Lid Having a Water-Tight Storage Compartment

Abstract

An improved lid for a portable beverage container, the lid including a storage compartment adapted for holding various personal items. The compartment, which includes a separate cover, further includes a water-tight feature, which prevents liquids, either from within the container, or outside of the container from contacting the items or contents within the compartment. The present lid is also configured for use with a variety of portable beverage containers.

Claims

1. A lid for a portable beverage container comprises: a base configured to removably couple with a container; a storage compartment within the base, the storage compartment comprising a hinged cover, wherein the hinged cover has an open and a closed position, wherein when the lid is in the closed position on the storage compartment, the lid is configured to provide a water-tight seal to prevent fluids from entering the storage compartment; and an access port within the base opposing the compartment in communication with the container and configured to allow the removal of fluid from within the container.

2. The lid of claim 1 wherein the base has a thread, wherein the thread is configured to engage a thread on the container.

3. The lid of claim 1 wherein the base comprises a friction seal, wherein the friction seal is configured to engage the container.

4. The lid of claim 1 wherein the cover comprises a protrusion disposed around a bottom surface of the cover, wherein the protrusion is configured to engage an upper surface perimeter of the storage compartment.

5. The lid of claim 4 wherein the protrusion comprises an O-ring extending around the bottom surface of the cover.

6. The lid of claim 4 wherein the protrusion is made from an elastomeric material.

7. The lid of claim 4 wherein the upper surface perimeter of the storage compartment comprises a lip, wherein the protrusion is configured to engage the lip on the top of the storage compartment.

8. The lid of claim 4 wherein the upper surface perimeter of the storage compartment comprises a channel, wherein the protrusion is configured to engage the channel on the upper surface perimeter of the storage compartment.

9. The lid of claim 4 wherein the upper surface perimeter of the storage compartment is disposed around a periphery of the storage compartment.

10. The lid of claim 1 wherein the storage compartment comprises an upper surface perimeter, wherein the upper surface perimeter comprises a protrusion disposed around the upper surface perimeter of the storage compartment, wherein the protrusion is configured to engage a bottom surface of the cover.

11. The lid of claim 10 wherein the protrusion comprises an O-ring extending around the upper surface perimeter of the storage compartment.

12. The lid of claim 10 wherein the protrusion is made from an elastomeric material.

13. The lid of claim 10 wherein the bottom surface of the cover comprises a lip, wherein the protrusion is configured to engage the lip on the bottom surface of the cover.

14. The lid of claim 10 wherein the bottom surface of the cover comprises a channel, wherein the protrusion is configured to engage the channel on the bottom surface of the cover.

15. The lid of claim 10 wherein the bottom surface of the cover is disposed around a periphery of the cover.

16. The lid of claim 1 wherein the cover comprises a handle extending from a side of the cover, and further wherein the lid comprises an engagement surface configured to accept the handle when the cover is in the closed position.

17. The lid of claim 16 wherein the handle comprises a first tab extending from a first side of the handle, wherein the engagement surface of the lid comprises a first recess, wherein the first recess is configured to engage the first tab extending from the first side of the handle when the cover is in the closed position.

18. The lid of claim 17 wherein the handle comprises a second tab extending from a second side of the handle, wherein the engagement surface of the lid comprises a second recess, wherein the second recess is configured to engage the second tab extending from the second surface of the handle when the cover is in the closed position.

19. The lid of claim 1 wherein the access port is sized to receive a straw therethrough for accessing fluid within the container.

20. A system of for a portable beverage container comprising: the lid of claim 1; and a container configured to hold fluids therein, the container engaged to the lid of claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a lid for a portable beverage container according to the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 1A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lid taken along A-A in FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lid taken along B-B in FIG. 1;

[0039] FIG. 1C illustrates a perspective view of the lid for a portable beverage container in FIG. 1 according to the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a lid for a portable beverage container according to the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lid taken along C-C in FIG. 2;

[0042] FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lid taken along D-D in FIG. 2;

[0043] FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lid for a portable beverage container in FIG. 2;

[0044] FIG. 2D illustrates a perspective view of the lid for a portable beverage container in FIG. 2;

[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a lid for a portable beverage container according to the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lid taken along F-F in FIG. 3;

[0047] FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lid taken along G-G in FIG. 3;

[0048] FIG. 3C illustrates a perspective view of the lid for a portable beverage container in FIG. 3;

[0049] FIG. 3D illustrates another perspective view of the lid for a portable beverage container in FIG. 3;

[0050] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a lid for a portable beverage container according to the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a lid for a portable beverage container according to the present disclosure; and

[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a lid for a portable beverage container according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The present disclosure relates to an improved lid for a portable beverage container. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to an improved lid for a portable beverage container, the lid including a storage compartment adapted for holding various personal items. The compartment, which includes a separate cover, further includes a water-tight feature, which prevents liquids, either from within the container, or outside of the container from contacting the items or contents within the compartment. The present lid is also configured for use with a variety of portable beverage containers.

[0054] Now referring to the figures, FIGS. 1-3 and their subparts, and FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate embodiments of an improved lid 10, 100 for a portable beverage container. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to improved lid for a beverage container, the lid including a compartment having a cover, the compartment adapted for holding various personal items. The compartment in conjunction with the cover includes a seal, which provides a water-tight feature to the compartment, preventing liquids from accessing the contents of the compartment. In this manner, certain items that may be damaged from contact with water, for example paper money, medication, can be stored safely within the water-tight compartment. The present lid is also configured for use with a variety of portable beverage containers.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 1 and its subparts 1A-1C, FIG. 2 and its subparts 2A-2D, and FIG. 5, an initial embodiment of a lid 10 is shown. FIG. 3 and its subparts 3A-3D, and FIG. 4 illustrate another embodiment of the present lid. The second embodiment of the lid 100 has the same components as the first lid 10, with the differences being in placement of a seal on the compartment and the hinge construction in the second embodiment.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lid 10 comprises a base 12, 13 configured to removably couple with a container (not shown). In an initial embodiment shown in FIG. 1C, the base 12 comprises a rubber ring 12a to fit snugly within the inside rim of a mug or tumbler (not shown). Alternatively, the base 12 may comprise threads to screw onto the corresponding threads on the rim of the mug or tumbler (not shown). In a second embodiment shown in FIG. 2D, the base 13 has a rim recess 13a that allows the cover to snap onto the corresponding rim of the mug or tumbler. Alternatively, the base 13 may be configured to fit within the inside of the corresponding rim of the mug or tumbler.

[0057] The lid 10 includes a compartment 14, storage compartment or cavity integrated within the base 12, 13. The compartment 14 can have any depth suitable for use with the container, but not so deep as to interfere with the volume of liquid in the container. The compartment 14 is designed to hold small, personal items, such as keys, money, medications, lip balms/lipsticks, jewelry, etc. As illustrated, the compartment 14 has a generally D-shaped configuration, which encompasses about two-thirds of the lid 10 while leaving space for an access port 40, which as will be discussed, is used for either receiving a straw or as a drinking slot for accessing the liquid within the container.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 1C and 2D, the storage compartment 14 further includes a cover 16. The cover 16 is a D-shape corresponding to the shape of the compartment 14, and connects by a hinge 18 on the top of the base 12, 13. FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 illustrate an embodiment of a hinge 18 wherein only opposing attachment points 18a of the hinge are mated into complementary openings 18b within the outer rim of the lid. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate another embodiment of the present lid 100, which includes a hinge 118 comprised of multiple attachment points 118a along a length of the hinge, which secure to a rib 119 extending through the base (FIG. 3D). This second hinge 118 provides improved strength for a larger compartment 14 and is generally easier to mold.

[0059] Opening and closing the cover 16 to the compartment is accomplished through use of a snap-lock structure 20 (shown as a handle). The snap-lock structure 20 is configured to engage with a complementary indentation 22 in an outer rim 24 of the base 12, 13. Specifically, the snap-lock structure 20 includes locking tabs 26 on either side of the structure for engaging with corresponding recesses 24a within the outer rim 24 of the base 12, 13. When the locking tabs 26 engage the recesses 24a, the cover is snapped into a secure locked position on the outer rim of the base 12, 13. When access to the storage compartment 14 is required, the user grasps the handle 20 and simply lifts it out from the indentation 22 thereby exposing the interior of the compartment.

[0060] FIG. 3 and its subparts, and FIG. 5 illustrate another embodiment of the lid 100 of the present disclosure. As in the first embodiment of the lid 10, the second lid 100 includes a base 113 configured to removably couple with a container (not shown), with a storage compartment 114 or cavity integrated within the base 113. A cover 116 is attached to the compartment 114 through use of a hinge 118, as previously described. The cover 116 includes a snap-lock structure 120 or handle configured to engage with a complementary indentation 122 in an outer rim 124 of the base 113, for opening and closing/securing the cover as previously described in connection with the first lid 10. The lid 100 includes an access port 140 configured for either receiving a straw or as a drinking/sipping slot for accessing the liquid within the container.

[0061] A unique feature of the embodiments of the present lids 10, 100, is that the storage compartment 14, 114 provides a water-tight pocket for containing various items. The water-tight feature of the present lid 10, 100 is accomplished through use of an O-ring or seal 30, 130. In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the O-ring 30 is disposed on the underside bottom surface of the cover 16. Specifically, the O-ring or seal 30 is disposed around a lip 32 forming the inside perimeter of the cover 16. When the handle 20 of the cover 16 is snapped down into the indentation 22 of the rim 24, the seal 30 engages with an inner lip 34 of the rim 24 of the compartment 14 providing a water-tight feature.

[0062] In the alternative embodiment of the lid 100 shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, the O-ring 130 is positioned within the inner lip 134 of the rim 124 of the base 113. In this embodiment, the underside surface (not shown) of the cover 116 is smooth and does not include the lip 32 for receiving the O-ring 30, as described above. When the handle 120 of the cover 116 is snapped down into the indentation 122 of the rim 124, the seal 130 engages directly with the bottom surface of the cover 116 providing the water-tight feature unique to the present lid 100. Of course, a lip (not shown) may be bottom surface of the cover for engagement with the seal 130, and the invention should not be limited as disclosed herein.

[0063] In yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention, lid 200 shown in FIG. 6 comprises a cover 216 having a handle 220 having a tab 226 that may engage a recess or indentation 224a within the rim 224, thereby providing the above-mentioned snap-lock feature when the cover 216 is in the closed position. The lower surface of the cover 216 may comprise one or more protrusions 230 extending therefrom, preferably around a periphery of the cover 216. The protrusion may preferably be made of an elastomeric material and may engage a surface 234 on an inside of the rim 224 forming an upper perimeter surface of storage compartment 214. An inner lip 235 may extend from the surface 234 thereby forming a channel into which the protrusion or protrusions 230 may engage when the cover 216 is in the closer position, thereby enhancing the watertightness of the seal formed thereby. Of course, it should be noted that the protrusion may extend upwardly from the upper perimeter surface of the storage compartment 214 and seal against a channel formed around the periphery of the cover 216, and the present invention should not be limited as described herein.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 5 and 6, the lids 10, 100, 200 of the present disclosure include embodiments of an access port 40, 140, and 50 (but not shown in FIG. 6), which is in fluid connection with the beverage inside the container. The access port 40, 140, 50 is a feature common to most lids for portable containers, as it permits the user to access the liquids within the container without having to remove the lid from the container. In some instances, the access port in a lid may have a slide or cover for opening and closing the port (not shown). In other instances, the port may always be open. In the present lid, 10, 100, the access port is generally located opposite to the storage compartment 14, 114 in the top surface of the lid. The embodiment of the access ports 40, 140 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 and their respective subparts, is the type of port designed for receiving a straw (not shown). Using straws, particularly reusable straws are becoming more common with portable beverage containers. The embodiments of these access ports 40, 140 are generally configured for receiving a reusable straw. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the more traditional “sipping” or slot access port 50. This port 50 is located on an inner surface of the outer rim 24, 124 of the lids. In the traditional manner, the user simply tilts the container to gain access to the beverage inside the container.

[0065] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Further, references throughout the specification to “the invention” are nonlimiting, and it should be noted that claim limitations presented herein are not meant to describe the invention as a whole. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.