DRINK CONTAINER LID ASSEMBLY
20250236444 ยท 2025-07-24
Inventors
Cpc classification
B65D25/24
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D2543/00564
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D43/0229
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
A47G19/2272
HUMAN NECESSITIES
B65D2543/0049
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D51/1688
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
B65D51/16
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D25/24
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
Abstract
A lid assembly for a drink container is provided. The lid assembly can include a lid and a slider. The lid can include an opening through which a liquid is selectively dispensed. The slider can selectively reveal the opening by sliding along the lid. The slider can include a first slider portion that can slide along a first surface of the lid and a second slider portion that can slide along a second surface of the lid.
Claims
1. A lid assembly for a drink container, comprising: a lid comprising an opening through which a liquid is selectively dispensed, the opening positioned at a first end of the lid; a first slider track along a first surface of the lid, the first slider track comprising a projection configured to extend from a first half of the lid including the first end to a second half of the lid opposite the first half, the projection comprising a continuous width through its length and height; and a slider configured to selectively reveal the opening, the slider comprising: a top slider portion configured to couple to the projection to slide along the first slider track, the top slider portion comprising a receiving portion; and a bottom slider portion comprising a projecting portion configured to removably couple to the receiving portion.
2. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises a slider opening, the projecting portion configured to extend through the slider opening to couple to the receiving portion.
3. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the projecting portion is received by the receiving portion in an assembled configuration.
4. The lid assembly of claim 3, wherein the projecting portion comprises a rib configured to be retained via a snap fit by the receiving portion in the assembled configuration.
5. The lid assembly of claim 3, wherein the bottom slider portion comprises a tab opposing the projecting portion, the tab configured to release the slider from the assembled configuration.
6. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises a second slider track extending along a second surface of the lid opposing the first surface from the first end of the lid to a second end of the lid opposing the first end.
7. The lid assembly of claim 6, wherein the second slider track comprises an upper receiving detent configured to receive the bottom slider portion in a first position in which the opening is closed and a second position in which the opening at least partially is revealed.
8. The lid assembly of claim 7, wherein the second slider track comprises a first pair of lower receiving detents extending from the upper receiving detent, the first pair of lower receiving detents configured to receive a first pair of projecting tabs of the bottom slider portion in a third position in which the opening is fully revealed and the slider is movable between an assembled configuration and a disassembled configuration.
9. The lid assembly of claim 8, wherein the second slider track comprises a second pair of lower receiving detents extending from the upper receiving detent, the second pair of lower receiving detents configured to receive a second pair of projecting tabs of the bottom slider portion in the third position in which the opening is fully revealed and the slider is movable between the assembled configuration and the disassembled configuration.
10. The lid assembly of claim 8, wherein the upper receiving detent is bounded by an upper rib and a lower rib opposing the upper rib to form the second slider track, the first pair of lower receiving detents extending through the lower rib such that the slider is movable between the assembled configuration and the disassembled configuration.
11. A lid assembly for a drink container, comprising: a lid comprising: an opening through which a liquid is selectively dispensed, the opening extending through a first surface of the lid to a second surface of the lid opposing the first surface, a first slider track along the first surface of the lid, the first slider track comprising at least one projection, and a second slider track along the second surface of the lid, the second slider track comprising at least one receiving detent; and a slider configured to slide along the first slider track and the second slider track to selectively reveal the opening, the slider comprising: at least one retention portion configured to receive the at least one projection, and at least one projecting tab, the at least one receiving detent configured to receive the at least one projecting tab.
12. The lid assembly of claim 11, wherein the slider further comprises a first slider portion and a second slider portion, the first slider portion comprising the retention portion, and the second slider portion comprising the at least one projecting tab, and wherein the second slider portion is removable from the first slider portion when the opening is fully revealed.
13. The lid assembly of claim 11, wherein the opening is positioned at a first end of the lid, and wherein the slider moves from the first end to a second end of the lid opposing the first end to selectively reveal the opening.
14. The lid assembly of claim 13, further comprising a gasket disposed between the lid and the slider along the second surface of the lid, wherein the gasket is sealed against the second surface along the first end of the lid as the slider moves from the first end to the second end to prevent venting.
15. The lid assembly of claim 14, wherein the gasket is released from the second surface along the second end of the lid when the slider is at the second end to facilitate venting.
16. The lid assembly of claim 14, wherein the lid comprises a gap portion such that a venting space is formed between the lid and the gasket when the slider is at the second end.
17. A drink container, comprising: a liquid container; a lid comprising a first end and a second end opposing the first end, and an opening positioned at the first end; a base configured to be received by the liquid container, a through opening extending from the opening to the base; a slider configured to selectively reveal the opening and move from the first end of the lid in which the opening is closed to the second end of the lid in which the opening is fully revealed; and a gasket disposed between the slider and the lid, the gasket configured to seal against the lid at the first end and release the lid at the second end as the slider moves from the first end to the second end.
18. The drink container of claim 17, wherein the lid comprises a lower surface configured to contact the gasket and an intermediate surface, the intermediate surface being above the lower surface at the second end of the lid such that a gap forms between the intermediate surface and the gasket to release the gasket from the lid at the second end.
19. The drink container of claim 17, wherein the base comprises a damper having a grid structure configured to cushion the liquid container.
20. The drink container of claim 17, wherein the liquid container comprises a chamfer around a circumference of the liquid container configured to provide a grip surface.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The disclosed aspects will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the disclosed aspects, wherein like designations denote like elements.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] Various aspects of the novel systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings herein, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the scope of the disclosure can be intended to cover any aspect of the novel systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of, or combined with, any other aspect of the disclosure. For example, an apparatus can be implemented or a method can be practiced using any number or combination of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of the disclosure can be intended to cover such an apparatus or method that can be practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure set forth herein. It should be understood that any embodiment disclosed herein can be implemented by one or more elements of a claim.
[0042] Although exemplary embodiments are described herein, many variations and permutations of these exemplary embodiments fall within the scope of the disclosure. Although some benefits and advantages of the exemplary embodiments are mentioned, the scope of the disclosure can be not intended to be limited to particular benefits, uses, and/or objectives. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the disclosure rather than limiting, the scope of the disclosure being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
[0043] It will be recognized that while exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are described in terms of a specific sequence of steps of a method, these descriptions are only illustrative of the broader methods of the disclosure, and can be modified as required by the particular application. Certain steps can be rendered unnecessary or optional under certain circumstances. Additionally, certain steps or functionality can be added to the exemplary embodiments, or the order of performance of two or more steps permuted. All such variations are considered to be encompassed within the disclosure disclosed and claimed herein.
[0044] While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Variations to the exemplary embodiments and/or implementations can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed disclosure, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims.
[0045] Drink containers with lids can be used to store and transport beverages, and to facilitate beverage consumption. Some containers are configured to hold both cold and hot beverages. These containers can include reservoirs to hold beverages and sidewall structures that provide insulation to limit or prevent heating or cooling. The sidewall structure of a container can also receive one or more types of lids. Lids can have several functions, including to close containers to limit or prevent leakage during use of the containers.
[0046] Some lids can have drink openings configured as through openings to fluidly couple ambient with the interior of the container. Accordingly, drink openings can allow users to consume beverages stored in containers. These lids can include closure mechanisms that are user actuated to selectively close and reveal drink openings. In this way, a user can reveal a drink opening to consume a beverage and close the drink opening after consumption. Users may wish to close drink openings to limit or prevent leakage and to maintain insulation. However, some lids that can be opened via closure mechanisms and drink openings might not sufficiently limit or prevent leakage.
[0047] Drink openings can have additional functions. For example, drink openings can be sized to receive drink accessories, such as straws, that support beverage consumption. Drink openings can also facilitate venting. Accordingly, steam from hot beverages can be released through drink openings. Venting through the drink opening can be unpleasant though and negatively affect the user experience. Instead of releasing steam from the same opening from which the user drinks, it can be desirable to have a separate venting opening.
[0048] Lids can include one or more movable components to facilitate closure, limiting or preventing leakage, and venting. Some lids with multiple components, some of which may be movable, can be difficult to clean. Accordingly, it can be desirable for lids to be disassembled to clean, or to replace, parts. However, disassembly and then reassembly of parts can be difficult.
[0049] Systems and methods described herein provide a drink container lid assembly that addresses the problems discussed herein. The lid assembly can include a lid having a drink opening through which a beverage can be dispensed. A slider of the lid assembly can alternately reveal and close the drink opening. The slider can include two portions to facilitate closure, the portions slidable along opposing sides of the lid. A gasket positioned between the two portions along one side of the lid can provide a seal to limit or prevent leakage. As the slider slides along the lid to reveal the drink opening, a gap between the slider and the lid can form away from the drink opening for venting. The lid assembly can be disassembled for cleaning or to replace parts, and easily reassembled for use.
[0050] Systems and methods will now be described with reference to the figures.
[0051] Lid assembly 50 can include a lid 100 and a slider 200. Slider 200 can be disassembled from lid assembly 50 to clean lid 100 or slider 200, or for replacement of parts, for example. Lid 100 and slider 200 are shown coupled together in
[0052] Lid assembly 50 is shown in
[0053] Lid 100 can also include a first surface 128, which can be a top surface facing the ambient environment. Slider 200 can include one or more portions that slide along first surface 128. As shown, a first, or top, slider portion 202 can slide along first surface 128. First slider portion 202 can include a top side 204. Top side 204 can face the ambient environment. As top side 204 faces the ambient environment, top side 204 can be accessible by a user. Top side 204 can include a user grip 206 that can be actuated by a user to move slider 200. Moving slider 200 can alternately reveal and close one or more openings of lid 100, such as drink opening 124 (
[0054] Opposing first surface 128 can be a second surface 130, which can be a bottom surface facing the internal reservoir of liquid container 16 (
[0055] Referring to
[0056] Lid assembly 50 in a disassembled position 104 is shown in
[0057] As discussed above, lid 100 can include first end 120 and second end 122 opposing first end 120. Lid 100 can also include one or more openings.
[0058] Drink container 10 (
[0059] Slider 200 in an assembled configuration without lid 100 is shown in
[0060] First slider portion 202, shown in
[0061] Bottom side 208 can also include a receiving portion 210. Receiving portion 210 can be positioned at a general center of bottom side 208. A projecting portion 222, shown in
[0062] Pull tab 238 can oppose projecting portion 222, as shown with reference to
[0063] With reference to
[0064] Second slider portion 220 is best shown in
[0065] Second slider portion 220 can also include one or more projecting tabs, such as a first pair of projecting tabs 234 and a second pair of projecting tabs 236. With reference to
[0066] Lid 100 is best shown in
[0067]
[0068] Second slider track 150 can also include one or more lower receiving detents, such as a first pair of lower receiving detents 158 and a second pair of lower receiving detents 160. First pair of lower receiving detents 158 and second pair of lower receiving detents 160 can be formed in lower rib 156. As shown in
[0069] Each detent in first pair of lower receiving detents 158 can be offset, and each detent in second pair of lower receiving detents 160 can be offset, similar to each projecting tab in first pair of projecting tabs 234 and second pair of projecting tabs 236 discussed above with reference to
[0070] Lid assembly 50 in assembled configuration 102 and closed position 106 is shown in
[0071] First slider portion 202 and second slider portion 220 can be coupled to assemble slider 200. First slider portion 202 can include a receiving portion 210, and second slider portion 220 can include a projecting portion 222 to removably couple to receiving portion 210. Projecting portion 222 can include a rib 224 that can be retained by receiving portion 210 in an assembled configuration of slider 200. Rib 224 can be retained via a snap fit by receiving portion 210. Receiving portion 210 can include groove or opening 212 that can retain rib 224. Lid 100 can include slider opening 126 (
[0072] Slider 200 can be disassembled when drink opening 124 is fully revealed. In other words, slider 200 can be disassembled at second end 122 when slider 200 is away from drink opening 124 positioned at first end 120. As shown with reference to
[0073] First slider portion 202 can slide along first slider track 140, which can extend along first surface 128 of lid 100. First slider portion 202 can couple to one or more projections 142 (
[0074] Slider 200 can slide along first slider track 140 and second slider track 150 to selectively reveal drink opening 124. Slider 200 can couple to first slider track 140 and second slider track 150. First slider track 140 can include at least one projection 142, and slider 200, such as first slider portion 202, can include at least one retention portion 214 to receive at least one projection 142. Second slider track 150 can include a receiving detent, such as upper receiving detent 152 (
[0075] As discussed above, upper receiving detent 152 can be bounded by upper rib 154 and lower rib 156. First pair of lower receiving detents 158 and second pair of lower receiving detents 160 can extend through lower rib 156 such that slider 200 is movable between an assembled configuration shown in
[0076] Portions of lid 100 can be slanted, as best shown in
[0077] Drink container 10 (
[0078] Lid 100 can include second surface 130, which can be a lower surface to contact gasket 300 along first end 120 and as slider moves from first end 120 to second end 122. Lid 100 can also include an intermediate surface 129 above second surface 130 at second end 122 such that a gap portion 110 forms between intermediate surface 129 and gasket 300 to release gasket 300 from lid 100 at second end 122. Lid 100 can include gap portion 110 such that a venting space is formed between lid 100 and gasket 300 when slider 200 is at second end 122. Intermediate surface 129 being above second surface 130 can allow a space, or gap portion 110, to be formed between gasket 300 and lid 100 when slider 200 is at second end 122, as shown in
[0079] Venting can allow release of steam from drink container 10 (
[0080] Drink container 10 is shown in
[0081] Base 13 can include a damper 14, shown in
[0082] It should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or exemplary embodiments of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to include any specific characteristics of the features or exemplary embodiments of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. Terms and phrases used in this application, and variations thereof, especially in the appended claims, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open-ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing, the term including should be read to mean including, without limitation, including but not limited to, or the like; the term comprising as used herein is synonymous with including, containing, or characterized by, and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps; the term having should be interpreted as having at least; the term such as should be interpreted as such as, without limitation; the term includes should be interpreted as includes but is not limited to; the term example is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, and should be interpreted as example, but without limitation; adjectives such as known, normal, standard, and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass known, normal, or standard technologies that can be available or known now or at any time in the future; and use of terms like preferably, preferred, desired, or desirable, and words of similar meaning should not be understood as implying that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the present disclosure, but instead as merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that can or cannot be utilized in an exemplary embodiment.
[0083] Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction and should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as and/or unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction or should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should be read as and/or unless expressly stated otherwise. The terms about or approximate and the like are synonymous and are used to indicate that the value modified by the term has an understood range associated with it, where the range can be 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, or 1%. The term substantially is used to indicate that a result (e.g., measurement value) is close to a targeted value, where close can mean, for example, the result is within 80% of the value, within 90% of the value, within 95% of the value, or within 99% of the value. Also, as used herein defined or determined can include predefined or predetermined and/or otherwise determined values, conditions, thresholds, measurements, and the like.