Multi Configurable Lid for Container

Abstract

A lid is provided having a lid body which is configured for removable engagement with a fluid container. A cap on the lid is pivotally positionable to seal an opening in the lid which communicates with a cavity in the container. A connector is also provided which is in a pivoting engagement with the first end of the cap. The connector is employable to engage the lid and the attached container to the person of the user.

Claims

1. A lid comprising: a lid body, said lid body having a top surface, said lid body configured for a sealed engagement with a container; an opening communicating through said lid body; a first cap projection extending from said top surface opposite a second cap projection extending from said top surface; said first cap projection and said second cap projection having a space therebetween; a cap body having a first end opposite a second end; said first end of said cap body in a first pivoting engagement with both said first cap projection and said second cap projection; said cap body pivotable to a first position having said second end in a sealed engagement with said opening; and said cap body pivotable to a second position having said second end disengaged from said sealed engagement, whereby liquid located within said container while in said sealed engagement with said cap body, is dispensable through said opening.

2. The lid of claim 1, wherein said first pivoting engagement between said first end of said cap body with both said first cap projection and said second cap projection comprises: a first shoulder positioned on said first end of said cap body; a second shoulder positioned on said first end of said cap body; a gap located in between said first shoulder and said second shoulder; a first projection extending from said first shoulder being in a first rotating engagement with first recess formed into said first cap projection; and a second projection extending from said second shoulder being in a second rotating engagement with second recess formed into said second cap projection.

3. The lid of claim 2, additionally comprising: said cap body being formed of flexible material; said first end of said cap being removably engageable to said first pivoting engagement; a first beveled edge positioned upon said first projection extending from said first shoulder; a second beveled edge positioned upon said second projection extending from said second shoulder; and said cap body engageable to said first pivoting engagement by pushing said first end thereof into said space thereby causing a temporary first deflection of said first shoulder into said gap during a first sliding contact of said first beveled edge with said first cap projection, and causing a temporary second deflection of said second shoulder into said gap during a second sliding contact of said second beveled edge against said second cap projection.

4. The lid of claim 2, additionally comprising: a connector having a first end and having a second end; said first end of said connector being in a second pivoting engagement within the gap between said first shoulder and said second shoulder of said cap body; a ring having a ring opening therein at said second end of said connector; and said ring opening defining an attachment point for said cap to the person of a user.

5. The lid of claim 3, additionally comprising: a connector having a first end and having a second end; said first end of said connector being in a second pivoting engagement within the gap between said first shoulder and said second shoulder of said cap body; a ring having a ring opening therein at said second end of said connector; and said ring opening defining an attachment point for said cap to the person of a user.

6. The lid of claim 4 wherein said second pivoting engagement comprises: a first protrusion extending from a first side of said ring connector; a second protrusion extending from a second side of said ring connector opposite and in line with said first protrusion; said first protrusion engaged within a first slot formed into said first shoulder; and said second protrusion engaged within a second slot formed into said second shoulder.

7. The lid of claim 5 wherein said second pivoting engagement comprises: a first protrusion extending from a first side of said ring connector; a second protrusion extending from a second side of said ring connector opposite and in line with said first protrusion; said first protrusion engaged within a first slot formed into said first shoulder; and said second protrusion engaged within a second slot formed into said second shoulder.

8. The lid of claim 4 additionally comprising a measuring cavity positioned at said first end of said connector.

9. The lid of claim 5 additionally comprising a measuring cavity positioned at said first end of said connector.

10. The lid of claim 6 additionally comprising a measuring cavity positioned at said first end of said connector.

11. The lid of claim 7 additionally comprising a measuring cavity positioned at said first end of said connector.

12. The lid of claim 1 additionally comprising: said top surface of said lid body being dome shaped; said dome shaped top surface having an elevated central area and having an annular surrounding area having said top surface at a lower elevation than said elevated central area; said opening being positioned in said annular surrounding area on a first side of said lid; said first cap projection and said second cap projection being positioned in said annular surrounding area on a second side of said lid opposite said opening; and said cap body when pivoted to said second position extending in a direction away from both said first pivoting engagement and said opening, whereby said second end of said cap body is positioned to avoid contact with the face of a user drinking from said opening with said container inverted with a lower end of said container elevated above said lid.

13. The lid of claim 2 additionally comprising: said top surface of said lid body being dome shaped; said dome shaped top surface having an elevated central area and having an annular surrounding area having said top surface at a lower elevation than said elevated central area; said opening being positioned in said annular surrounding area on a first side of said lid; said first cap projection and said second cap projection being positioned in said annular surrounding area on a second side of said lid opposite said opening; and said cap body when pivoted to said second position extending in a direction away from both said first pivoting engagement and said opening, whereby said second end of said cap body is positioned to avoid contact with the face of a user drinking from said opening with said container inverted with a lower end of said container elevated above said lid.

14. The lid of claim 3 additionally comprising: said top surface of said lid body being dome shaped; said dome shaped top surface having an elevated central area and having an annular surrounding area having said top surface at a lower elevation than said elevated central area; said opening being positioned in said annular surrounding area on a first side of said lid; said first cap projection and said second cap projection being positioned in said annular surrounding area on a second side of said lid opposite said opening; and said cap body when pivoted to said second position extending in a direction away from both said first pivoting engagement and said opening, whereby said second end of said cap body is positioned to avoid contact with the face of a user drinking from said opening with said container inverted with a lower end of said container elevated above said lid.

15. The lid of claim 4 additionally comprising: said top surface of said lid body being dome shaped; said dome shaped top surface having an elevated central area and having an annular surrounding area having said top surface at a lower elevation than said elevated central area; said opening being positioned in said annular surrounding area on a first side of said lid; said first cap projection and said second cap projection being positioned in said annular surrounding area on a second side of said lid opposite said opening; and said cap body when pivoted to said second position extending in a direction away from both said first pivoting engagement and said opening, whereby said second end of said cap body is positioned to avoid contact with the face of a user drinking from said opening with said container inverted with a lower end of said container elevated above said lid.

16. The lid of claim 8 additionally comprising: said top surface of said lid body being dome shaped; said dome shaped top surface having an elevated central area and having an annular surrounding area having said top surface at a lower elevation than said elevated central area; said opening being positioned in said annular surrounding area on a first side of said lid; said first cap projection and said second cap projection being positioned in said annular surrounding area on a second side of said lid opposite said opening; and said cap body when pivoted to said second position extending in a direction away from both said first pivoting engagement and said opening, whereby said second end of said cap body is positioned to avoid contact with the face of a user drinking from said opening with said container inverted with a lower end of said container elevated above said lid.

17. The lid of claim 9 additionally comprising: said top surface of said lid body being dome shaped; said dome shaped top surface having an elevated central area and having an annular surrounding area having said top surface at a lower elevation than said elevated central area; said opening being positioned in said annular surrounding area on a first side of said lid; said first cap projection and said second cap projection being positioned in said annular surrounding area on a second side of said lid opposite said opening; and said cap body when pivoted to said second position extending in a direction away from both said first pivoting engagement and said opening, whereby said second end of said cap body is positioned to avoid contact with the face of a user drinking from said opening with said container inverted with a lower end of said container elevated above said lid.

18. The lid of claim 10 additionally comprising: said top surface of said lid body being dome shaped; said dome shaped top surface having an elevated central area and having an annular surrounding area having said top surface at a lower elevation than said elevated central area; said opening being positioned in said annular surrounding area on a first side of said lid; said first cap projection and said second cap projection being positioned in said annular surrounding area on a second side of said lid opposite said opening; and said cap body when pivoted to said second position extending in a direction away from both said first pivoting engagement and said opening, whereby said second end of said cap body is positioned to avoid contact with the face of a user drinking from said opening with said container inverted with a lower end of said container elevated above said lid.

19. The lid of claim 11 additionally comprising: said top surface of said lid body being dome shaped; said dome shaped top surface having an elevated central area and having an annular surrounding area having said top surface at a lower elevation than said elevated central area; said opening being positioned in said annular surrounding area on a first side of said lid; said first cap projection and said second cap projection being positioned in said annular surrounding area on a second side of said lid opposite said opening; and said cap body when pivoted to said second position extending in a direction away from both said first pivoting engagement and said opening, whereby said second end of said cap body is positioned to avoid contact with the face of a user drinking from said opening with said container inverted with a lower end of said container elevated above said lid.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES

[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate some, but not the only or exclusive, examples of embodiments and/or features. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting.

[0032] In the drawings:

[0033] FIG. 1 depicts the user configurable lid in a removable engagement to an underlying container which is configured in a first mode having a cap pivotally engaged to projections on a lid.

[0034] FIG. 2 shows a view of a particularly preferred mode of the lid device as in FIG. 1, but wherein a removably engageable connector which is in a separate second pivoting engagement with and between shoulder portions at a second end of the cap, and holds the cap in engagement to the shoulders.

[0035] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the lid device as in FIG. 2 wherein the user would assemble it from the components shown.

[0036] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the body forming the pivoting cap and the body of the connector which engages the lid herein in an independent pivoting engagement with shoulder portions of the cap.

[0037] FIG. 5 depicts the components assembled of FIG. 4.

[0038] FIG. 5A shows the connector having a handle member extending from one side thereof, and showing the measuring cavity formed therein which is employable as a fluid or powder measuring scoop.

[0039] FIG. 6 depicts the lid device as in FIG. 1 in operative removable engagement to any container, having a cap body in a first position with the second end thereof sealing the opening in the lid and wherein the connector has not been engaged by the user.

[0040] FIG. 7 shows the device as in FIG. 6, with the elongated cap body pivoted to second position with the second end thereof disengaged from the opening and in a position angled toward the bottom of the container and away from the face of a drinking user.

[0041] FIG. 8 is an overhead view of the device as in FIG. 2 showing the lid device herein engaged to a container.

[0042] FIG. 9 shows a side perspective view of the device as in FIG. 8 and shows the dome shaped top surface having an elevated central area surrounded by an annular surrounding area which is lower in elevation.

[0043] FIG. 10 depicts the lid device, in use, engaged to a container adapted for such where the container is for drinking showing the cap of the lid device being rotatable to a position away from contact with the drinking user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0044] In this description, the directional prepositions of up, upwardly, down, downwardly, front, back, top, upper, bottom, lower, left, right and other such terms refer to the device as it is oriented and appears in the drawings and are used for convenience only; they are not intended to be limiting or to imply that the device has to be used or positioned in any particular orientation.

[0045] Now referring to drawings in FIGS. 1-10, wherein similar components are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in FIG. 1 the user configurable lid device 10 which is configured for engagement to a container herein, configured in a first mode. In this mode of the device, the lid 14 is formed by a lid body and is configured with a lid fastener which is removably engageable to a container fastener of a container 12 such as a liquid container 12 having threads or a frictional connection adapted for such. By lid fastener is meant a first fastener which engages with a mating second fastener on a container 14.

[0046] As shown, for example, the lid 14 can be configured for removable engagement in a seal over the cavity 30 of the container 12 to which it is configured to engage. By removable engagement is meant employing mating fasteners on both the lid 14 and the container 12, to hold the lid 14 thereon. Such, for example, may be a second lid fastener on the container 12 such as mating threads 31, which will threadably engage with the first lid fastener formed of matching mating threads (not shown but well known) on the lid 14. Such a removable engagement may also be, for example, a snap on engagement of a recess on a bottom of the lid 14 with a projection on the container 12 to removably engage the lid 14 to cover and seal over the cavity 30 of a container 12, or it could be a frictional engagement of a recess in the bottom of the lid 14 over an exterior circumference of the container 12 adjacent the cavity 30 opening.

[0047] The lid 14, thus, can be provided separately from a container 12 and used in combination therewith, so long as the lid 14 will form a removable engagement covering the cavity 30 of the container 12. While thread, frictional, and snap on engagements are mentioned herein, any removable engagement of the lid 14 with a contain 12 which will seal the cavity 30, as would occur to those skilled in the art, is anticipated within the scope of this invention, such as a snap on seal between the two and/or a frictional engagement of the circumference of the cap 14 with a circumferential area of the container 12 or other means for a sealed removable engagement therebetween.

[0048] As shown, the lid 14 or lid body, has a first projection 16 extending from and above a top surface 15 of the lid 14 opposite and inline with a second projection 18 extending from the top surface 15 of the lid 14. A cap body 20 is pivotally engaged at a first end thereof, directly to the first projection 16 and second projection 18 extending from a lid 14 which is removably engaged to a container 12. As noted, this is preferred because the lid 14 can be configured without the connector 22 engaged, and still provide the cap body 20 in the first pivoting engagement with the first and second projections, where the connector 22 is not desired.

[0049] This first pivoting engagement of the cap body 20, as shown, is formed by a first shoulder portion 24 in a rotational engagement with the first projection 16 from the lid 14, and a second shoulder portion 26, rotationally engaged directly to the second projection 18 from the lid 14. While other pivoting engagements are employable and anticipated within the scope of this patent, currently, a first pin 33 on the first shoulder portion 24 is axially aligned with a second pin 35 on the second shoulder portion 26. The first pin 33 rotationally engages directly with the first recess 36 and the second pin engages directly with the second recess 38 to form the first pivoting engagement. However, the pins may be positioned on the projections and the recesses on the shoulder portions, for example, in another configuration of the first pivoting engagement. The first shoulder 24 and second shoulder 26 are preferably formed of a flexible material such as a plastic or polymeric material, which will allow them to flex or deflect slightly during this positioning of the cap body 20 to this first pivoting engagement.

[0050] FIG. 2 shows a view of the lid 14 herein as in FIG. 1, but wherein a removably engageable connector 22 has a body 23 which is in a separate and independent second pivoting engagement with the first end of the cap body 20. This second pivoting engagement of the connector 22 with the cap body 23 is currently a first protrusion 32 on a first sidewall 49 of the connector 22 engaging with a first slot 40 in the first shoulder portion 24 of the cap body 20, and a second protrusion 34 on a second sidewall 50 of the connector 22, engaging with a second slot 42 formed into the second shoulder portion 26 of the cap body 20. Thus, the second pivoting engagement of the connector 22 with the second end of the cap body 20 positions it within a gap 51 between the first shoulder portion 24 and second shoulder portion 26.

[0051] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the lid 14 as in FIG. 2 wherein the user would assemble it from the components shown. As shown, the cap body 20 may have a recess 28 formed at a first end thereof. This recess 28, if provided, may be employed as a secondary measuring component, to measure volume amounts, such as spoonfuls of additives to be deposited into a drink in a cup or different vessel, or into the interior cavity 30 of the container 12. The cap body 20 is, thus, rotationally engageable in the first pivoting engagement directly with the first and second projections from the cap 14, with or without the inclusion of the connector 22, which is preferably included in the second pivoting engagement with the second end of the cap body 20.

[0052] The removable first pivoting engagement of the cap body 20 positions the first shoulder portion 24 and second shoulder portion 26 in between and engaged with the first projection 16 from the lid 14 and the second projection 18 from the lid 14. As an example of such rotational or pivoting engagement, the first pin 33 extending from the first shoulder 24 engages with a first recess 36 in the first projection 16 of the lid 14, and a second projecting pin 35 extending from the second shoulder 26 rotationally, engages a second recess 38 in the second projection 18 from the lid 14.

[0053] The depicted connector 22, while not required, is preferably included in the second pivoting engagement to the first shoulder 24 and second shoulder 26 which are located at the first end of the cap body 20. Such is accomplished by first positioning the connector body 23 in between the first shoulder 24 and second shoulder 26, by sliding a first slot 40, located on the first shoulder 24, and a second slot 42 located on the second shoulder 26, over a first protrusion 32 extending from a first sidewall 49 of the connector 22 and the second slot 42 in the second shoulder 26 over a second protrusion 34 extending from the second sidewall 50 of the connector 22. Subsequently, the first pivoting connection is formed by positioning the first pin 33 on the cap body 20 and the second projection 35 on the cap body 20 engaged into the first slot 40 and second slot 42 respectively.

[0054] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the cap body 20 of the rotating member and the body 23 of the connector 22. While the connector 22 is shown with a rectangular annular handle member 25 in the form of a ring having a ring opening 29 therein and extending from a body 23 of the connector 22, to define and form a carrying handle, it could be formed circular or oval or in another shape. The ring opening 29 allows for a clip or hook or strap or other support component to be engaged therethrough or to the ring member 25. This engagement of a support component allows an engaged container to be hung from the person of the user or from a belt or backpack using the connection of the support component to the user or their person. Particularly preferred is the fact that the handle member 25 will swivel in the gap 51 in the second pivoting engagement with the first shoulder portion 24 and second shoulder portion 26 of the cap body 20. This swivel of the handle member 25 occurs independently of the cap 20 which remains sealed and in the first pivoting engagement with the two projections 16 and 18.

[0055] The first projecting pin 33 on the first shoulder 24 of the cap 20 has a beveled distal edge 17 in the same configuration as the beveled distal edge 17 depicted on the projecting second pin 35. The beveled edges 17, on both projecting pins 33 and 35, allow for the user to push the two shoulders 24 and 26 between the two projections 16 and 18 and to slightly deflect the two projections 16 and 18 and/or shoulder portions, during engagement of the cap body 20 to the first pivoting engagement, with more ease than if they were not present. The two beveled edges 17 will slide on and deflect the two shoulders 24 and 26 inward into the gap 51, therebetween, during a connection to the first pivoting engagement if the connector is not present. The sealing projection 48 at the second end of the cap 20 is sized to seal the opening 49 shown in FIG. 3, for example, with the cap 20 pivoted to a first or sealing position, such as shown in FIGS. 1-2.

[0056] Also shown, enlarged are the second protrusion 34 opposite the first protrusion 32 on an opposite first side of the body 23 of the connector 22 (shown in FIG. 3), which will form the second pivoting engagement within the first slot 40 formed in the first shoulder 24 and a second slot 42 formed into the second shoulder 26. The components of the lid depicted in FIG. 4 are shown assembled in FIG. 5 where the connector 22 is depicted in a pivoting engagement in the gap 51 (FIG. 1) between the two shoulders 24 and 26. So assembled, the cap body 20 can be slid into the first pivoting engagement between the first projection 16 and second projection 18 by contacting the beveled edges 17 on both the projecting pins 33 and 35 against the an upper edge of both the first projection 16 and second projection 18 and pushing on the cap body 20. This will cause a slight deflection of the first projection 16 and second projection 18 away from each other as they slide on the beveled edges 17, whereafter the first projecting pin 33 and second projecting pin 35 will engage with the first recess 36 and second recess 38 to form the first pivoting engagement.

[0057] FIG. 5A shows the connector 22 with the body 23 thereof having a handle member 25 extending from one side thereof surrounding the ring opening 29. While shown as a rectangular shape, it can be any looped shape to function to hold the lid 14 to a sling or D-ring or other component for carrying.

[0058] The body 23 of the connector 22 has a measuring cavity 27 formed therein, in between a first sidewall 48 having the first protrusion 32 thereon, and second side wall 50 having the second protrusion 34 thereon. As noted, the first protrusion 32 engaged with the first slot 40 and the second protrusion 34 engaged within the second slot 42, form the second pivoting engagement which has been found to provide a force to better hold the first shoulder 24 and second shoulder 26 in the first pivoting engagement with the first projection 16 and second projection 18 respectively.

[0059] This measuring cavity 27 has a fixed volume such as a tablespoon, teaspoon, or the like, to allow the user to measure a volume of powder or liquid from or for deposit into the container. The handle member 25 allows the user to grip the connector 22 once removed from the second pivoting engagement, and use the measuring cavity 27 to scoop the desired amount of material from the container 12 or for deposit into the container 12.

[0060] Shown in FIG. 6 is the lid 14 or device 10, as in FIG. 1, in operative sealed engagement with the container 12. The lid 14 has the elongated body of the cap 20 in the first pivoting engagement and is located in the first position sealing the opening 49 in a mode of the device not as favored wherein the connector 22 is not employed. In FIG. 7 is depicted the lid 14 or device 10 as in FIG. 6, with the elongated body of the cap 20 pivoted to a second position, opposite the first position of FIG. 6, and out of the way of a user drinking from the opening 49 if the attached container 12 holds liquid for such.

[0061] FIG. 8 is an overhead view of the lid 14 as in FIG. 2, showing the body of the cap 20 pivoted in the first pivoting engagement to the first position wherein the sealing projection 48 is sealably engaged with the opening 46 in the spout of the cap 14, to prevent the contents from the chosen engaged container 12 from exiting the opening 49. As can be seen, the positioning of the two projections 16 and 18 and the curved shape of the surface of the lid 14 are configured to allow the cap body 20 to rotate to a declining angle in the second position, well below the line 53 running across the edge of the drinking spout 54 surrounding the opening 48

[0062] FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the dome shaped lid 14 removably engaged with a chosen container as in FIG. 8, wherein the dome shaped cap body 20 is pivoted in the first pivoting engagement to the second position, and the body 23 of the connector 22 is engaged in the second pivoting engagement in the gap 51 between the first shoulder portion 24 and second shoulder portion 26. In this configuration, a surface edge 21 of the cap body 20 contacts against the surface of the connector 22 and thereby forms a limit to further pivoting toward the second position by the cap body 20. Also, the dome shape of the top surface 15 of the lid 14 has a central area 41 which is situated at a higher elevation than an annular surrounding area 47. This is preferred, as noted, above because it allows for positioning of the cap body 20 away from and out of contact with the face of a user when the container is inverted with the lower end of the container 12 elevated above the lid 14.

[0063] Shown in FIG. 10 is the lid 14 device herein operatively engaged to a chosen container 12 in use for drinking therefrom. As shown, the lid 14 in operative removable engagement to the container 12, when tipped for drinking use with the elongated cap body 20 engaged to the lid 14, is pivoted in the first pivoting engagement toward the second position thereof. In this second position, the cap body 20 contacts against the connector 22, the elongated cap body 20 is positioned at an angle running from the first end engaged to the first and second projections 16 and 18, toward the bottom of the engaged container 12. This angled positioning locates the sealing projection 48 and surface of the cap body 20 a distance away from the line 53 running across the edge of the spout 54. Because the connector 22 is rotationally engaged within the two shoulders 24 and 26 of the cap body 20, enhanced angular positioning is accomplished in either the mode where the connector 22 is not engaged in the second pivoting engagement with the body of the cap 20, or where it is engaged therewith. This is because the first shoulder 24 and second shoulder 26 rotate in the engagement to the first projection 16 and second projection 18, and allow the surface of the cap body 20 to rotate and touch against the surface of the connector surrounding the ring opening 29. This combined with the dome shape of the upper surface of the lid 14, allows the cap body 20 to be angularly positioned in a downward position on one side of the dome forming the top surface of the lid 14, and the opening 46.

[0064] However, even with the connector 22 positioned in the second pivoting engagement within the gap 51 between the two shoulders 24 and 26 at the second end of the body of the cap 20, the elongated body of the cap 20, when pivoted to the second position, will still angle away from the line 53 and from the face of the user, and avoid contact therewith when the connector 22 is operatively engaged.

[0065] This lid invention has other applications potentially, and one skilled in the art could discover these. The description of the features of this invention does not limit the claims of this application and applications developed by those skilled in the art will be included in this invention.

[0066] While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of the invention have been shown and described herein, with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. It should also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Consequently, all such modifications and variations and substitutions are included within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.