Patent ID: 12201230

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

With reference toFIGS.1through8, a container assembly20is illustrated. The container assembly20generally includes a container24and a closure assembly26. As discussed further herein the closure assembly26may include a handle30, a lid34, and a lid or closure base portion38. The closure assembly26may engage the container24via or through the base38, as discussed further herein.

The container24, with further reference toFIG.9, includes a first end42, which also may be referred to as a bottom end42, and a top or second end46. Near or at the top end46may be an engagement or closure engagement feature or wall50. The closure engagement50may include an externally threaded wall52that includes one or more threads54. The closure wall52may extend from a flat surface or wall56near or at the top end46. As discussed further herein, the base38may include an internal thread87(FIG.11B) that engages the external thread54of the engagement wall52.

The container24further includes an external wall or surface60that extends from the bottom end42to the top end46. The wall60may be formed as a single piece, such as in a single extrusion, molding, or forging. In various embodiments, the container24may be formed of a thermoplastic or other appropriate polymer material. A container820(FIG.14) may include a container formed of a metal, such as a double wall structure. In various embodiments, the container24may include a single wall structure where the wall60has an external surface and an internal surface where the internal surface defines the internal volume25of the container24. Further, the bottom42and the top46may be formed of separate members that are connected to the wall60and/or may be formed as a single piece with the wall60, as mentioned above, and as generally understood in the art.

The bottom42may include various features, such as various or plurality of ridges including a first ridge or portion68, a secondary ridge74, and a tertiary or third ridge76. Each of the ridges68,74,76may have respective raised walls or walls that ascend from a bottom surface77which may be at the same level or planar with the depression78, or at a different level therefrom. The ridges may be formed as concentric circular or annular portions on the bottom surface of the container24. It is understood that the respective wall surfaces74′,76′ may be sloped, angular, or the like. As illustrated inFIG.8, however, the respective wall74′,76′ may generally be angular or conical to the respective edges74,76. The depression78may be a central depression at or near a center of the bottom or base42. In various embodiments a mold release depression or portion79may also be formed in the bottom42but is not necessary and therefore may not be present.

Generally the container24may have a substantially cylindrical wall that is smooth and has a generally or substantially straight outer wall in cross-section that extends from the bottom42to near the top46. The closure assembly26, however, including the base38may form a tapered or angled edge or surface82. The closure system26may be made of selected materials, with pieces that may be formed separately, including formed of Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

The surface82may be formed or defined by the base38, such as in a first base portion86having a first surface portion84and a second surface88of a second base portion92. The first base portion86and a second base portion92may be interconnected, as discussed further herein. The base38may be formed to have a truncated cone shape and configuration. Further the internal threads87may engage the external thread54, discussed above, may be defined by only one of the two base members86,92, such as an internal surface of the first base portion or member86. Also, as discussed further herein, the closure assembly26may include a trigger or operational button96that may be operated by a user to open or close the cap34relative to the base assembly38.

With particular reference toFIG.9and continuing reference toFIGS.1through8, the container assembly20includes the closure system26which may include a mouthpiece110that may be engaged by a mouth of a user, such as being placed in a mouth and a user enclosing lips around the mouthpiece110to draw material from within the container24through a withdraw tube120. The withdraw tube120, also referred to as a straw120, generally extends along an axis530(FIGS.9and11A). The straw120may further include various portions such as a distal portion124and a proximal portion126. The straw120, including the proximal portion124and the distal portion126may be formed as one piece. The distal portion124may have a terminal or distal end128. During a manufacturing process or production process the proximal portion126and the distal portion124may be made as a single extrusion or molding. The single piece may reduce or eliminate openings and enhance suction and withdrawal through the straw120during use. The distal portion124may be positioned within the volume25and the end128near or adjacent an internal surface of the bottom42of the container24.

The distal portion124may include a first diameter132and the proximal portion126may include a second diameter134. The distal diameter132may be less than the proximal diameter134. The difference in diameter between the distal portion124and the proximal portion126may form a ledge or shelf136within in the straw120. Positioned on or adjacent to the ledge or shoulder136may be a boss or positioning member140. The boss member140may include an outer edge144that may have one or more risers or ribs148. The boss member140may be formed as a separate member that is configured to be inserted into the proximal portion126and near the ledge136. Sonic welding or other fusion techniques may be used to fuse or weld the boss member140to the straw120, such as to an interior wall surface of the proximal portion126. It is understood that other fixation mechanisms, such as an adhesive, or the like may be used to fix the boss member140within the proximal portion126. Sonic welding may use the ribs or risers148to weld or melt to the interior surface of the proximal portion126to fix the boss member140within the proximal portion126.

The boss member140may include a passage or plurality of passages152that may, if a plurality of passages are present, be separated by one or more rib member or radial spokes156. Extending from the spokes156may be a projection or boss (e.g. hemispherical) portion160. The boss portion160may be used to engage and center a filter member170within the proximal portion126. The filter member170may be a block filter, such as a block carbon filter, textile material, impregnated material, etc.

The filter member170, therefore, may be formed of a porous material that filters fluid as it passes through the filter member170. The filter170may be replaceable and removable. The filter member170therefore includes an exterior surface174and an interior passage178. In various embodiments the fluid within the container24may be drawn through the straw120, such as by a user sucking on the mouthpiece110, such that fluid flows up the straw member120, generally in the direction of arrow182and through the passage152. As the water or fluid passes through the passage152it may engage a distal end of the filter member170and/or the outer surface174of the filter member170, generally in the direction of arrow186. As suction continues to be drawn, the fluid may pass through the filter member170and through the central passage178. The fluid then may pass through a proximal boss or holding member190. The proximal holding member190includes a filter holding portion194which may engage a top or upper surface196of the filter member170. In various embodiments a top portion196of the filter member170may have an external geometry, such as a cylindrical surface, that is received within the filter engaging portion194.

The proximal filter holding portion190further includes a proximal passage or projection200that includes or forms a central passage204through which the suction is drawn by the user. The filter holding member190may be engaged to the mouthpiece110such that suction drawn through the mouthpiece110, such as through a central passage112formed by an outer wall214of the mouthpiece110, also causes suction to be formed through the central passage204of the filter holding member190. In various embodiments, the mouthpiece110includes a lower flange or engaging portion218that sealingly engages, e.g. a top surface or around an outer surface of the filter holding portion194, such as an outer surface222, to seal the mouthpiece110to the filter holding member190. The mouthpiece110sealing to the filter holding member190allows suction through the mouthpiece110to be drawn through the filter holding portion190. Therefore, a user may engage the mouthpiece110to draw fluid through the straw member120, and through the filter portion170to the mouth of the user through the mouthpiece110. The mouthpiece110also includes a notch215as shown inFIG.9.

The mouthpiece110, including the mouth engaging portion214and the flange receiving portion218, may be formed as a single member. For example, the mouthpiece110may be formed in a molding process that molds the entire construct of the mouthpiece110as a single piece. It is further understood, however, that the mouthpiece110may be formed of separate pieces that are fixed together, such as with adhesives, welding, or the like. Nevertheless, the mouthpiece110may be formed of a single or multiple materials. In various embodiments, the mouthpiece110is formed as a single material of silicone rubber, natural rubber, pure silicone, latex, or other appropriate biocompatible and/or compressible materials that are bendable, resilient, etc.

The mouthpiece110, for example, may be formed of a selected material, such as silicone rubber, having a Shore A hardness of about 20 to about 60, further including a Shore A hardness of about 30 to about 50, further including a Shore A hardness of about 35 to about 45, and further including a Shore A hardness of about 40. As discussed further herein, the mouthpiece110may be engageable by a user to form a vacuum through the straw120and through the mouthpiece110to withdraw fluid from within the container24. The mouthpiece110, therefore, further is formed to include a stiffness to maintain a shape or configuration to allow for engagement by a user and to draw a vacuum through the mouthpiece110without collapsing the mouthpiece110when drawing liquid or other selected material through the straw120and the filter member170through the mouthpiece110. In addition, the mouthpiece110forms a seal to the material within the container24by engagement with the closure assembly26, such as the lid34. Thus, the mouthpiece may, therefore, be formed of a compliant or compressible material to engage various portions of the closure mechanism26, such as the cap34.

The base assembly38, as illustrated inFIG.9, may be formed of two members including the first member86and the second member92, as discussed above. Each of the two members86,92may be formed as a single member, or separate members as discussed above. The first and second members86,92may be connected together such as with a snap fit, adhesive, welding, or the like to interconnect the first and second members86,92. Further a washer or sealing member material (e.g. pliable overmolding, etc.) may be positioned between the first and second members86,92to assist in maintaining a fluid (e.g. water) tight seal between the two members86,92of the base38. A washer or gasket230may be provided within the base38to engage the container24to assist in sealing and leak prevention around the base38and the container24.

The button or release96may be positioned relative to the base38and movable relative thereto. As illustrated, the first base member86may include one or more side rails or tracks234,236. The second member92may further include one or more rails or tracks which may be formed as depressions, such as a depression240. The button96may include engaging or track portions, such as a projection244to engage the depression240of the second member92. The button96may further include projections or other portions, such as edge248to ride along the rails234,236of the first member86. The button96may further include one or more stop or holding portions, such as a stop252, which engages a ledge or stop portion254of the second member92.

As discussed herein, the button96may be used to release and allow the lid34to open, such as automatically to one or more positions. The button96may be held in a locked or engaging position by a biasing or holding spring260that is compressed or held between an internal wall264of the second member92and a back or contact wall268of the button96. Accordingly, as discussed further herein, the button96may be moved relative to the base assembly38, such as by a user in a selected and controlled manner via interaction of portions of the button96, as discussed above, along with rails or tracks of the base assembly38. The spring260may biases the button96in a selected position, as discussed further herein.

The base assembly38may further include a vent hole or passage272that is formed or defined by a wall or structure276of the first member86. The wall276may pass through an opening or passage280of the second member92. Accordingly, when the base assembly38is assembled, such as the first member86to the second member92, the wall or structure276may pass through the passage280such that the vent hole272is open to an external environment or to an environment covered by the cap34. The vent hole272may be formed as a bore or passage that passes through the first member86to the interior of the container24. The vent hole272may be formed with no interior or included valve portion. As discussed herein, the vent hole276may vent the interior of the container24as fluid is withdrawn from the interior of the container24through the straw member120.

The vent hole272may be sealed by a seal having a valve portion or member290. The valve member290may have a valve or sealing portion294that engages the structure276, such as an upper or sealing surface or valve seat296with the sealing portion294. The valve member290may be held in a valve member or portion300that is fixed within the cap34such as with a mechanical connection (e.g. snap connection), adhesive, or the like. The valve member290may include an elongated shaft or holding portion304that is held within a passage306of the valve holding member300. A stop or projection portion308may hold the valve or sealing member290within the valve holding member300. When the lid34is in a closed position, as discussed herein, the sealing portion294may seal against the seat296to seal the vent hole272when the lid34is closed.

The lid34is movably connected to the base assembly38, such as the second member92with a hinge assembly330. With continuing reference toFIG.9and additional reference toFIG.10, the hinge assembly330includes a hinge rod or pin334that passes through a base passage338formed through a passage wall340of the second member92. The hinge pin334also passes through lid passages that may be formed through bosses or projections, such as a lid projection348. A lid passage352may be formed through the boss348to engage the hinge pin334. It is understood that the lid34may include a plurality of bosses, such as the first boss348and a second boss354. The second boss354may also form or define a passage358for the hinge pin334to pass there through. Accordingly, the hinge pin334may pass through the passages358,338, and352to hingedly interconnect the lid34with the base assembly38, such as the second member92. The lid34may then be rotated relative to the second member92via the hinge pin334.

The hinge assembly330may further include a holding or biasing spring360. The biasing spring360may be positioned within the hinge assembly330, such as around the hinge pin334and contacting the lid34and the second member92. The spring360may then bias or assist in holding the lid34in a selected position, such as at least a first open position, relative to the base38.

The container assembly20may exemplary further include the handle30. The handle may include an elongated member or portion380that extends in an arch or curved configuration from a first end384to a second end386. The handle30may engage the lid34in a movable manner such that the handle30may be moved relative to the lid34and/or the mouthpiece110during use and operation of the container assembly20. In various embodiments, for example, the lid34may include handle engaging portions, such as a projection390,392to engage a depression or hole or bore394,410formed in the handle member380, such as near an end, such as the ends384,386. The projection390,392may pass through the bore394,410to a selected depth. The bore or hole394,410may be capped or closed by a cap396,414that may further include a projection or engaging portion398to engage a receiving or holding bore402within the projection390. Similarly, the cap34may include a projection assembly opposite the first projection assembly390to engage the hole394while the first end384may include a hole410to engage or receive the projection390and also include a cap414to engage the hole or bore402and the projection390.

The handle assembly30, including the handle member380, may be formed of a deflectable or conformable material. For example, the handle member380may be formed of a polymer, such as a semi-ridged plastic, such that it may be deformed to move over the projection390and the respective opposite projection392. Accordingly, the handle380may be spread apart at the respective ends384,386relative to one another to pass over the respective projections390,392. Upon releasing the handle member380, the handle member380may return to a selected configuration or size and engage the projections390,392. The caps396,414may be positioned over the bores394,410to cover the projections390,392and respective bores394,410.

The handle assembly30may further include an engagement or holding mechanism450,452(FIG.13A) near the respective ends384,386. The projection450may project to engage one or more detents and depressions formed near the respective projections390,392of the lid34. It is understood that only a single one of the projections450may be formed on the handle assembly30to engage depressions near only one of the projections390,392. The projection450may move between respective depressions relative to the projection392to hold the handle member30in selected pivoted positions relative to the lid34. It is understood that the depressions may be formed into the lid34and/or into the projection32to engage the projection450. The configuration may also be revered to include projections from the lid34to engage depressions in the handle member380. The handle assembly30may be moved relative to the lid34by overcoming an interaction of the projection450with one or more depressions relative to the lid34such as through plastic deformation of the projection450and/or the depression. However the handle holding portion, such as the projection450, may seat or engage a holding portion of the lid, such as a depression thereof, to hold the handle member380in a selected position relative to the lid34.

With continuing reference toFIG.1-FIG.9and additional reference toFIG.10,FIG.11A,FIG.11B,FIG.11C,FIG.11C′, andFIG.11D, the operation of the lid34relative to the mouthpiece110of the closure assembly26of the container assembly20is illustrated. As discussed herein, the mouthpiece110may connect to the straw120to allow a user to withdraw material from the interior25of the container24through a passage112of the mouthpiece110. For example, the user may suck on the mouthpiece110to cause suction through the passage112and the straw120. Thus, when not in use the user may select to seal the mouthpiece110. The lid34of the closure assembly26may be used to seal the mouthpiece110, as discussed herein. The mouthpiece110also includes a notch215as shown inFIGS.11C and11C′

As discussed above, the closure assembly26includes various features and portions, such as the button96, the lid34, the sealing member or portion290that engages the seat of the structure276to seal the vent hold272that vents to an interior25of the container24. Also, as discussed above, the straw assembly120extends into the interior25of the container24and is engaged to the mouthpiece110by the filter holding portion or member190.

As illustrated inFIG.11Athe mouthpiece110, including the sealing or engaging portion218may be held, such as compressed, within the base assembly38between the first member82and the second member92. Accordingly, the interior25is sealed relative to the exterior of the container24at least around an outside of the mouthpiece110due to the position of the sealing portion218between the two members86,92of the base38. As discussed above, the filter engaging member190may further engage the filter170to hold the filter within the straw assembly120, such as the proximal portion126and engage the mouthpiece110.

As illustrated inFIG.11AandFIG.11A′, the lid34is in a closed and sealed configuration. The lid34includes an interior top surface470that is substantially planar. The interior surface470may further be substantially smooth along an entire extent or area, at least between a first inner wall portion, which may also be referred to as a back wall474and a front wall478. The top surface470may be substantially smooth between the wall portions474,478and/or along an entire extent of the surface470to engage the mouthpiece110with the interior surface470that is a smooth surface. The mouthpiece110has the exterior wall214that extends from a top surface or extent480to a second member engaging region or surface484.

The bottom engaging surface484of the mouthpiece110may include a ridge or depression that is received relative to the first member86. The bottom engaging surface484may engage at a lip or engaging annular projection486of the first member86. The engaging projection may assist in holding the mouthpiece110relative to the base assembly38during operation and use of the container assembly20.

In the closed configuration of the lid34and the closure assembly26, the top surface470of the lid34engages the top surface480of the mouthpiece110and may compress the mouthpiece110. In compressing the mouthpiece110, the sidewall214is compressed to a first height490, as illustrated inFIG.11A. The first or compressed height490may be about 10 millimeters (mm) to about 20 mm, including about 15 mm to about 25 mm, further including about 23 mm to about 27 mm, and further including about 25 mm. In the compressed or closed position the interior surface470may form the only seal with the edge480of the mouthpiece. In this way, the seal of the mouthpiece110may be formed only or substantially only with the lid34without closing or substantially closing (e.g. pinching) the passage112through the mouthpiece110.

Further, the mouthpiece110having the passage112generally extends along an axis114, as illustrated inFIG.11Cwhen the mouthpiece is not compressed. The axis114may form a compressed axis114cand be moved, such as angled, towards the button96and away from the hinge portion330then compressed, as illustrated inFIG.11A. In various embodiments, the mouthpiece110may move or translate toward the button96about 1 mm to about 3 mm, including about 1 mm. Thus, the compressed axis114cmay translate toward the button96from the uncompressed axis about 114 may be about 2 degrees to about 5 degrees, and further about 3 degrees. In neither position of the mouthpiece110, however, is the passage112pinched closed. Further, even though the mouthpiece110may angle toward the button96, such as for ease of use of the mouthpiece110by a user, the top480is generally parallel with the surface522when the mouthpiece is not compressed.

As illustrated inFIG.11C, the mouthpiece110may be uncompressed when the lid34is in an open configuration34a. In the uncompressed configuration the mouthpiece110may have the top surface480, a second distance494from the bottom surface484. The second distance494may be about 20 mm to about 30 mm, including about 25 mm to about 29 mm and further about 27 mm. The first or compressed dimension490may be a selected distance, such as about 1 mm to about 5 mm less than the second dimension494. It is understood, however, that the first dimension490may also be about 2 mm to about 4 mm less than the second dimension or uncompressed dimension494, and further may be about 2 mm to about 3 mm less than the uncompressed dimension494. Further, the compressed dimension490may be about 2% to about 15% less, including about 7% to about 11% less, and further including about 9% less than the uncompressed dimension494of the mouthpiece110. Thus, the bottle at the mouthpiece110may be sealed, such as from liquid exiting at the end of the mouthpiece, with a compression of only about 2% to about 10%, including about 8% to about 11%, and further about 9%.

Accordingly, when the top34is in the closed position, as illustrated inFIG.11A, the top surface470engages the top surface480of the mouthpiece110and compresses the outer wall214of the mouthpiece110, as illustrated inFIG.11A. As further illustrated inFIG.11A′, the surface470is smooth and may include no ridges, bumps, or separate piece in addition to the lid34. The surface470, therefore, is substantially smooth and does not include an additional feature to engage the mouthpiece110. The surface470, by compressing the mouthpiece110, as illustrated inFIG.11A, causes the lid34to seal the mouthpiece110to ensure, including eliminate or substantially eliminating, fluid from leaving the container24, such as from the interior25, through the straw member120and the mouthpiece110.

Further, the mouthpiece110, as discussed further herein, may be angled away from the hinge assembly330when the lid34is in the closed configuration. The mouthpiece110may be compressed and bent or biased in a selected direction, such as away from the hinge assembly330and toward the button96, then the lid is closed. Though the engagement and compression of the mouthpiece110alone may seal the mouthpiece110and the interior25, the biasing at an angle may also assist in sealing the interior25of the container24.

The lid34, as discussed above, therefore, engages and compresses the mouthpiece110to the compressed dimension490that is generally perpendicular to the surface522. The top480being parallel to the surface522may allow for ease of closing of the lid34and sealing the mouthpiece110such as through physical interaction and friction with the lid34. Further, in engaging the mouthpiece110, the lid34may move or angle the wall portion214away from the hinge assembly330and toward the button96.

Initially, as illustrated inFIG.11C, when not compressed a rear portion214rof the mouthpiece110has an exterior surface that extends along a first line or axis510. A front portion214fhas an exterior surface that extends along a second line or axis514. Both of the lines510,514are generally at an angle relative to a plane522that my generally be defined by a top surface518of the second portion92. The first line510may form a first angle524relative to the plane522. The first angle may be about 70 degrees to about 85 degrees, including about 75 degrees to about 78 degrees, and further be about 78 degrees. The second line514may form a second angle528relative to the plane522. The second angle528may be about 80 degrees to about 90 degrees, and further about 85 degrees to about 89 degrees, and further be about 89 degrees. The respective angles, such as the first angle524, may decrease about 2 degrees to about 5 degrees, and further about 3 degrees. The respective angles524,528may allow for a more substantially flat or in line engagement of the surface470with the end480of the mouthpiece110. Further, the respective angles524,528may assist in the top34compressing or moving the mouthpiece generally in the direction of the button96when the lid34is moved in a closed direction.

As discussed above, and illustrated inFIG.11C, the mouthpiece110may have a central passage112that may be substantially cylindrical between the front wall214fand the rear wall214r. The mouthpiece110may further engage the filter engaging portion194, as illustrated inFIG.11C, at or near the central passage112. In various embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.11C, the passage112may be substantially continuous and has a substantially similar or identical inner diameter between the ends of the mouthpiece110.

In various embodiments, however, as illustrated inFIG.11C′, a mouthpiece110′ is illustrated. The mouthpiece110′ may have portions that are substantially similar to or identical to the portions discussed above, and may have numerals augmented with a “′”. Accordingly, the mouthpiece110′ may include a front wall214f′ and a rear wall214r′ and a lower flange engaging portion218′. The mouthpiece110′ further includes a passage112′ that may have an altering or diminishing inner diameter. The passage112′ is generally conical or tapers from the top or upper surface480′ toward the bottom flange engaging portion218′.

Further, the mouthpiece110′, such as at or near the flange portion218′, may include an enlarged or cylindrical region576that may have a substantially cylindrical wall577and an upper wall or ledge581. The cylindrical region576may engage the filter engaging member196within the cylindrical region576. The ledge581may engage a top surface or edge194aof the filter engaging member194. The ledge581allows the passage112′ to extend substantially uninterrupted through the filter engaging member194as the upper surface or edge194aof the filter engaging member194engages or is “hidden” by the ledge581. Thus, the passage204through the filter engaging member194is substantially continuous with the passage112′ of the mouthpiece110′. The lid34may be closed by rotating the lid34or pivoting around the hinge assembly330, generally in the direction of the arrow532. When opening the lid34, the lid34may be rotated around the hinge assembly330generally in the direction of the arrow536. Accordingly, the lid34, including the surface470, may compress the mouthpiece110in a substantially axial direction, such as along a long axis530of the container24and/or straw120and also move or bend the mouthpiece110toward the button96and away from the hinge assembly330, as discussed above.

The lid34may be held closed by the button96engaging the lid34, as illustrated inFIG.11A. The button96may engage the lid34with a button locking portion540that may be formed as a finger or projection to engage a depression or rib544on an interior wall of the lid34. The button96may be held or biased in the engaged position by the biasing or engagement spring260. The spring260, as discussed above, may be positioned between the wall264and the back wall of the button268. The spring260may include a selected spring force to hold the button in the engaged position when not being depressed or pressed by a user. Accordingly, the button96may lock or hold the lid34relative to the base38when the button96is not depressed.

The button96, however, may be pushed to overcome the spring force by being moved or pushed generally in the direction of the arrow550, as illustrated inFIG.11B. The force may be applied by a digit of a user, according to various embodiments, or other appropriate portion. In moving the button96against the spring260, the button96may be guided or moved relative to the various rail and guide portions, such as the rails234,236and the depressions240in the respective portions of the base38. The movement moves the button engaging portion540away from or out of engagement with the lid engaging portion544and allows the lid34to become unlocked or disengaged from the button96. Once disengaged, the lid34may move in the direction of arrow536around the hinge assembly330. The lid34may move automatically, as discussed herein, to at least a first open position. This allows for ease and efficient access to the mouthpiece to withdrawal material from the container24, such as water or other liquid.

The hinge assembly330, as discussed above, includes the spring360. The spring360may have a lid engaging end560and a base engaging end564. The spring360may be included in the hinge assembly330such that the spring biases the lid34in the first open position34a, as illustrated inFIG.11C. Accordingly, movement of the button96generally in the direction of arrow550may allow the spring360to bias or move the lid generally in the direction of arrow536to the open position34a, such as from the closed position illustrated inFIG.11Aand/or the partial closed position inFIG.11Bto the first open position illustrated inFIG.11C. The spring360may allow for a substantially automatic or predefined movement of the lid34to the open position34aas illustrated inFIG.11Cwithout further action by the user other than pushing or moving the button96to disengage the lid34.

The lid34may include a first edge or surface570that engages a projection574that extends from the passage portion340of the hinge assembly330. The projection574may contact or engage the edge570of the lid34when the lid34is in the first open position34a. The spring360, as discussed above, biases the lid34to the open position, as illustrated inFIG.11C, and the lid34stops in the open position34awhen the edge570engages the protrusion or projection574.

The lid34may be moved into a second or full open position34b, as illustrated inFIG.11Dupon the application of a full opening force. The full opening force may overcome the friction and mechanical contact of the edge570against the projection574. The full opening force is generally greater than that of the spring360to move the lid34. For example, a user may move the lid past the projection574such as by deforming or compressing the edge570as it passes the projection574.

The edge570, however, may further engage the projection574, such as a bottom or second surface of the projection578to hold the lid34in the second open position34b, as illustrated inFIG.11D. Accordingly, the lid34may be moved to a plurality of open positions and be held in the open positions through various mechanisms. For example, as illustrated inFIG.11Cthe lid34may be held in a first open position34aby the spring force of the spring360and the edge570of the lid34engaging the projection574. A second open position may be a greater or most open position by moving the lid34past the initial position. Moving the lid to the second or full opening position may be by deforming the edge574of the lid and/or the projection574to allow the edge570to engage a second or bottom portion of578of the projection574. Both positions may be controlled and preselected positions of the lid34.

With continuing reference toFIG.9and turning reference toFIG.12A,FIG.12B,FIG.12C, andFIG.12Dthe straw120, such as including the distal portion124, may further include a grating or screen portion600. The grating or screen portion600may include a selected porosity, such as having holes or throughbores that are between about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm, and further including about 1 mm to about 2 mm, and further including about 1 mm. It is understood, however, that an opening or passage610through the grating600need not be circular, but could be any appropriate shape. Further the passage610may include a plurality of passages in any appropriate shape or configuration at the distal end128of the straw120. The grating600may be positioned or fixed to the distal end128of the straw120such as by a separate member that is adhered, welded, or the like to the distal end128. It is understood, however, that the grating600may also be formed, such as with a molding, of the straw assembly120.

In various embodiments, the grating600may provide or allow for the formation of a water tension at the grating600to reduce or eliminate water falling out of the straw assembly120due to gravity. Therefore, the straw120may be full of water, but it will not drain in a fast or in a premature manner through the grating600once the flow has stopped through the straw120and out the terminal end. Accordingly, the grating600may assist in reducing or minimizing emptying of the straw120upon removal of the straw120from the container24, or other appropriate movements.

The straw member120, as illustrated inFIG.12A, can include features or portions (e.g. the distal portion124) that extend from an internal bottom of the container24through to the mouthpiece110. In addition, as discussed above, the boss portion140may be fit and/or fixed within the straw120. As discussed above, the boss member140may include one or more risers148that may be sonically welded to form a sonic weld148was illustrated inFIG.12C. The sonic weld148wmay fix the boss member140within the straw member120and allow for connection or holding the filter member170within the straw member120.

The straw120at or near a proximal terminal end126amay include a connection feature to engage and connect to the base38. In various embodiments, the straw may include a projection or finger616, and may further include two or more of the fingers616. The fingers may engage one or more bayonet slots618formed in the first member86of the base38. The straw120may be engaged and locked (e.g. removably fixed) to the base by moving the straw120in the direction of arrow620and then being rotated relative to the base38generally in the direction of arrow622. Thus, the straw120may be held within the container24with a connection of the closure assembly26.

With continuing reference toFIG.9and further reference toFIGS.13A,13B,13C, and13D, the container assembly20further includes the handle assembly30, as discussed above. The handle assembly30is movable relative to the lid member34. The handle member380may include the projection450, as discussed above. A second projection452may also be formed at another end or a second end of the handle member380of the handle assembly30. The projections450,452may interact with one or more projections or detents, such as a detent650and a second detent654, formed in a depression660near the projection390where the handle member380interconnects with the lid member34.

The projection452may interact with the detent650,654to positively hold and/or movably hold the handle member380in one or more positions relative to the lid34. As illustrated inFIG.13Bthe projection452may be positioned between the two detents650,652to positively hold, such as in a movable manner, the handle380relative to the lid34in a first position, which may be an upright position. The handle member380may be moved relative to the lid34by applying a force to the handle member380, such as generally in the direction of arrow664to overcome the holding force of the projection452over one of the detents, such as the detent652to move the handle member380to a second position30′. The hole or depression area660may include a plurality of detents, or only the detents discussed above, to hold the handle member380in a plurality of positions. However, as illustrated inFIG.13B, the hole or depression area660may only include the two detents650,652to include a single main position and a plurality of other positions along the handle380to freely move once the projection452is moved from between the two detents650,652.

It is understood that the opposite side of the lid34may include similar configurations, as illustrated inFIG.13C. The second side of the lid includes a second projection672and a depression or annular depression676which may include a plurality of detents, similar to the detents650,652. Accordingly, the handle member380may have two ends that positively engage with selected detents to move and/or hold the handle member380at selected positions relative to the lid34. The illustration of the two detents650,652is merely exemplary, and not intended to limit the number of detents possible.

As discussed above, the container20may include various embodiments, such as a container800, as illustrated inFIG.14,FIG.15,FIG.16,FIG.17, andFIG.18. The container800may include substantially similar or identical features to that discussed above save for those specifically discussed below. The container assembly800may include a container820that may be formed as a double wall container of a selected material, such as a stainless steel, titanium, or other appropriate material. Accordingly, the container820may include an exterior wall824and an interior wall828. A closure assembly840, similar to the closure assembly26discussed above, may also be included.

The closure assembly840may be substantially identical to the closure assembly26discussed above except that the closure assembly840includes a base portion844with a first member portion848that has an internal annular wall852that forms or defines an external thread856. The external thread856may threadibly engage an internal thread860formed by a first wall or annular wall portion964at an end866of the container820. Accordingly, the closure assembly840may engage the container820with an external thread856of the closure assembly840to an internal thread860of the container820.

With additional reference toFIG.16andFIG.18, the geometry and shape of the container820may be substantially identical to the container24, discussed above, and therefore will not be repeated in detail here. However, the container824may include a base end900that includes a first chamfer or curved portion904to a first annular projection or base member908. A wall, such as an internal wall912may extend from the projection908to a first depressed portion916. Further, the base region900may further include a central depression such as an annular depression920which may include a conical portion or point924. Accordingly, the container824may be substantially similar or identical to the container24discussed above, save for the variations discussed herein.

In light of the above, a container assembly may be provided that includes an internal tube or withdrawal system that allows a user to withdraw material from an internal portion or volume of the container, such as an internal volume. The withdrawal portion may also be referred to as a straw that allows the user to engage a mouthpiece and suck on the mouthpiece to form a vacuum within the straw. Material may then flow through the straw through the mouthpiece to the user. The straw may contain one or more filter portions to filter the material from the container as the material is withdrawn from the container. Further the container assembly may include a closure system that has a lid member that may be fixed or held relative to the closure system to engage the mouthpiece to sealingly close the interior of the container to an exterior environment. The lid may have a surface that engages the mouthpiece to form the sole or single seal relative to the mouthpiece to the interior of the container.

In various embodiments, the container assembly20,820may be used for various purposes, such as containing a liquid (e.g. water, juice, energy drink, or the like) for access and withdrawal by a user. The user may fill the container24, for example, by removing the closure system26including the straw member120. As discussed above, the straw member120may engage the base38and therefore may be withdrawn with the closure assembly26. The user may fill the container24, including the internal volume25, with a selected fluid, such as water. The user may ensure or select the filter170to allow for filtering of the water as the water is withdrawn from the container24, or other fluid is withdrawn. Further the user may position a selected material within the straw member120for various purposes, such as flavoring the fluid placed within the container24. Generally, the container24is filled through the top and not through the closure system26, thus filtering would occur only upon withdrawal through the straw120.

The user20may then place the closure assembly26onto a container24and seal the container24by closing the lid34onto the mouthpiece110. As discussed above, the mouthpiece110may be sealed by contacting the upper surface480with the inner surface470of the lid34. By so contacting the mouthpiece110, the container24, such as the internal volume25, may be sealed from an external environment until the user opens the lid34. The lid34, alone therefore, may seal the interior of the container24from an external environment. If the vent passage272is included in the base38, the sealing member290may also seal the vent passage272, as discussed above.

When the user selects to withdraw the fluid from the container24, the user may press the button96and the hinge assembly330, including the spring member360, may automatically open the lid34to the selected first open position. The user may then engage the mouthpiece110with the user's mouth to withdraw material from the container24. Upon selection of the user, the user may select to move the lid34to the second open position by moving the lid past the projection574, as discussed above. The lid34may then be held in the second position due to interaction of the edge570with the projection574. As discussed above, both positions of the lid34may be predetermined and controlled by interaction with the hinge assembly330.

Further the mouthpiece110may be sealed relative to the lid34without pinching the mouthpiece110and/or engaging the mouthpiece110with additional materials and/or portions. Therefore, the mouthpiece110may be long lasting and have a long life for efficiency of the container assembly20and/or reduction of the used material.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.