Patent ID: 12227339

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A lid for a beverage container (e.g., a so-called “travel mug”) is described herein. The container lid is structured so as to resist liquids contained therein from splashing through the lid during movement of the container. The lid includes a lid body that is sealingly secured to a container body with a perimeter seal, such as a silicone seal. The lid body includes a perimeter wall that flares outward so as to be substantially flush with an outer perimeter of the container body. In other examples, the perimeter wall may extend slightly beyond or significantly beyond the outer perimeter of the container body. This may assist in removal of the lid from the container body and may help guide liquid within the container into a user's mouth during drinking (e.g., by letting the user position her bottom lip below an outermost rim of the flared perimeter wall).

The lid body is structured so as to form a perimeter well adjacent the flared perimeter wall. The perimeter well is disposed around an inner structure. The perimeter well includes structural features that allow for the free flow of liquid during drinking, but that resist the ejection of liquid therethrough during container movement. The depicted configuration includes a number of these structural features, but any lesser number of structural features may be combined as required or desired for a particular application, so as to prevent splashing.

For example, an underside of the lid (e.g., a surface facing the interior of the container body) pitches upward from an outermost extent proximate the flared perimeter wall. Thus, the majority of liquid that is forced upward along the inner wall of the container body due to container movement impact the underside of the lid and are deflected upward and inward, within the container body.

A bottom surface of the perimeter well (opposite the underside described above) pitches downward as the bottom surface approaches the flared outer wall, such that a lowermost extent is adjacent the flared perimeter wall. As this lowermost extent, the perimeter well defines a plurality of openings through which liquid may pass during drinking. As these openings are located at a lowermost extent, liquid disposed therein (due to drinking or inadvertent liquid movement through the openings due to container movement) will drain from the perimeter well and back into the container body interior.

Liquid that moves inadvertently through the openings (e.g., due to container movement) may eject upward through the openings into the perimeter well with significant speed or force. Such liquid may contact an underside of a lid roof and be deflected back towards the openings. In the depicted configuration, the underside of the lid roof is substantially convex, which would direct ejected liquid inward and away from a gap between the flared perimeter wall and the lid roof. Such deflected liquid may contact the inner structure and drain downward in the perimeter well, so as to drain back through the plurality of openings.

The depicted configuration also includes a shelf that projects inwardly from the flared perimeter wall. This shelf defines an outermost extent of the perimeter well so as to be disposed below the lid roof. Thus, liquids that eject through the openings upwardly with particular force will impact the lid roof. In the absence of this shelf, ejected liquid might otherwise travel vertically along the flared perimeter wall and out of the gap between the flared perimeter wall and the lid roof.

Thus, the structure of the perimeter well, including one or more of the above features, helps prevent liquid within the container from splashing out of the container during movement thereof. The perimeter well presents a convoluted flow path that may interrupt movement of liquid therethrough so as to prevent splashing. This convoluted flow path, however, can be difficult to clean. As such, the lid depicted herein includes additional features that allow the perimeter well to be easily accessed for cleaning, e.g., at least one removable component, such as a lid upper, may be included.

The lid upper may be manufactured of one or more parts and is removably secured to the lid body. In examples, the lid upper may be secured to the internal structure of the lid body. For example, the inner structure may include a throat, receiver, or other feature that may enable securement of the lid upper thereto. In an example, the throat may include a threaded receiver that may threadably mate with a base of the lid upper, such that the lid upper may be secured to lid body. For such a configuration, it may be desirable to include a thumbturn or other feature that may be gripped to help ensure a tight connection between the lid upper and the lid body. Another example of a locking element is depicted in the figures included herewith. In the figures, the inner structure defines a throat that includes a number of locking channels. Bayonets extend from an outer portion of lid base and may be inserted into the locking channels. Thereafter, the lid body may be rotated, for example, by a user rotating a thumbturn or other grippable element, so as to lock the lid base in place. In the depicted example, the lid upper is manufactured in two parts for ease of manufacturing, although a unitary lid upper may also be used.

FIG.1illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary container100having a container body102and a container lid104.FIG.2illustrates a perspective view of the container lid104decoupled from the container body102of the container100. Referring concurrently toFIGS.1and2, the container100is illustrated as a drinking tumbler, but may alternatively take the form of a glass, mug, cup, goblet, stein, tankard, vessel, beaker, drinkware, beverageware, food container, or other vessel for holding liquid beverages or food for consumption. While the container100is described as being for liquids, the container100may be used for containing any other substances, materials, or items as required or desired.

The container body102has an upper end portion106, an opposite lower end portion108, and a middle portion110extending therebetween. The container body102defines an interior chamber112configured to hold liquids therein. The upper end portion106is open for access to the interior chamber112and the lower end portion108is enclosed. The interior chamber112extends from the upper end portion106into the middle portion110and towards the lower end portion108. In the example, the container body102is substantially cylindrical in shape. In other examples, the container body102may have a downwardly tapered profile with the upper end portion106larger in diameter than the lower end portion108. As illustrated, the container body102does not include a handle. In other aspects, the container body may include one or more handles as required or desired. The container body102may be formed from stainless steel. In other aspects, the container body102can be formed from glass, ceramics, plastics, etc., or combinations thereof. The container body102may also be manufactured so as to provide insulation for the liquid contained therein from a surrounding environment.

The container lid104is configured to removably couple to the container body102. The container lid104defines one or more liquid flow paths114for liquid to be dispensed from the container body102when the lid104is coupled thereto. In the example, the lid104includes a lid body116and a lid upper118that are configured to be releasably secured to one another to facilitate cleaning. The liquid flow path114may be defined at least partially between the lid body116and the lid upper118. The lid104includes a seal120that is configured to engage with an inner surface122of the container body102in a press fit connection so as to form a seal between the lid104and the container body102and force liquid contained therein to flow through the liquid flow path114. In an aspect, the seal120may be a silicone seal. In other examples, the lid104may threadingly engage with the container body102as required or desired.

FIG.3illustrates a top perspective view of the container lid104.FIG.4illustrates a bottom perspective view of the container lid104. Referring concurrently toFIGS.3and4, the container lid104may be formed as a two-piece component with the lid body116and the lid upper118. Additionally, the seal120may be supported on the lid body116. The lid body116includes an outer perimeter wall124having a first end126and an opposite second end128. The first end126and the second end128define a longitudinal axis130of the lid104. In the example, the outer perimeter wall124is substantially cylindrical in shape and forms an outer side wall of the lid body116. The first end126of the outer perimeter wall124is flared outward relative to the longitudinal axis130. The flare may have a curved shaped with the diameter of the outer perimeter wall124increasing until the distal end of the outer perimeter wall124is reached. In other examples, the flare may have an oblique shape (e.g., a linear shape) as required or desired.

In operation, the upper end portion106of the container body102(both shown inFIG.1) is configured to receive the second end128of the outer perimeter wall124and so that the seal120engages with the container body102. The flared first end126of the outer perimeter wall124may at least partially cover the upper end portion106of the container body102. In an aspect, the flared first end126may radially project from an outer perimeter surface of the container body102. In another aspect, the flared first end126may be substantially flush with the outer perimeter surface of the container body102. The flared first end126may assist in removal of the lid104from the container body102and may help guide liquid flow through the lid104and into the user's mouth.

The lid body116also includes an inner structure132that is disposed within the outer perimeter wall124. The inner structure132is connected to the outer perimeter wall124with a well wall134that extends therebetween and that, in example, may be substantially convex in shape. In the example, the well wall134extends from the second end128of the outer perimeter wall124. The well wall134at least partially defines a plurality of openings136. The openings136may be spaced circumferentially around the longitudinal axis130and form a portion of the liquid flow path114through the lid104. For example, the openings136may form an inlet for liquid to flow from the container body102into the lid104.

The lid upper118includes a lid base138that is configured to releasably secure to the inner structure132of the lid body116, as well as a lid roof140. The lid roof140secures to the lid base138. The lid roof140at least partially covers the openings136so that the liquid flow path114through the lid104is not a linear pathway. Rather, the liquid flowing through the liquid flow path114must make one or more turns in order to be discharged from the lid104. The lid roof140is spaced from an inner surface142of the outer perimeter wall124such that a gap144is formed therebetween. The gap144may form an outlet for liquid to flow out of the lid104. In the example, the gap144fully extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis130.

The lid base138includes a thumbturn146that is accessible from the second end128of the lid body116when the lid upper118is secured thereto. The thumbturn146is configured so that the user can easily detach the lid upper118from the lid body116for cleaning. The thumbturn146is described further below.

FIG.5illustrates a top exploded, perspective view of the container lid104.FIG.6illustrates a bottom exploded, perspective view of the container lid104. Referring concurrently toFIGS.5and6, the container lid104includes the lid body116and the lid upper118which is formed from the lid base138and the lid roof140. The lid body116includes the outer perimeter wall124, the inner structure132, and the well wall134. In the example, the lid body116may be of unitary construction and the outer perimeter wall124, the inner structure132, and the well wall134integrally formed. In an aspect, the lid body116may be formed from a plastic-based material.

The inner structure132defines a central throat148. The central throat148is substantially cylindrical in shape and extends in an upwards direction from the well wall134. The central throat148defines an aperture150that extends through the lid body116. In an example, the central throat148is centered within the lid body116and aligned with the longitudinal axis130(shown inFIG.3). The central throat148has an inner circumferential surface152with one or more locking channels154defined therein. In the example, three locking channels154are defined within the inner surface152and circumferentially spaced therearound. An outer circumferential surface156of the central throat148is radially spaced from the inner surface142of the outer perimeter wall124. Within the lid body116, the inner surface142of the outer perimeter wall124, the well wall134, and the outer surface156of the central throat148at least partially define a perimeter well158that extends radially outward from the central throat148. The perimeter well158has the plurality of openings136disposed around the central throat148.

The lid upper118includes the lid base138and the lid roof140. The lid base138has a top end160and an opposite bottom end162. The bottom end162has the thumbturn146extending therefrom. In the example, the thumbturn146may be a tab that extends at least partially across the bottom end162and is configured to enable a user to grasp and turn the lid upper118as described herein. The top end160of the lid base138is configured to receive at least a portion of the lid roof140. In the example, the lid base138is substantially cylindrical in shape with a recess164that receives a portion of the lid roof140. The lid base138also includes a plurality of bayonets166that are shaped and sized to be received at least partially within a respective locking channel154of the central throat148. In an aspect, the bayonets166each may be a cylindrical projection extending radially from the outer surface of the lid base138. In other examples, the lid base138may include the locking channels, while the central throat148includes the bayonets166and so that the connection structure is reversed.

The lid roof140includes a bottom cylindrical wall168with a top cover170. The cover170is enlarged relative to the bottom cylindrical wall168and extends substantially radially outward. A gasket172may be disposed between the lid roof140and the lid base138when the lid upper118is assembled. In an example, the gasket172may be disposed between the top end160of the lid base138within the recess164and the bottom cylindrical wall168of the lid roof140and as shown inFIG.8.

In the example, lid upper118is formed as an assembly of the lid base138and the lid roof140. The lid base138may be coupled to the lid roof140in such a manner that once connected together, the lid base138is secured to the lid roof140without being removable or not being removable without damage to the components. In an aspect, the lid base138may be ultrasonically welded to the lid roof140. In another aspect, the lid base138may be snap-fit or press-fit to the lid roof140. In still another aspect, the lid base138may be threaded onto the lid roof140. In yet another aspect, the lid base138may be unitarily formed with the lid roof140(e.g., via an additive manufacturing process or a molding process). In the example, the outer surface of the bottom cylindrical wall168of the lid roof140and the inner surface of the recess164of the lid base138can include one or more ribs173(shown inFIG.8) that facilitate securement between the lid roof140and the lid base138. In an aspect, the one or more ribs173are not threads.

FIG.7illustrates a bottom plan view of the container lid104. As illustrated, the lid upper118is coupled to the lid body116. More specifically, the lid base138is received within the central throat148such that the bayonets166are received at least partially within the locking channels154. This lockably secures the lid base138within the central throat148during use of the lid104, but allows the user to release the lid upper118from the lid body116and remove the lid upper118to facilitate cleaning. To release the lid upper118, the lid upper118can be rotated around the longitudinal axis130(shown inFIG.3) via the thumbturn146.

Also illustrated inFIG.7, the outer perimeter wall124is shown with the first end flaring radially outward. At the second end of the outer perimeter wall124, the seal120at least partially radially projects for engagement with the container body. The well wall134extends between the outer perimeter wall124and the central throat148. The openings136form an inlet for fluids into the lid104. The lid roof140(shown inFIG.6) of the lid upper118is disposed on the opposite side of the well wall134, the lid roof140is configured to cover the openings136so that the liquid flow path114(shown inFIG.3) is not a straight linear path from the openings136.

FIG.8illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container lid104taken along line8-8ofFIG.7. Some components are described above and are not necessary described further. The lid body116has the first end126and the second end128of the outer perimeter wall124extending along the longitudinal axis130. The second end128has an outer diameter174that is smaller than an outer diameter176of the first end126because the first end126flares radially outward. As such, the first end126has a distal lip178that projects radially outward at the first end126. Proximate the second end128the outer surface of the outer perimeter wall124, an annular channel180is defined that the seal120sits at least partially within. The perimeter well158is defined between the outer perimeter wall124, the well wall134, and the central throat148.

The inner surface142of the outer perimeter wall124has a shoulder182formed at the second end128and the shoulder182defines a shelf184that extends in a radial direction. The shelf184projects inward from the outer perimeter wall124towards the central throat148and into the perimeter well158, and is disposed between the first end126and the second end128. In the example, the shoulder182is a portion of the outer perimeter wall124that has a thickness (e.g., in a radial direction) that is greater than the thickness of the wall proximate the first end126. Thus, an inner diameter of the outer perimeter wall124at the shoulder182and the second end128is smaller than an inner diameter of the outer perimeter wall124at the first end126.

The well wall134extends between the second end128of the outer perimeter wall124and the central throat148so as to support the central throat148. In the example, the central throat148is spaced from the second end128and is offset186from the second end128. This results in an underside surface188of the well wall134being concave in shape. In an aspect, an apex of the concavity is located about a quarter of the height of the lid body116along the longitudinal axis130. In another aspect, the apex of the concavity is located about a third of the height of the lid body116.

A bottom surface190of the perimeter well158(e.g., the opposite surface of the well wall134from the underside surface188) pitches in a downward direction from the central throat148towards the outer perimeter wall124and the shoulder182. In aspects, the downward pitch of the bottom surface190may be curved or linear as required or desired. In the example, the lower portion of the lid base138that the thumbturn146extends from, may be shaped to correspond to the concave shape of the well wall134.

The plurality of openings136are defined within the well wall134so as to define a fluid inlet into the perimeter well158. In an aspect, the openings136are defined by the lid body116proximate a lowermost extent of the perimeter well158. This configuration allows for liquid within the perimeter well158to drain back into the container body when the container body is oriented in a substantially upright position. In an aspect, the openings136may be defined partially by the shoulder182and partially by the well wall134. In other aspects, the openings136may be fully defined within the well wall134. In still another aspect, a central axis of each opening136is not parallel to the longitudinal axis130.

As illustrated inFIG.8, the lid upper118is coupled to the lid body116. As such, the lid base138is lockably received in the central throat148with the cover170of the lid roof140disposed at least partially above the central throat148and the thumbturn146extending below the well wall134. When the lid upper118is coupled to the lid body116, the lid roof140at least partially covers the perimeter well158. In the example, the cover170of the lid roof140has an outer perimeter192that is the radially outermost extent of the lid roof140. The outer perimeter192may be disposed at least partially above the shelf184. The shelf184is thereby disposed at least partially underneath the lid roof140. The outer perimeter192of the cover170has a diameter that is larger than the inner surface diameter of the shoulder182. As such, the cover170of the lid roof140at least partially covers the openings136. In an aspect, the cover170of the lid roof140completely covers the openings136. As used herein, covering the openings136means that the cover170is positioned axially over the openings136.

The diameter of the outer perimeter192of the cover170is smaller than the inner surface diameter of the outer perimeter wall124. As such, the gap144between the lid roof140and the lid body116is formed between the outer perimeter192of the cover170and the outer perimeter wall124and the shoulder182of the lid body116. The gap144allows liquid to flow out of the lid104from the perimeter well158. In an aspect, the gap144fully extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis130. This configuration enables the user to drink from any location around the first end126of the lid body116.

When the lid upper118is secured to the lid body116, the cover170of the lid roof140is axially separated from the well wall134such that a splash chamber194is defined therein. The splash chamber194is a volume at least partially within the lid104which makes it difficult for liquid to undesirably flow through. In an aspect, the splash chamber194is substantially devoid of structure but for its bounding components. The splash chamber194may be substantially cylindrical in shape with an axial, a radial, and a circumferential dimension. An inlet to the splash chamber194is defined by the openings136and an outlet for the splash chamber194is defined by the gap144between the lid roof140and the outer perimeter wall124. In an aspect, the splash chamber194fully extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis130. The openings136and the gap144are positioned relative to one another such that the liquid flow path114that the liquid travels through the splash chamber194includes one or more curves. In an aspect, the liquid flow path114is not linear or substantially linear. For example, the liquid flow path114is forced to make a turn around the outer perimeter192of the cover170and the shelf184of the shoulder182.

In operation, when liquid within the container body102(shown inFIGS.1and2) splashes around and travels through one or more of the openings136, the liquid flow path114is shaped such that the liquid is reduced or prevented from traveling through the gap144and out of the lid104. Instead, the liquid is captured within the splash chamber194, and then is allowed to drain back into the container body102, via the openings136and when the container body102is positioned upright. However, when a user is purposefully drinking from the container and tipping the lid104in a drinking configuration, liquid may flow through along the inner surface142of the outer perimeter wall124and through the splash chamber194more smoothly and exit out of the gap144. Both the openings136and the gap144are positioned on a radially outward end of the splash chamber194, but the openings136and the gap144are not axially aligned along the longitudinal axis130. Because the openings136and gap144extend circumferentially around the longitudinal axis130, air may enter into the container body during drinking so that the liquid flow through the liquid flow path114is relatively smooth and consistent. In an aspect, the edges of the shelf184may be rounded. In another aspect, the underside of the cover170of the lid roof140is concave and may correspond the shaped of the well wall134. The liquid flow path114is always open within the lid104and neither the openings136nor the gap144have any covers (e.g., a pivoting or sliding cover) that cover them. As such, it is the structural configuration of the lid104that provides for the splash resistant functionality as described herein and not user moveable covers of the liquid flow path.

In the example, the upperside of the cover170may be convex. When the lid upper118is coupled to the lid body116, an apex196of the lid roof140is disposed below the upper extend of the first end126of the lid body116. This configuration allows for liquid not consumed by the user when drinking to also drain back into the container body102. In an aspect, the apex196is aligned with the start of the flaring of the first end126of the outer perimeter wall124. In another aspect, the apex196is disposed within the upper half of the lid body116. In still another example, the apex196is disposed within the upper third of the lid body116.

FIG.9illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container lid104taken along line9-9ofFIG.7. Some components are described above and are not necessary described further. While the splash chamber194assists in reducing or preventing liquids from undesirably flowing through the lid104, the splash chamber194also makes it difficult to clean the lid104. As such, the lid upper118is configured to be removable from the lid body116in order to facilitate cleaning. As described above, the lid base138is lockably received at least partially within the central throat148so as to securely couple the lid upper118to the lid body116, while still enabling the lid upper118to be decoupled as required or desired.

In the example, the lid base138lockably mates with the central throat148via a bayonet connection. The locking channels154defined within the central throat148include an axial component198and a circumferential component200. The locking channels154are configured to receive the bayonets166projecting from the lid base138. The lid base138of the lid upper118having the bayonet166is configured to be axially inserted into the axial component198. For example, the lid base138can be inserted from the top end of the central throat148. Once the bayonet166is positioned within the circumferential component200, the lid upper118is at least partially rotatable202around the longitudinal axis130to lock the bayonet connection and position the bayonet166so as to be captured below a notch formed within the locking channel154. In order to unlock the bayonet connection and remove the lid upper118from the lid body116, the coupling steps are reversed. In an aspect, the open end of the axial component198may include tapered sides to help capture the bayonet166.

It is appreciated that while the bayonet connection is described above, the lid upper118may be removably coupled to the lid body116via any other connection type that facilitates operation of the lid104as described herein. For example, the lid base138and central throat148may be a threaded connection. In other examples, the lid base138may couple to the central throat148via a snap fit or press fit connection. In still other aspects, the lid upper118may be unitarily or integral with the lid body116such that the lid upper118is not removeable from the lid body116. While cleaning the container lid104may be more difficult, the splash proof functionality of the lid104is maintained.

The technologies described herein relate to a lid for a beverage container. The lid includes a lid body and a lid upper that are configured to define a liquid flow path therein that is convoluted and restrict or prevent liquids from spilling out of the lid during container movement. Additionally, the lid upper is removably coupled to the lid body so that the lid may be easily disassembled in order to facilitate cleaning.

Many components of the container lid may be referred to as having generally cylindrical, circular, annular, or conical features. Such features may be referred to, or defined by, a circumference, radius, external surface, internal surface, and/or other terms appropriate for defining such features. It should be noted that such features may alternatively be elliptical, polygonal, and the like. As used herein, the terms “axial” and “longitudinal” refer to directions and orientations, which extend substantially parallel to a centerline of the lid. Moreover, the terms “radial” and “radially” refer to directions and orientations, which extend substantially perpendicular to the centerline of the lid. In addition, as used herein, the terms “circumferential” and “circumferentially” refer to directions and orientations, which extend arcuately about the centerline of the lid.

This disclosure describes some examples of the present technology with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only some of the possible examples were shown. Other aspects can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Rather, these examples were provided so that this disclosure was thorough and complete and fully conveyed the scope of the possible examples to those skilled in the art. Any number of the features of the different examples described herein may be combined into one single example and alternate examples having fewer than or more than all of the features herein described are possible. Further, as used herein and in the claims, the phrase “at least one of element A, element B, or element C” is intended to convey any of: element A, element B, element C, elements A and B, elements A and C, elements B and C, and elements A, B, and C. It is to be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Further, one having skill in the art will understand the degree to which terms such as “about” or “substantially” convey in light of the measurement techniques utilized herein. To the extent such terms may not be clearly defined or understood by one having skill in the art, the terms such as “about” or “substantially” shall mean plus or minus ten percent.

Although specific examples were described herein, the scope of the technology is not limited to those specific examples. One skilled in the art will recognize other examples or improvements that are within the scope of the present technology. Therefore, the specific structure, acts, or media are disclosed only as illustrative examples. Examples according to the technology may also combine elements or components of those that are disclosed in general but not expressly exemplified in combination, unless otherwise stated herein. The scope of the technology is defined by the following claims and any equivalents therein.