Patent Description:
Drinking containers typically comprise a container body and a lid assembly. The container body, on the one hand, encloses a holding volume for holding a drinking liquid. It thereby features a top opening, via which a drinking liquid can be brought into and/or removed from the holding volume. The lid assembly, on the other hand, can be mounted onto the container body, at its top opening. In doing so, the top opening is covered and drinking liquid is prevented from spilling.

The lid assembly may be a simple cap, screwable onto the top opening of the container body. Other drinking containers may comprise a lid assembly that additionally includes a straw, extending into the container body. The user may fill the holding volume with a hot or cold drinking liquid (e.g., ice water or coffee) when the lid assembly is removed. After having mounted the lid assembly back onto the container body, the user may suck the straw in order to drink the liquid.

More advanced lid assemblies exist, further comprising a pivotable drinking spout having an first, stowed configuration and a second, dispensing configuration. In its stowed configuration, the drinking spout is largely received within a spout compartment formed by the lid housing. In some designs, the spout can be grasped by hand at its upper portion, in order for it to be pulled into its open configuration. However, it might not be very hygienic to contact the area of the drinking opening.

Other lid assemblies try to address such issues through the provision of other opening mechanisms. However, with an ever increasing design complexity, the lid assembly is more difficult to handle in a manner that is readily comprehensible to the user.

In <CIT>, for instance, the spout is movable from the stowed configuration into the dispensing configuration, responsive to the actuation of a button. Only optionally, the spout is further provided with a spout cover.

<CIT> provides a lid that includes an activator (in the shape of a handle) and fluid-flow member (resembling a drinking spout). Both are pivotally connected to the lid. Moreover, a connecting member pivotally connects to both the activator and the fluid-flow member. Because of this connection, when pivoting the handle in one direction, the fluid-flow member will pivot into the opposite direction. Both therefore have an opposite sense of rotation, which may be counterintuitive for a user. In any case, in doing so, the drinking spout is brought into its open position.

<CIT> provides a lid that includes a cap, a drinking spout, and a pulling member. The pulling member has an accommodating groove for sheltering the drinking spout. Both spout and the pulling member are pivotally fixed onto the cap. The drinking spout further has two walking projections that move in sliding grooves formed by the puling member. As such, by manipulating the pulling member, the drinking spout can be pulled out or sheltered within the accommodating groove. This is more hygienic. A drawback, however, is that the pulling member should have large overall dimensions. Indeed, it should completely cover the drinking spout, from its base (where it is fixed to the cap), up to its drinking opening. Such large pulling members may hinder the user upon drinking.

<CIT> further provides a cover member having first and second drinking apertures. The first aperture is opened/closed by a drinking member. The second aperture is opened/closed by a closure member. Both are pivotally attached to the cover member, about the same axis of rotation. However, it is believed that such complicated design having two drinking openings may be counterintuitive for a user.

The present invention is aimed at providing a novel drinking container and/or lid assembly, thereby solving at least some of the abovementioned problems. Special attention is paid to user-friendliness. Other important factors include durability, reliability, cleanability, hygiene, and simplicity. A simple design is envisaged, featuring the least possible moveable parts.

In a first aspect, the invention concerns a lid assembly according to claim <NUM>. The lid assembly comprises a lid housing and a drinking spout. Latter drinking spout is pivotally mounted onto the lid housing. It is thereby moveable between a first, stowed configuration and a second, dispensing configuration. The invention further provides a user accessible grip member, which in turn is moveably mounted onto the drinking spout. More specifically, the grip member is moveable between a first, closed configuration and a second, open configuration.

In its closed and open configurations, the grip member may provide a grip portion that is positioned closer to, respectively further away from the drinking end portion of the drinking spout. In its closed configuration, the grip member may allow the user to move the drinking spout from its stowed configuration into its dispensing configuration, in a manner that is intuitively clear. Namely, by gripping and pulling a grip portion in the neighborhood of the drinking end portion. In doing so, it is not necessary for the user to contact the drinking end portion itself, which is more hygienic. Moreover, the grip member may be moved into an open configuration w. the drinking spout, wherein it does not or only minimally hinder the user in drinking.

Preferably, the grip member is pivotally mounted onto the drinking spout, wherein the drinking spout and grip member are pivotable between their respective first and second configurations, in a mutually same sense of rotation. It is especially advantageous that one type of user action (i.e. a pulling action on a force lever about its pivot axes) suffices (a) for moving the grip member away from the drinking opening, and (b) for pivoting the drinking spout from its stowed configuration into its dispensing configuration.

<CIT> does not provide a drinking spout and grip member having the same sense of rotation. Rather the activator and fluid-flow member have an opposite sense of rotation.

<CIT> does not provide a grip member that is pivotally mounted onto the drinking spout. Rather, the drinking spout and pulling member is pivotally mounted onto the cap itself.

<CIT> does not provide a grip member that is pivotally mounted onto the drinking spout. Rather, the drinking member and closure member are pivotally mounted to the cover member itself.

In a preferred embodiment of claim <NUM>, the pivot axes of the drinking spout and grip member are offset to one another. For instance, the mounting point for the grip member may be positioned more towards the drinking end. The grip member can therefore be made shorter.

In a second aspect, the invention concerns a drinking container that comprises a lid assembly according to the first aspect of the invention.

The present invention concerns a drinking container comprising a container body and a lid assembly, as well as a lid assembly as such.

The expression "% by weight", "weight percent", "%wt" or "wt%", here and throughout the description unless otherwise defined, refers to the relative weight of the respective component based on the overall weight of the formulation.

As used herein, "selective" and "selectively," when modifying an action, movement, configuration, or other activity of one or more components or characteristics of a drink container according to the present disclosure, means that the specified action, movement, configuration, or other activity is a direct or indirect result of user manipulation of an aspect of, or one or more components of, the drink container. In a first aspect, the invention concerns a lid assembly for a drinking container, the lid assembly comprising:.

wherein the drinking spout is pivotally mounted onto the lid housing between a first, stowed configuration and a second, dispensing configuration, and wherein the lid assembly further comprises a user accessible grip member for moving the drinking spout between the first and the second configurations. In particular, said grip member is moveably mounted onto the drinking spout between a first, closed configuration and a second, open configuration.

The lid assembly comprises a lid housing. The latter is preferably provided with coupling means, for releasably coupling said lid housing onto the top opening of a container body. Latter coupling means may include a thread coupling means, a snap coupling means, a bayonet coupling means, and/or any other type of coupling means. The top opening may be at least partly sealed-off by the lid housing when mounted onto the container body. However, the lid housing may further be provided with one or more lid openings and/or vent openings. These may still provide a passage for drinking liquid and gasses, through the lid housing.

The lid assembly further comprises a drinking spout having a base portion and a drinking end portion. The drinking spout encloses a spout channel that extends through the drinking spout, between a base opening (at its base portion) and a drinking opening (at its drinking end portion). Latter spout channel extends substantially straight. Preferably, rather spout channel is not or only slightly curved, such that it can easily be cleaned. Moreover, it is thereby highly unlikely that pieces (e.g. ice) will get stuck within the spout channel. It is generally preferred when taking a sip that the drinking spout somewhat runs towards the user. Quite advantageously, the present drinking spout may take a "dispensing configuration" w. the lid housing. The drinking spout may thereby protrude upwardly from the lid housing. Additionally or alternatively, the drinking spout may thereby protrude from the lid housing along a radially inclined direction, towards a drinking side w. the lid assembly. Preferably, in its dispensing configuration, the spout channel of the liquid spout is in fluid communication with the lid opening formed by the lid housing. The present drinking spout may additionally take a "stowed configuration" w. the lid housing, in which the drinking container and lid assembly may take a more compact form. For instance it may be possible to accommodate the drinking container inside a handbag, with the drinking spout residing in its stowed configuration. According to a non-limiting embodiment, the drinking spout is in its stowed configuration at least partly received within a spout compartment formed by the lid housing.

The drinking spout is pivotally mounted onto the lid housing. The drinking spout is thereby pivotally moveable w. the lid housing, between the first, stowed configuration and the second, dispensing configuration. In a non-limiting embodiment, the drinking spout may be pivoted within a well-defined range w. the lid housing, which range is delimited at one or both sides by a maximally dispensing configuration and/or a maximally stowed configuration. Of course, the drinking spout may also take intermediate configurations. Preferably, the drinking spout may at most be pivoted over a range of at least <NUM>°, and of no more than <NUM>°.

In a first, possible embodiment, the drinking spout (in its maximally stowed configuration) may be pivoted up to a maximally dispensing configuration, over a pivot range of no more than <NUM>°. For example said maximum pivot range may cover about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, or any value therebetween.

In a second, possible embodiment, the drinking spout (in its maximally stowed configuration) may be pivoted up to a maximally dispensing configuration, over a pivot range that is larger than <NUM>°. For instance said maximum pivot range may cover about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, or any value therebetween.

Preferably, the lid opening is in fluid communication with the spout channel, whenever the drinking spout resides in the dispensing configuration. Preferably, the lid opening is closed-off, whenever the drinking spout resides in the stowed configuration. In a possible embodiment, the spout channel is pinched in the stowed configuration, thus sealing off the lid opening. In another, possible embodiment, the base portion of the drinking spout connects to the lid housing by means of a ball joint. Latter ball joint thereby engages a spout seal circumscribing the lid opening. The lid opening is thus sealed-off, unless the drinking spout is pivoted such that is base opening is aligned with a lid opening (i.e. in a dispensing configuration of the drinking spout). Of course, the invention is not limited to any of these embodiments. The aforementioned dispensing configuration(s) need not necessarily be a maximally dispensing configuration. In a similar fashion, the aforementioned stowed configuration(s) need not necessarily be a maximally stowed configuration.

More generally, in a further or alternative embodiment, the drinking spout is pivotally mounted onto the lid housing, wherein the drinking spout connects to the lid housing by means of a curved engagement surface and corresponding engagement seal.

In one possible embodiment, the drinking spout itself forms a curved engagement surface, through which its base opening extends. Latter convex engagement surface may slidingly contact and engage an engagement seal comprised by the lid housing, circumscribing the lid opening. In an alternative, possible embodiment, the drinking spout is provided with an engagement seal that circumscribes its base opening. Latter engagement seal may thereby slidingly contact and engage a curved engagement surface, formed by the lid housing. Its lid opening thereby extends through latter engagement surface. The engagement surface(s) is/are preferably curved in such a way that contact with the engagement seal is maintained, throughout the pivotal range of the drinking spout w. the lid housing. In both embodiments, the lid opening is sealed off unless the lid opening is aligned with the base opening of the drinking spout. The latter is preferably only the case when the drinking spout resides in a dispensing configuration. A major advantage is that no drinking liquid can leak from the holding volume, whenever the drinking spout resides in its stowed configuration.

An issue with similar lid assembly designs (i.e. featuring a drinking spout that is pivotable with respect to the lid housing) is that they are often rather complex to manage. In particular, it is not always immediately obvious how to bring the drinking spout from its first, stowed configuration into its second, dispensing configuration. Some prior art lid assemblies may be provided with push button actuation mechanisms. However, these are rather complex to fabricate and difficult to clean. In other prior art lid assemblies, a base portion of the drinking spout needs to be pressed, for its drinking end portion to rise from the spout compartment. When not carefully designed, however, such lid assemblies may require the user to perform highly counter-intuitive actions for moving the drinking spout between its stowed and dispensing configurations.

The present invention further provides a user accessible grip member for moving the drinking spout between its first and second configurations. The grip member itself is thereby moveably mounted onto the drinking spout. More specifically, the grip member is moveable w. the drinking spout, between a first, closed configuration and a second, open configuration. The grip member is "user-accessible", in that it can be gripped by the user in its first and/or second configurations. The grip member provides a user grip by which it can be gripped, at least in the first, closed configuration. The grip member provides a user grip, at least for moving the drinking spout from its first, stowed configuration into its second, dispensing configuration.

As mentioned above, the grip member in turn is moveable w. to the drinking spout. As such the grip member may, in its closed configuration, provide a grip portion that is positioned closer to the drinking end portion of the drinking spout. Latter grip portion may, in an open configuration of the grip member, be positioned further away from the drinking end portion of the drinking spout. The grip member in its closed configuration may thereby allow the user to move the drinking spout from its stowed configuration into its dispensing configuration, in a manner that is intuitively clear. Namely, by gripping and pulling a grip portion that neighbors the drinking end portion of the drinking spout. It is thereby not necessary for the user to contact the drinking end portion itself, which is more hygienic. Moreover, the grip member may be moved into an open configuration w. the drinking spout. The grip portion is therein positioned further away from the drinking end portion of the drinking spout. Preferably, in said open configuration, the grip member does therefore not, or only minimally hinder the user in drinking.

Preferably the grip member is an external grip member. This allows for a simple design and easy cleaning. The grip member may in its closed configuration take a more compact form, e.g. by abutting the drinking spout. The grip member comprises locking tabs and/or locking grooves for locking the grip member to the drinking spout and/or to the lid housing. Such locking means may ensure that the grip member and/or drinking spout do not leave their first configurations unintentionally.

The drinking spout is selectively moveable between its first, stowed configuration and its second, dispensing configuration. The grip member is selectively moveable between its first, closed configuration and its second, dispensing configuration.

In a further or alternative embodiment, the lid assembly further comprises a straw enclosing a straw channel, which straw channel is in fluid communication with said lid opening. The "lid opening" may therein also be referred to as the "straw opening". In a dispensing configuration of the drinking spout, the straw channel is preferably in fluid communication with the spout channel, through the straw opening. Together they form a drinking channel that extends from the drinking opening into the holding volume of the container body. An advantage is that the user no longer needs to tip the container when drinking.

In a further or alternative embodiment, the grip member comprises a cover portion for covering and uncovering at least a part of the drinking end portion of the drinking spout. In such embodiments, the terms "grip member" and "cover member" may be interchanged. The cover member may at least partly cover the drinking end portion, when residing in its closed configuration. When subsequently moving the cover member into its open configuration, at least a part of the drinking end portion may be uncovered. It is not necessary for the cover member to entirely seal off the drinking opening. The cover member may merely cover a part of the drinking end portion, such that it can no longer be touched directly, increasing the hygiene.

It is advantageous that the grip member therein performs a double function, of (a) moving the drinking spout between its first and second configurations and (b) of covering and uncovering its drinking end portion. However, the invention is in no way limited to a grip member that features a cover portion. Alternatively, a separate cover member featuring a cover portion may be provided. Yet alternatively, the lid assembly does not include such a cover portion.

In a further or alternative embodiment, the grip member is pivotally mounted to the drinking spout. Alternatively, the grip member may for instance be slidably mounted onto the drinking spout. The invention in general is not limited to any of these mounts.

In a further or alternative embodiment, the grip member is pivotally mounted onto the drinking spout, thereby having a pivotal range of at least <NUM>°. In a non-limiting embodiment, the grip member may be pivoted within a well-defined range w. the drinking spout, which range is delimited at one or both sides by a maximally open configuration and/or a maximally closed configuration. Of course, the grip member may also take intermediate configurations. Preferably, the grip member may maximally be pivoted over a range of at least <NUM>°, more preferably at least <NUM>° and maximally <NUM>°. For instance said pivot range may cover about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, about <NUM>°, or any value therebetween. Preferably, said grip member may be pivoted such, into an open configuration, that it does not or only minimally hinder the user when drinking. In possible embodiments, the grip member may have a pivotal range of at least <NUM>°.

In a further or alternative embodiment, the drinking spout and grip member have substantially parallel pivot axes. In a further or alternative embodiment, the drinking spout and grip member are pivotable between their respective first and second configurations, in a mutually same sense of rotation. It is especially advantageous that one type of user action (i.e. a pulling action on a force lever about its pivot axes) suffices (a) for pivoting the drinking spout from its stowed configuration into its dispensing configuration, and (b) for uncovering the drinking end portion of the drinking spout. This allows for managing the lid assembly in a very intuitive way.

In a further or alternative embodiment, the grip member has an abutment portion for limiting the pivotal movement of the grip member in a maximally open configuration. Starting from the drinking spout in its stowed configuration, and the grip member in its closed configuration, the grip member may first be gripped and pulled into its maximally open configuration. Further pivotal movement of the grip member w. the drinking spout is thereby blocked. Continuation of the pulling action will thus cause the drinking spout to pivot about its pivot axis. This allows for opening the drinking mechanism in a highly convenient way.

In a further or alternative embodiment, the grip member pivoting about its mounting point (provided by the drinking spout) is associated with a first torque resistance, while the drinking spout pivoting about its mounting point (provided by the lid housing) is associated with a second torque resistance. Upon pulling the grip member, and when both reside in their closed configuration, the first torque resistance is preferably smaller than the second torque resistance. Therefore, the grip member will first pivot into its maximally open configuration. Only then, the drinking spout will start to pivot into its open configuration. Advantageously, the grip member will no longer hinder the user when drinking; it has already been brought into its open configuration.

In a further or alternative embodiment, the grip member comprises an edge portion that in the first, closed configuration protrudes beyond and/or above a drinking end portion of the drinking spout. Said edge portion may comprise a raised gripping edge. Said edge portion may provide a grip portion. Said edge portion may constitute a distal edge portion, such that it provides a maximum force lever. Main portions of the drinking spout and grip member may, in their first configurations, be housed within a spout compartment formed by the lid housing. Preferably, the aforementioned edge portion thereby protrudes above and/or beyond said spout compartment. Preferably, the aforementioned edge portion is accessible to the user, even in the first configuration of the drinking spout and grip member.

In a further or alternative embodiment, the drinking spout comprises a separate spout body and mouthpiece. The spout body and mouthpiece may comprise a different material. For instance, the spout body may comprise a material having a higher rigidity and/or a higher abrasion-resistance. For instance, the mouthpiece may comprise a material having a lower hardness, a higher toughness, and/or a higher flexibility. Advantages are mentioned below, thereby referring to the description that accompanies <FIG>.

In a further or alternative embodiment, the spout body is pivotally mounted onto the lid housing, while providing a moveable mounting point to the grip member. The spout body may thereby comprise a first body part and a second body part. In a further or alternative embodiment, the spout channel comprises a base portion, extending through said first body part, and a drinking end portion, extending through said mouthpiece. Advantages are again mentioned below, referring to the description accompanying <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

In a second aspect, the invention concerns a drinking container comprising a container body, and further comprising a lid assembly as described above. In this regard, the same characteristics and corresponding advantages may be repeated.

<FIG> shows a lateral cut of a lid assembly <NUM> (comprising a lid housing <NUM>, a straw <NUM>, a drinking spout <NUM>, and a grip/cover member <NUM>) according to a possible embodiment of the invention. <FIG>further show a perspective view and lateral cut of the drinking spout and grip/cover member, residing in their first configuration. <FIG>show a perspective view and lateral cut of the drinking spout and grip/cover member, presently residing in their second configuration. An exploded view of the drinking spout and grip/cover member is moreover shown in <FIG>.

The lid housing <NUM> comprises an upper portion with a downwardly extending side wall <NUM>, forming a bottom opening <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the side wall <NUM> features an internal screw thread <NUM>. As such, the lid assembly <NUM> can be combined with a container body that has an external thread corresponding thereto, obtaining a drinking container. A sealing ring <NUM> is provided, by which the fluid-tight connection between the container body and lid assembly <NUM> can be ensured. A handle <NUM> is further provided. In its upper portion, the lid housing <NUM> forms a spout compartment <NUM> into which a drinking spout <NUM> is pivotally mounted, as will be described more in detail below. In any case, the upper portion of the lid housing <NUM> thereby features a lid opening <NUM> that downwardly extends from the spout compartment <NUM> through the lid housing <NUM>. On the outside (i.e. facing the spout compartment <NUM> and drinking spout <NUM>), said lid opening <NUM> is circumscribed by a spout seal <NUM>. Latter spout seal <NUM> thereby engages an engagement surface <NUM> on the drinking spout <NUM>. The lid opening <NUM> is thereby closed off. On the inside (i.e. facing e.g. the holding volume of a container body, onto which the lid assembly <NUM> may be mounted), the lid opening leads to a straw receiver <NUM>. The lid housing <NUM> is further has a pressure exhaust <NUM>. The latter allows air to flow while the user is drinking, but prevents air or drinking liquid to flow in the opposite direction. Another function might be to equilibrate any important pressure differences between the holding volume and the environment of the drinking container, due to varying altitudes and/or evaporation by hot drinking liquids. The pressure exhaust <NUM> may be provided with an exhaust seal <NUM> (e.g. a porous, waterproof membrane) that prevents the drinking liquid from leaking through.

A straw <NUM> is further provided, and mounted onto the aforementioned straw receiver <NUM> of the lid housing <NUM>, by means of a straw connector <NUM>. To such end, the straw receiver <NUM> and straw connector <NUM> are provided with mutually corresponding screw thread <NUM>'. Said straw <NUM> extends substantially downwardly (= against the height direction H) from the straw connector <NUM>, thereby enclosing a straw channel <NUM>. With the lid assembly <NUM> mounted onto a corresponding container body, the straw <NUM> will extend substantially downwardly into the latter, up to a straw opening <NUM> at its bottom end. In this configuration, the holding volume of the drinking container is in fluid communication with the lid opening <NUM> that traverses the lid housing <NUM>. More particularly, liquid may flow from the drinking container through the straw opening <NUM> and via the straw channel <NUM> up to said lid opening <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the straw <NUM> does in fact not extend perfectly vertically, against the height direction. Rather, the straw <NUM> has a somewhat inclined direction of extension, towards the drinking side of the lid assembly <NUM>, i.e. slightly into the longitudinal direction L. This will allow a user to collect a higher amount of drinking liquid by slightly tipping the upper portion of the drinking container towards him. Preferably, the remainder of the drinking liquid is thereby gathered near the straw opening <NUM>.

As mentioned above, the lid assembly <NUM> further comprises a drinking spout <NUM> (which is shown in more detail in <FIG> and in <FIG>). At its base portion <NUM>, the drinking spout <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the lid housing <NUM>, about a spout pivot axis <NUM>. To such end, the drinking spout <NUM> is provided with a set of hinge pins <NUM> (see <FIG>, <FIG>) that coact with corresponding hinge holes provided in the lid housing <NUM> (not visible). In any case, the drinking spout <NUM> is pivotally moveable between a first, stowed configuration (as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) on the one hand, and a second, dispensing configuration (as shown in <FIG>) on the other hand. The same orientation for the longitudinal L and height directions H (w. the lid housing <NUM>) is assumed for all figures. At its base portion <NUM>, the drinking spout <NUM> features a base opening <NUM> that provides access to an internal spout channel <NUM>. Latter channel <NUM> extends through the drinking spout <NUM>, up to its drinking end portion <NUM>, where it forms a drinking opening <NUM>. The drinking end portion <NUM> of the drinking spout <NUM> might advantageously be fitted against or into a user's mouth.

A grip member <NUM> is further provided onto the drinking spout <NUM>. The grip member thereby comprises a cover portion <NUM>, suitable for at least partly covering the aforementioned drinking end portion <NUM> of the drinking spout <NUM> (see <FIG>). For this reason, the grip member <NUM> will further be referred to as the "cover member" <NUM>. In any case, the cover member <NUM> is pivotally mounted onto the drinking spout <NUM>, about a cover pivot axis <NUM>. The cover member <NUM> is thereby moveable between a first, closed configuration (shown in <FIG>, and in <FIG>) and a second, open configuration (shown in <FIG>) w. the drinking spout <NUM>. To such end, the drinking spout <NUM> forms a set of hinge pins <NUM>' that coact with corresponding hinge holes <NUM> formed by the cover member <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

<FIG> gives a cut view on the lid assembly <NUM>, with the drinking spout <NUM> residing in its first, stowed configuration w. the lid housing <NUM>. In turn, the cover member <NUM> resides in its first, closed configuration w. the drinking spout <NUM>. The drinking spout <NUM> is largely contained within a spout compartment <NUM> formed by the lid housing <NUM>. The cover member <NUM> is moreover provided with a locking tap <NUM> (see <FIG>) that hooks into a locking groove (not shown) formed by the lid housing <NUM>. This ensures that the drinking spout <NUM> and cover member <NUM> may not unintentionally leave their current configuration. Indeed, the cover member <NUM> covers and contacts the drinking spout <NUM>, and is itself locked into its closed configuration. As can further be seen, the base portion <NUM> of the drinking spout <NUM> contacts the aforementioned spout seal <NUM> by means of a ball joint engagement surface <NUM>. The lid opening <NUM> that traverses the lid housing <NUM> is thereby tightly sealed-off.

In order to move the drinking spout <NUM> and cover member <NUM> into their second configurations, a user may grasp an edge portion <NUM> of the cover member <NUM>. Indeed, latter edge portion <NUM> comprises a raised gripping edge that extends upwardly from the spout compartment <NUM>, beyond a drinking end portion of the drinking spout <NUM>; it is thereby always accessible to the user. It is further noted that the spout pivot axis <NUM> and the cover pivot axis <NUM> are substantially parallel, and orthogonal to the cutting plane of <FIG>. Moreover, it is noted that the drinking spout <NUM> and cover member <NUM> are pivoting into the same sense of rotation <NUM>, <NUM> (clockwise/counterclockwise), when moving between their first and second respective configurations. This allows for "opening" the lid assembly <NUM> in a manner that is intuitively clear. When exerting a pulling force onto said raised gripping edge, and upon increasing said force, either (a) the drinking spout <NUM> will first start to pivot about its spout pivot axis <NUM>, or (b) the cover member <NUM> will first start to pivot about its cover pivot axis <NUM>. Any of both may take place, further depending on the rotational friction involved.

In a possible embodiment, the cover member <NUM> may first start to pivot over its complete pivotal range, up until the moment where an abutment portion <NUM> of the cover member <NUM> contacts the drinking spout <NUM>. The cover member <NUM> now resides in maximally open configuration w. the drinking spout <NUM> (not depicted in any of the figures). It thereby provides a sturdy support. Moreover, since it extends more or less transversely to the drinking spout <NUM>, it provides a good grip to the user for further increasing his pulling force. This may now only cause the drinking spout <NUM> to pivot about its spout pivot axis <NUM>, up until the drinking spout <NUM> is moved into its maximally dispensing configuration, w. the lid housing <NUM>. Alternative pivot combinations and combined pivot angle trajectories are of course readily provided by the skilled person.

<FIG> (perspective view) and 2D (lateral cut view) show a drinking spout <NUM> in its second, dispensing configuration w. the spout seal <NUM> and lid housing <NUM> (not shown). Since the drinking spout <NUM> has pivoted within a spout compartment <NUM> of the lid housing <NUM>, its ball joint engagement surface <NUM> has moved with respect to the circumferential spout seal <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, the base opening <NUM> of the drinking spout <NUM> is presently aligned with the lid opening <NUM> of the lid housing <NUM>. As such, the spout channel <NUM> and straw channel <NUM> are in fluid communication, and the lid opening <NUM> is no longer closed off. Furthermore, the cover member <NUM> resides in a possible second (open) position w. the drinking spout <NUM>. Preferably, the cover member <NUM> is thereby pivoted over at least <NUM>° with respect to the drinking spout <NUM>, such that it does not or only slightly hinder the user in drinking. It is especially noted that its abutment surface <NUM> is thereby not contacting the drinking spout <NUM>, while this might well be possible, or while this might even be preferred. In any case, it is especially advantageous that one type of user action (i.e. a pulling action) suffices (a) for pivoting the drinking spout <NUM> from its stowed configuration into its dispensing configuration, and (b) for uncovering the drinking end portion <NUM> of the drinking spout <NUM>.

In their configuration of <FIG>, the drinking spout <NUM> and cover member <NUM> may be moved back into their first configurations by pivoting them over the same pivot angles <NUM>, <NUM>, into opposite rotation senses. This is also indicated in <FIG>.

<FIG> further shows an exploded view of the drinking spout <NUM> and grip/cover member <NUM> described above. In particular, the drinking spout <NUM> comprises a mouthpiece <NUM> and a spout body <NUM>. The spout body <NUM> thereby includes a first body part <NUM> and a second <NUM> body part, between which body parts <NUM>, <NUM> the mouthpiece <NUM> is tightly and form-fittingly received. This is also visible in, for instance, <FIG>. The spout body <NUM> and mouthpiece <NUM> preferably comprise a different material.

The spout body <NUM> may be fabricated from a material having a higher rigidity and/or a higher abrasion-resistance. The spout body <NUM> may be directly and pivotally mounted onto the lid housing <NUM>, via hinge means such as a set of hinge pins <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the spout body <NUM> may provide a direct and pivotable mounting to the cover member <NUM>, through corresponding hinge means such as another set of hinge pins <NUM>'. Due to its higher abrasion-resistance, a longer lifetime of these pivotable mounts can be achieved. Furthermore, a spout body <NUM> having a higher rigidity may provide a sturdier support to the cover member <NUM> and mouthpiece <NUM>. Moreover, due to its higher flexural rigidity, the spout body <NUM> will not bend as easily due to a user exerting a moment of force, when moving the drinking spout <NUM> and cover member <NUM> between their first and second configurations. Yet another advantage is that a hard and smooth engagement surface, formed by a rigid spout body <NUM> will provide a tighter fit to the spout seal <NUM>. Moreover, the corresponding rotational friction of the drinking spout <NUM> w. the lid assembly <NUM> may be decreased.

The mouthpiece <NUM> may be fabricated from a material having a lower hardness, a higher toughness, and/or a higher flexibility. Said material may additionally have sealing properties. A mouthpiece <NUM> having a lower hardness is more pleasant, since the mouthpiece <NUM> may contact the teeth of the user. A mouthpiece <NUM> having a higher toughness will thereby increase its lifetime; some users may indeed tend to bite mouthpieces.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a base portion <NUM> of the spout channel <NUM> is formed by and through the first body part <NUM> of the spout body <NUM>. An adjacent drinking end portion <NUM>, on the other hand, is formed by and through the mouthpiece <NUM>. The latter having sealant properties ensures a proper and fluid-tight fit of the drinking end portion <NUM> to the base portion <NUM> of the spout channel <NUM>. The first body part <NUM> thereby radially encloses the spout channel <NUM>, in turn providing a fluid-tight fit to the spout seal <NUM> as described above.

<FIG>respectively show a lateral cut, and a top perspective view on a lid assembly <NUM> according to an alternate embodiment of the invention.

Optionally, the lid assembly <NUM> has a pressure exhaust <NUM> and a pressure exhaust seal <NUM> as described previously, for the purpose of allowing air to flow in while the user is drinking. However, the pressure exhaust seal <NUM> is not drawn in <FIG>.

As a major difference in comparison to the above embodiments, the lid assembly <NUM> has a pressure relief channel <NUM> (instead of, or in addition to the pressure exhaust <NUM>). The pressure relief channel <NUM> preferably cooperates with the drinking spout <NUM>. Indeed, in the closed configuration of the drinking spout <NUM>, the pressure relief channel <NUM> is closed off. In the open configuration of the drinking spout <NUM>, the pressure relief channel is open. Optionally, the drinking spout <NUM> (e.g. its first body part <NUM>) provides a protruding member <NUM> that directly engages the entrance of the pressure relief channel <NUM>.

Such a pressure relief channel <NUM> is important when dealing with pressure differences. Generally, the pressure exhaust <NUM> only allows air to flow in, while it obstructs air (or liquid) to flow out. It is especially adapted for the convenience of drinking. In an environment of decreased pressure, for instance in a plane, there may thus be a pressure buildup inside the drinking container. In such cases, as soon as the drinking spout <NUM> is moved into its open configuration, drinking liquid may be forced out through the drinking spout <NUM>. The pressure relief channel <NUM> resolves this problem. Indeed, the spout seal <NUM> is such that it engages an engagement surface <NUM> on the drinking spout <NUM>, over a certain pivot range. The design is such that first the pressure relief channel <NUM> is opened up. Air present in the drinking container can flow out. Only when pivoting the drinking spout <NUM> even further, the spout channel <NUM> is aligned with the lid opening <NUM>. By then, the inside and outside pressures have been brought in equilibrium. Preferably, the pressure relief channel <NUM> extends through a pressure relief seal <NUM>. The latter is provided in a pressure relief opening <NUM> of the lid housing <NUM>.

<FIG> also gives an enlarged view of a pressure relief seal <NUM> that is not yet assembled into the lid housing <NUM>. Only during or after assembly, a portion is broken off. In doing so, the full channel <NUM> is established through the seal <NUM>.

The numbered elements on the figures are:.

In addition to any of the above, the lid housing may comprise polypropylene (PP), and preferably a HTPP. For instance said housing comprises a HTPP frame, optionally provided externally with a TPE overmold, for enhanced gripping properties. The lid housing may comprise multiple parts that are joined/formed together permanently - for instance via gluing, or via multi component injection molding. The lid housing may thus comprise a HTPP screw part (featuring internal screw thread), joined or formed together with a HTPP cover part. The lid assembly may further be provided with an external handle, for instance comprising acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). ABS advantageously has a high impact resistance and material toughness. The grip member may function as spout cover, for covering the drinking opening and drinking spout, in a non-used/stored configuration. The latter may comprise ABS.

The lid assembly and drinking container may further comprise one or more sealing rings comprising silicon. Latter material has a high durability, and is nontoxic. Any container body herein may comprise stainless steel. Preferably such container bodies are double-walled.

The straw may comprise polypropylene. The first and second body parts may comprise ABS. The mouthpiece, which is sandwiched between said body parts, preferably comprises silicon. This is more pleasant for the user. Also the spout seal, and any pressure exhaust seal and/or pressure relief seal preferably comprise silicon.

Claim 1:
A lid assembly <NUM> for a drinking container, the lid assembly <NUM> comprising:
- a lid housing <NUM> having a lid opening <NUM> that provides a passage through the lid housing <NUM>, the lid housing forming a spout compartment, and
- a drinking spout <NUM> comprising a base portion <NUM> and a drinking end portion <NUM>, said drinking spout <NUM> enclosing a spout channel <NUM> that extends through the drinking spout <NUM>, to a drinking opening <NUM> provided at the drinking end portion <NUM> of the drinking spout <NUM>,
wherein the drinking spout <NUM> is pivotally mounted onto the lid housing <NUM> between a first, stowed configuration and a second, dispensing configuration, and wherein the lid assembly <NUM> further comprises a user accessible grip member <NUM> for moving the drinking spout <NUM> between the first and the second configurations, which grip member <NUM> is pivotally mounted onto the drinking spout <NUM> between a first, closed configuration and a second, open configuration, wherein the drinking spout <NUM> is in its first closed configuration at least partially stowed within said spout compartment <NUM>, and whereby the drinking spout <NUM> and grip member <NUM> are pivotable between their respective first and second configurations, in a mutually same sense of rotation, the grip member <NUM> comprises an edge portion <NUM> that in the first, closed configuration protrudes beyond and/or above a drinking end portion <NUM> of the drinking spout <NUM>, said edge portion <NUM> comprising a raised gripping edge that extends upwardly from the spout compartment <NUM>, beyond a drinking end portion of the drinking spout <NUM>, said gripping edge being user accessible in said first, closed configuration of the drinking spout <NUM> and grip member <NUM>, characterized in that said grip member <NUM> further comprises locking tabs <NUM> and/or locking grooves for locking said grip member <NUM> to the drinking spout <NUM> and/or to the lid housing <NUM> in the first closed configuration, and grip member <NUM> is user-accessible in that it can be gripped by the user by grasping the edge portion of the grip member <NUM> in its first closed configuration thereby providing a user grip at least for moving the drinking spout <NUM> from its first closed configuration into its second, dispensing configuration.