  191 . The valve member has a distal end  201  which has a height dimension equal to or greater than the height dimension of the upper force receiving edge  197  of the first rib  195  ( FIG. 5 ). The valve member  200  is located adjacent to the first rib  195 , and in spaced relation relative to the peripheral edge  194 . The valve member  200  extends vertically upwardly relative to the inwardly facing surface  192 , and is oriented so as to be substantially aligned with the drinking aperture  53 , when assembled. As seen in the drawings, a biasing member aperture  203  is formed in, and passes through, the respective inwardly and outwardly facing surfaces  192  and  193 , respectively of the main body  191 . The biasing member aperture  203 , as seen in the drawings, is positioned between the first and second ribs  195  and  196 , respectively. As should be understood, the movable fluid regulating plate  190  is operable to move along a second, and somewhat arcuately shaped path of travel  204  ( FIG. 2 ), from a first position  205  ( FIG. 1 ), and where the main body  191  of the movable fluid regulating plate  190  is positioned in fluid sealing engagement with the gasket member  80 , and further occludes the internal cavity  67  as defined by the lid body  30 , and additionally positions the valve member  200  in occluding relation relative to the drinking aperture  53  as defined by the lid body  30 . Still further, the movable fluid regulating plate  190  is movable to a second position  206  ( FIG. 2 ), and where, in the second position, at least a portion of the main body  191  of the movable fluid regulating plate  190  is located in spaced relation relative to the gasket  80  so as to define a gap  207  ( FIG. 2 ), and the valve member  200  is located in a non-occluding relationship relative to the drinking aperture  53 . As should be understood, the movable fluid regulating plate  190  when located in the second position  206 , along the second path of travel  204 , allows the source of liquid or fluid  23  which is enclosed within the fluid engaging vessel  11  to pass from the fluid dispensing vessel  11 , and into the internal cavity  67  as defined by the lid body  30 , and then further pass through the non-occluded drinking aperture  53 . In the arrangement as seen in the drawings, it should be appreciated that the movement of the actuator assembly  130  from the first, at rest position  175  ( FIG. 1 ), to the second, operational position  176  ( FIG. 2 ) effects the movement of the movable fluid regulating plate  190  along the second path of travel  204  from the first position  205 , to the second position  206 . In this regard, the actuator assembly  130 , when moving along the first path of travel  174 , causes the second camming surfaces  172  to forcibly cooperate with the force receiving edge  197  of the first rib  195 . As should be appreciated, the second camming surfaces  172  causes the fluid regulating plate  190  to move along the second path of travel  204  as force is transmitted to the actuator assembly  130 . On the other hand, when the actuator assembly  130  moves from the second position  176  to the first, at rest position  175 , it does so by means of a biasing force which is exerted on the fluid regulating plate  190 , and as will be discussed in greater detail, hereinafter. As should be appreciated, when the movable fluid regulating plate  190  is in the first position  205 , the dispensing of liquid  23  from the fluid dispensing vessel  11  is impeded. However, when the movable fluid regulating plate  190  is located in the second position  206 , fluid dispensing is possible. 
     The liquid dispensing lid of the present invention  10  includes a biasing member which is generally indicated by the numeral  220  ( FIG. 6 ). The biasing member  220  has a main body  221  which is mounted on the top surface  31 , of the lid body  30 , and is further sized to be received within the cavity  50  as earlier described ( FIG. 1 ). The biasing member  220  biasingly cooperates with, and urges the movable fluid regulating plate  190  in the direction of the first position  205 , and which is located along the second path of travel  204 , and where the fluid regulating plate  190  sealingly engages the gasket member  80  so as to prevent the dispensing of the liquid or fluid  23  from the drinking vessel  11 . The main body  221  of the biasing member  220  has a first portion  222  ( FIG. 6 ) which is supported on the lid body  30 , and is further located near the top surface  31  thereof. The first portion  222  has a top surface  223 , and an opposite, bottom surface  224 . The first portion  222  has a first end  225 , and an opposite, second end  226 . The main body  221  is sized so as to matingly fit within the cavity  50  as formed in the top surface  31  of the lid body. As seen in the drawings ( FIG. 2 ), the top surface  223  is substantially coplanar with the top surface  31  as defined by the lid body  30 . 
     As seen in the drawings, the biasing member  220  includes an elastomeric, cylindrically shaped wall which is generally indicated by the numeral  230 , and which further is made integral with the bottom surface  224  of the first portion  222 . The elastomeric cylindrically shaped wall  230  has an outside facing surface  231 , and an opposite inside facing surface  232 . The inside facing surface  232  defines a passageway  233  which extends from the top surface  223 , to the distal end of the wall  230 . The elastomeric cylindrically shaped wall  231  has a first end  234 , which is made integral with the bottom surface  224 , and an opposite, second, or distal end  235 . The elastomeric cylindrically shaped wall  230  also has an intermediate portion  236  which has a predetermined, outside diametral dimension which is less than the outside diametral dimension of the second, distal end  235 . As seen in the drawings, and more specifically to the assembled configuration, the elastomeric, cylindrically shaped wall  230  has an outside diametral dimension when measured at the intermediate portion  236 , and which is sized so as to permit the elastomeric cylindrically shaped wall  230  to be telescopingly received within the passageway  91 , and which is defined by the cylindrically shaped wall  90 , and which is further made integral with the bottom surface  32  of the lid body  30 . To permit this arrangement, the second, distal end  235  is resiliently deformed so as to allow it to pass through the passageway  91 . When passage is achieved, the passageway  233  is then coaxially aligned with the drinking aperture  53 . The distal end  235  extends outwardly relative to the cylindrically shaped wall  90  which is made integral with the bottom surface  32  of the lid  30 . Because of its increased outside diametral dimension, the elastomeric cylindrically shaped wall  230  is securely retained within the cylindrically shaped wall  90  which is made integral with the bottom surface  32  of the lid body  30 . This arrangement also permits the biasing member  220  to be easily removed from the assembled configuration as seen in the drawings, and then cleansed so as to maintain a sanitary condition of the fluid dispensing lid  10  so it may be used with various liquids of choice by a user of the drinking vessel  11 . 
     The biasing member  220  of the present invention further includes a second, elongated portion  240  which is made integral with the bottom surface  224  of the first portion  222 , and which further has a first end  241  which is made integral with the bottom surface  224 , and a second, distal end  242  ( FIG. 6 ). The second portion  240  depends downwardly relative to the first portion  222 , and further passes through the coupling aperture  54 , and extends through the internal cavity  67  of the lid portion  30 . The distal end  242  of the second portion  240  further extends through the biasing member aperture  203 , and then forcibly cooperates with the fluid regulating plate  190 . In this regard, the second portion  240  has an intermediate portion  243  which is located between the first and second ends. Still further, the intermediate portion includes an enlarged engagement member  244  which is made integral therewith, and which further can pass though the aforementioned apertures by being resiliently deformed. When passed through the biasing member aperture  203 , the enlarged engagement member  244  is positioned in force transmitting relation relative to the outwardly facing surface  193  of the movable fluid regulating plate  190 . The movement of the movable fluid regulating plate  190  along the second path of travel  204  from the first position  205 , to the second position  206  is effective in forcibly elongating the second portion  240  ( FIG. 2 ), and more specifically the intermediate portion or region  243  thereof. The fluid regulating plate  190  moves along the second path of travel from the second position  206  to the first position  205  under the biasing force exerted by the second portion  240  of the biasing member  220  when the exterior force is no longer applied to the first force receiving member  131  of the actuator assembly  130 . 
     Operation 
     The operation of the described embodiment of the present invention is believed to be readily apparent, and is briefly summarized at this point. 
     A first aspect of the present invention relates to a liquid dispensing lid  10 , which includes a lid body  30  having a drinking aperture  53 , and which further defines an internal cavity  67 . The lid body  30  releasably cooperates with a drinking vessel  11 , and which encloses a source of a liquid  23  to be consumed through the drinking aperture  53 . An actuator assembly  130  is provided, and which is moveably mounted within the internal cavity  67  of the lid body  30 . An external force  139  is applied to the actuator assembly  130 , and which is effective to move the actuator assembly  130  along a first path of travel  174 . A fluid regulating plate  190  is provided, and which movably cooperates with the lid body  30 . The actuator assembly  130  forcibly engages the fluid regulating plate  190  when the external force is applied to the actuator assembly  130  so as to move the fluid regulating plate  190  along a second path of travel  204  from a first position  205 , and where the fluid regulating plate impedes the movement of the liquid  23  to the drinking aperture  53 , to a second position  206 , and which allows liquid movement to the drinking aperture  53 . The liquid dispensing lid  10  further includes a biasing member  220  which is mounted on the lid body  30 , and which is further coupled to the fluid regulating plate  190 . The biasing member  220  biasingly urges the fluid regulating plate towards the first position  205  along the second path of travel  204  when the external force is no longer applied to the actuator assembly  30 . 
     More specifically, the present invention relates to a liquid dispensing lid  10  which includes a lid body  30 , having a top surface  31  which has a peripheral edge  34 , a bottom surface  32 , and a downwardly depending sidewall  60 . The bottom surface  32 , and the downwardly depending sidewall  60  define an internal cavity  67 , and wherein a drinking aperture  53 , and a coupling aperture  54  are formed in the top surface  31 , and extend through the lid body  30  to the bottom surface  32 . An actuator aperture  66  is defined in the downwardly depending sidewall  60  of the lid body  30 . The present invention also includes an actuator assembly  130  which is moveably located within the internal cavity  67  as defined by the lid body  30 . The actuator assembly  130  includes a first, force receiving member  131  which moveably cooperates, at least in part, with the actuator aperture  68 , and which further is defined by the downwardly depending sidewall  60  of the lid body  30 . The actuator assembly  130  further includes a second force receiving member  150  which is coupled in force receiving relation relative to the first force receiving member  131 . As earlier discussed, an exterior force  134  which is applied to the first actuator assembly  130  causes the second force receiving member  150  to move in a first direction along a first path of travel  174 . The liquid dispensing lid  10  further includes a fluid regulating plate  190  which movably cooperates with the lid body  30 . The fluid regulating plate  190  has an inwardly facing surface  192  which has a peripheral edge  194 . The fluid regulating plate  190  further has a valve member  200  which operably cooperates with the drinking aperture  53 . A biasing aperture  203  passes through the fluid regulating plate  190 . The second force receiving member  150  of the actuator assembly  130  transmits force to the inwardly facing surface  192  of the fluid regulating plate  190  to move the fluid regulating plate along a second path of travel  204  from a first position  205 , which impedes the movement of a fluid  23  into the internal cavity  67  of the lid body  30 , and out through the drinking aperture  58 ; to a second position  206 , and where movement of the fluid  23  through the internal cavity  67  of the lid body  30  is permitted. The liquid dispensing lid further includes a biasing member  220  which has a first portion  222 , and which is mounted on the lid body  30 ; and a second portion  240  which is made integral with the first portion  222 , and which further extends through the coupling aperture  54  which is formed in the top surface  31 . The biasing member  220  has a second distal end  242  which passes through the biasing member aperture  203 , and which is formed in the fluid regulating plate  190 . The biasing member  220  exerts a biasing force on the fluid regulating plate  190  so as to move the fluid regulating plate  190  in the direction of the first position  205 , and along the second path of travel  204 , and to urge the actuator assembly  30  to move in an opposite direction along the first predetermined path of travel  174 . 
     Therefore, it will be seen that the present invention provides a convenient means for dispensing a source of a liquid to be consumed. The present liquid dispensing vessel is easy to use, convenient to operate, and is easy to disassemble, and clean thereby rendering the liquid dispensing lid useful with a variety of different beverages, and further operates to prohibit the spilling of liquids or beverages from the drinking vessel when the drinking vessel  11  is not in use. 
     In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.