Abstract
A drink-through lid for a beverage cup. The lid seals the open end of a cup containing liquid. A lower section and upper section are rotatably affixed for use, and detachable for cleaning. The lower section and the upper section each have liquid and vapor passageways therethrough. Each of the lower section and upper section include a coupler which enables the upper section and lower section to rotatably move with respect to the other. A first coupler in the lower section may be a downwardly extending annular cylinder having an inner circumferential sidewall. A second coupler in the upper section includes a first prong and a second pron. The first and second prongs each extend downward from a lower engaging surface of the upper section. A registration system is provided using detents and positioners, and bumps and bump seats, to provide haptic snap action between open and closed positions.
Claims
1. A lid, the lid sized and shaped for engagement with an open end of a drink container, the drink container having circular interior sidewalls adjacent the open end, the lid comprising: (a) a lower section having a disc shaped body, the body having an upper engaging surface, the body including (1) a liquid conduit therethrough defined by a first interior passageway wall, and (2) a vent conduit therethrough defined by a second interior passageway wall, and a first coupler, (b) an upper section, the upper section comprising an upper body, the upper body having a lower engaging surface, a plurality of passageways therethrough, the plurality of passageways comprising (1) a drink passageway, and (2) a vent passageway; and a second coupler; (c) wherein the lower section and the upper section are rotatably joined by latching the first coupler and the second coupler together, and wherein the lower section and the upper section are detachable from each other by unlatching the first coupler and the second coupler from each other; and (d) wherein the lower engaging surface and the upper engaging surface have an axis of rotation extending therethrough, wherein the lower section and the upper section are alternately positionable when coupled together, between (1) a first, fluid communication relationship wherein a fluid in the drink container may flow through the liquid conduit and through the drink passageway, and (2) a second, closed, spill resistant configuration.
2. The lid as set forth in claim 1, further configured so that when the lower section and the upper section are coupled together in a first fluid communication relationship, the vent conduit and the vent passageway are oriented to provide a vapor passageway.
3. The lid as set forth in claim 1, further configured so that when the lower section and the upper section are coupled together in a second, closed configuration, the vent conduit and the vent passageway are oriented to prevent vapor passage.
4. The lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first coupler comprises a downwardly extending annular cylinder, the downwardly extending annular cylinder having an inner circumferential sidewall.
5. The lid as set forth in claim 4, wherein the downwardly extending annular cylinder further comprises a plurality of arcuate cutouts spaced apart around the inner circumferential sidewall of the annular cylinder.
6. The lid as set forth in claim 5, wherein the arcuate cutouts have a most radially outward sidewall, and where the most radially outward sidewall extends radially outward from the inner circumferential sidewall of the annular cylinder for a distance RC.
7. The lid as set forth in claim 6, wherein the distance RC is about zero point eight (0.8) millimeters.
8. The lid as set forth in claim 4, wherein the downwardly extending annular cylinder comprises a distal end.
9. The lid as set forth in claim 6, wherein the second coupler comprises a first prong and a second prong, wherein the first prong and the second prongs each extend downward from the lower engaging surface of the upper section.
10. The lid as set forth in claim 9, wherein the first prong and the second prong each have an arcuate radial outward surface which is sized and shaped for insertion into the downwardly extending annular cylinder, and configured for and manufactured with material that provides outwardly biased engagement with the inner circumferential sidewall of the downwardly extending annular cylinder.
11. The lid as set forth in claim 10, wherein the first prong and the second prong each further comprise, on their respective radially outward surface, a protruding positioner, each protruding positioner sized and shaped for manually rotatable friction fit within and between said arcuate cutouts spaced apart along the inner circumferential sidewall of the annular cylinder, and configured for manually rotatable engagement with respect to the inner circumferential sidewall of the annular cylinder.
12. The lid as set forth in claim 11, wherein each of the protruding positioners comprises a most radially outward sidewall surface, and wherein the most radially outward sidewall surface extends radially outward from the outward surface of the respective first prong and the second prong for a distance of RP.
13. The lid as set forth in claim 12, wherein the distance RP is about zero point four one three (0.413) millimeters.
14. The lid as set forth in claim 9, wherein each protruding positioner further comprises a most radially outward sidewall surface, and wherein the most radially outward sidewall surface extends radially outward from the outward surface of the first prong and of the second prong for a distance of RP, and wherein the distance RC is greater than the distance RP.
15. The lid as set forth in claim 9, wherein the first prong and the second prong each comprise a lower portion having an outwardly biased latch, and wherein the outwardly biased latch is sized and shaped for rotatable latching attachment when engaged with the annular cylinder.
16. The lid as set forth in claim 10, wherein the lower engaging surface of the upper section further comprises a pair of spacing bumps, wherein a spacing bump is located radially outward from the first prong and from the second prong, wherein the spacing bumps are configured to slightly space apart the lower section from the upper section when the lid is moved between the (1) the first, fluid communication relationship and (2) the second, closed configuration.
17. The lid as set forth in claim 11, wherein the arcuate cutouts comprise detents and the protruding positioners comprise locating surfaces, and wherein together the detents and the protruding positioners establish a registration system that provides haptic snap action of the lid between the (1) the first fluid communication relationship and (2) the second closed configuration.
18. The lid as set forth in claim 17, wherein the upper engaging surface of the lower section further comprises a plurality of bump seats spaced apart adjacent an upper end of the inner circumferential sidewall of the annular cylinder, wherein the bump seats are each sized and shaped to accommodate one of the spacing bumps therein.
19. The lid as set forth in claim 18, wherein haptic snap action of the registration system is enhanced by snap fit of spacing bumps in bump seats when the lid is rotated between (1) the first fluid communication relationship and (2) the second closed configuration.
20. The lid as set forth in claim 15, wherein the first prong and the second prong each further include a manually engageable pinch surface, whereby the first and second prongs may be urged radially inward, for disengagement from the annular cylinder, so that the upper section and the lower section are separable.
21. The lid as set forth in claim 20, wherein the pinch surface further comprises a concave portion, the concave portion configured to receive a digit of a user for secure engagement while urging the first and second prongs radially inward, to facilitate separation of the upper section from the lower section.
22. The lid as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a vertical circumferential seal, the vertical circumferential seal providing a liquid tight seal between the lower section and the upper section.
23. The lid as set forth in claim 22, wherein the upper section further comprises a downwardly oriented vertical circumferential sealing flange, the vertical circumferential sealing flange configured for tight fitting engagement with the vertical circumferential seal.
24. The lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein the upper body comprises (a) an upper cap, (b) an intermediate gasket, and (c) a lower support.
25. The lid as set forth in claim 24, wherein the upper cap comprises stainless steel.
26. The lid as set forth in claim 25, wherein the upper cap comprises a drink well.
27. The lid as set forth in claim 24, wherein the lower support includes an upper surface and circumferential vertically oriented sides, and wherein the upper cap extends over the upper surface and also downward to cover the circumferential vertically oriented sides.
28. The lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein the disc shaped body of the lower section further comprises an outer sidewall, and wherein the outer sidewall provides a manual gripping surface.
29. The lid as set forth in claim 28, wherein the manual gripping surface comprises Tritan plastic.
30. The lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein the disc shaped body of the lower section further comprises (a) a lateral circumferential cup seal seat, and (b) a lateral circumferential cup seal, the lateral circumferential cup seal located in the lateral circumferential cup seal seat, and wherein the lateral circumferential cup seal is sized and shaped for manually removable fiction fit engagement with an open end of a drink container.
31. A lid, the lid sized and shaped for engagement with an open end of a drink container, the drink container having circular interior sidewalls adjacent the open end, the lid comprising: (a) a lower section having a disc shaped body, the body having an upper engaging surface, the body including (1) a liquid conduit therethrough defined by a first interior passageway wall, and (2) a vent conduit therethrough defined by a second interior passageway wall, and a downwardly extending annular cylindrical receiver having an inner circumferential sidewall; (b) an upper section, the upper section comprising an upper body, the upper body having a lower engaging surface, a plurality of passageways therethrough, the plurality of passageways comprising (1) a drink passageway, and (2) a vent passageway, a first prong and a second prong, wherein the first prong and the second prong each extend downward from the lower engaging surface, wherein the first prong and the second prong each have an arcuate radial outward surface which is sized and shaped for insertion into the downwardly extending annular cylindrical receiver, and wherein the first prong and the second prong are each configured for and manufactured with material and that provides outwardly biased engagement with the inner circumferential sidewall of the downwardly extending annular cylinder receiver; (c) wherein the lower section and the upper section are rotatably joined by latching the first prong and the second prong to the annular cylinder, and wherein the lower section and the upper section are detachable from each other by unlatching the first prong and the second prong from the annular cylinder; and (d) wherein the lower engaging surface and the upper engaging surface have an axis of rotation extending therethrough, wherein the lower section and the upper section are alternately positionable when rotatably joined, between (1) a first fluid communication relationship wherein a fluid in the drink container may flow through the liquid conduit and through the drink passageway, and (2) a second, closed, spill resistant configuration.
32. The lid as set forth in claim 31, wherein the downwardly extending annular cylinder further comprises a plurality of arcuate cutouts spaced apart around the inner circumferential sidewall of the annular cylinder.
33. The lid as set forth in claim 32, wherein the first prong and the second prong each further comprise, on their respective radially outward surface, a protruding positioner, each protruding positioner sized and shaped for manually rotatable friction fit within and between said arcuate cutouts spaced apart along the inner circumferential sidewall of the annular cylinder, and configured for manually rotatable engagement with respect to the inner circumferential sidewall of the annular cylinder.
34. The lid as set forth in claim 33, wherein the arcuate cutouts comprise detents and the protruding positioners comprise locating surfaces, and wherein together the detents and the protruding positioners establish a registration system that provides haptic snap action of the lid between the (1) the first fluid communication relationship and (2) the second, closed configuration.
35. The lid as set forth in claim 34, wherein the lower engaging surface of the upper section further includes spacing bumps located radially outward from each of the first and second prongs, and wherein the upper engaging surface of the lower section further comprises a plurality of bump seats spaced apart around an upper end of the inner circumferential sidewall of the annular cylinder, wherein the bump seats are each sized and shaped to accommodate one of the spacing bumps therein.
36. The lid as set forth in claim 35, wherein haptic snap action of the registration system is enhanced by snap fit of spacing bumps in bump seats when the lid is rotated between (1) the first, fluid communication relationship and (2) the second, closed configuration.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0016] The present invention(s) will be described by way of exemplary embodiments, using for illustration the accompanying drawing in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment for a twist-on/twist-off drink-through lid for use with a beverage cup, having a clean (device free) upper surface with a raised lip at the perimeter, which provides a drink well base into which liquid emerges through a liquid passageway for user consumption, and which also shows the a flexible circumferential seal which assures a seal with the interior sidewall of a beverage cup.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a partial cut-away vertical side view of an embodiment for a twist-on/twist-off drink-through lid for a cup, showing the full side view of the lid, but showing a sectional view of the cup, where the vertically extending sidewalls of the cup are shown, with the external circumferential seal of the lid providing a seal between the cup and the lid.
[0019] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective of the obverse side of the upper section of an embodiment for a lid, showing the upper cap, an intermediate gasket, and a lower support for the upper cap, and illustrating that the upper cap is free from devices thereon for opening or closing passageways to the cup for access to liquid contents of the cup.
[0020] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective of the reverse side of the upper section of an embodiment for a lid, showing the underside of the upper cap, the underside of the intermediate gasket, and the lower engaging surface of the upper section which is provided by the lower support of the upper section, and also illustrating the first prong and a second prong extending from the lower engaging surface, as well as showing a drink passageway and a vent passageway in each of the upper cap, intermediate gasket and the lower support.
[0021] FIG. 5 is an exploded vertical side view of the upper section of an embodiment for a lid, showing the side view of the upper cap, the intermediate gasket, and the lower support component of the upper section, showing a side view of a first prong extending from the lower engaging surface of the lower support, and also illustrating the location a pinch surface near the distal end of the first prong.
[0022] FIG. 6 is an assembled vertical side view of the upper section of an embodiment for a lid, showing the side view of the upper cap and the lower support component of the upper section, showing a side view of a first prong and a second prong extending from the lower engaging surface of the lower support, and showing an embodiment for a latch feature on each of the first prong and the second prong, and also illustrating the location of a pinch surface for manual manipulation of the first prong and the second prong, located near the distal end of the first prong and of the second prong.
[0023] FIG. 7 is an exploded vertical side view of the lower section of an embodiment for a lid, showing the side view of the disc shaped body of the lower section, showing an embodiment using a vertical circumferential seal to provide a liquid tight seal between the lower section and the upper section, and a lateral circumferential cup seal, which is located by a lateral circumferential cup seal seat; the lateral circumferential cup seal is sized and shaped to seal the lid against leakage of liquids from a beverage container, and is sized, shaped, and of a material selected to enable manual removal and fiction fit engagement with an open end of a beverage container.
[0024] FIG. 8 is an exploded vertical side view of the various components for an embodiment for a lid, showing the side view of the upper cap, the intermediate gasket, and the lower support component of the upper section including a first prong and a second prong, as well as the vertical circumferential seal to provide a seal between the upper section and the lower section, the disc shaped body of the lower section, and the lateral circumferential seal which seals the lid against the inner sidewalls of a container, as shown in FIG. 2 above.
[0025] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the various components for an embodiment for a lid as just noted in FIG. 8 above, but now showing four bump seats spaced apart adjacent the upper end of the inner circumferential sidewall of the annular cylinder, and arcuate cutouts in the inner circumferential sidewall of the annular cylinder, where the detents and protruding positioners (see FIGS. 5 and 8 above) provide a registration system that provides snap action of the lid between (1) a first fluid communication relationship (indicated by reference O, and (2) a second closed configuration indicated by reference C in this FIG. 9.
[0026] FIG. 10 provides a perspective view of the underside of a fully assembled lid, showing an annular cylinder in which a first prong and a second prong are inserted and latched for rotating movement, as well as showing an arcuate cutout in the inner sidewall of the annular cylinder.
[0027] FIG. 11 provides an exploded assembly, showing the upper section and the lower section, with the first prong and the second prong ready for insertion into and latching with the annular cylinder, as well as showing both the vertical circumferential seal between the upper section and the lower section, and the lateral circumferential seal for sealing the lid against the inner sidewall of a beverage container.
[0028] FIG. 12 provides a perspective view of an embodiment for a lid affixed for use in a beverage container, showing the clean appearance (lack of slide or tab or other devices) of the upper cap of the upper section, as well as the raised perimeter lip which provides a drink well adjacent the liquid outlet.
[0029] FIG. 13 provides a top view of the lower section, taken as at line 13-13 of FIG. 8, looking down on the upper engaging surface of the disc shaped body, showing the use of four bump seats spaced apart adjacent the upper end of the inner circumferential sidewall of the annular cylinder (see FIG. 16), as well as a liquid passageway and a vent passageway in the disc shaped body.
[0030] FIG. 14 provides a bottom view, looking up at a fully assembled lid in a second, closed position, showing the location of an annular cylinder in which a first prong and a second prong are inserted and latched for rotating movement, as well as showing locations of arcuate cutouts in the inner sidewall of the annular cylinder which would be used for positioning the first and second prongs in a first, open position; similar arcuate cutouts in use in this second, closed position, are not visible but are hidden by the first and second prongs, and occur at those locations (see FIG. 15).
[0031] FIG. 15 provides a bottom view, looking up at a fully assembled lid similar to FIG. 14, but now showing the location the lid in a first, open position, showing an annular cylinder in which a first prong and a second prong are inserted and latched for rotating movement, as well as showing locations of arcuate cutouts in the inner sidewall of the annular cylinder which would be used for positioning the first and second prongs in a second, closed position (see FIG. 14).
[0032] FIG. 16 provides a perspective view, looking down on a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for a fully assembled lid, showing the first and second prongs located in the annular cylinder in a latched position for rotating movement, as well as each of the components of the lid, including the upper section with the upper cap, intermediate gasket, and lower support, the vertical circumferential gasket which provides a seal between the upper section and the lower section, and the lower section with a lateral circumferential cup seal.
[0033] FIG. 17 provides a perspective view, up at a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for a fully assembled lid, showing the first and second prongs located in the annular cylinder in a latched position for rotating movement, as well the pinch surface on one of the prongs which is configured to receive a digit of a user for urging the prongs radially inward in order to release the upper section from the lower section.
[0034] FIG. 18 provides a partial vertical cross-sectional view of an embodiment for a fully assembled lid, showing the upper section joined to the lower section, with a vertical circumferential seal between the upper section and the lower section, and with a first prong located in a latched position for rotating movement in the annular cylinder, as well a lateral circumferential cup seal located near the bottom end of the disc shaped body of the lower section.
[0035] FIG. 19 provides a bottom perspective view, similar to FIG. 5, taken looking up at a fully assembled lid, with the lid in a first, open position, showing an annular cylinder in which a first prong and a second prong are inserted and latched for rotating movement, as well as showing locations of arcuate cutouts in the inner sidewall of the annular cylinder which would be used for positioning the first and second prongs in a second, closed position (see FIG. 14).
[0036] FIG. 20 provides a perspective view, looking down on an embodiment of a fully assembled lid held in the hand of a user, showing a first prong and a second prong located in the annular cylinder in a latched position for rotating movement, as well as showing the pinch surface on the prongs which are configured to receive a digit of a user for urging the prongs radially inward in order to release the upper section from the lower section, and showing a user urging the first prong and the second prong radially inward, in order to separate the upper section from the lower section.
[0037] FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view looking up at the lower engaging surface of the upper section, showing one of a pair of spacing bumps, where the spacing bump is located radially outward from a first prong, and wherein the spacing bump is configured to slightly space apart the lower section from the upper section when the lid is moved between the (1) the first, fluid communication relationship and (2) the second, closed configuration.
[0038] FIG. 22 is a partial perspective view of the upper engaging surface of the lower section, showing several of the bump seats which are spaced apart adjacent an upper end of the inner circumferential sidewall of the annular cylinder; the bump seats are each sized and shaped to accommodate one of the spacing bumps therein (see FIG. 21).
[0039] FIG. 23 provides a partial perspective rear view of an embodiment for construction of the annular cylinder and arcuate cutouts, showing how the arcuate cutouts may be provided by rearward thickening of the annular cylinder wall, in addition to the removal of an arcuate portion from the inner sidewall of the annular cylinder (see FIGS. 15 and 19).
[0040] FIG. 24 provides a partial perspective view of a first prong that extends downward from a lower engaging surface of the upper section, showing a latch mechanism and a pinch surface for facilitating manual manipulation of the first and second prongs, and also showing the structure of a protruding positioner (which acts in concert with a detent provided by the arcuate cutouts mentioned in connection with FIG. 23 above) in order to provide a registration system to provide snap action between (1) the first, fluid communication relationship and (2) the second, closed configuration.
[0041] The foregoing figures, being merely exemplary, contain various elements that may be present or omitted from a final configuration for a simple washable and cleanable drink-through lid suitable for use with a beverage container, using the principles described herein, or that may be implemented in various embodiments described herein for such lids. Other variations in lid designs with spill resistant features may use slightly different mechanical structures, angular configurations, couplers to facilitate rotation between components, liquid flow configurations, or vapor flow configurations, and yet employ the principles described herein and as generally depicted in the drawing figures provided. An attempt has been made to draw the figures in a way that illustrates at least those elements that are significant for an understanding of exemplary drink-through lid with spill resistant closure structures for use on beverage containers. Such details may be quite useful for providing a high quality lid for beverage containers, both for improved cleanability, and for ease of use, especially by enabling a user to reclose the lid after initially drinking from the lid.
[0042] It should be understood that various features may be utilized in accord with the teachings hereof, as may be useful in different embodiments as useful for various sizes and shapes of cups, and drink-through lids, within the scope and coverage of the teachings herein as defined by the claims. Further, like features in various lid structures may be described using like reference numerals, or other like references, without further mention thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] Attention is directed to FIG. 1, where a perspective view of an embodiment for a drink-through lid 30 for a beverage container 32 (see FIGS. 2 and 12) is provided. A lid 30 provides at least one drink outlet 80D defined at least in part by an edgewall 80DE (see FIG. 3) that allows liquid to fill a drink well 38, from which a user or consumer may sip a beverage in a manner similar to when using a cup or mug without a lid. In an embodiment, a lid 30 maybe sized and shaped for engagement with an open end 40 of a beverage container 32, where the beverage container 32 has circular interior sidewalls 42 adjacent the open end 40. In an embodiment, the lid 30 may include a lower section 44 and an upper section 46.
[0044] As seen in FIGS. 9 and 13, the lower section 44 may include a disc shaped body 48. The disc shaped body 48 may have an upper engaging surface 50. The disc shaped body 48 may include (1) a liquid conduit 52 therethrough defined by a first interior passageway wall 54, and (2) a vent conduit 56 therethrough defined by a second interior passageway wall 58. A first coupler 60 may also be provided with lower section 44. As seen in FIGS. 10, 16, and 18, in an embodiment, the first coupler 60 may be provided in the form of a downwardly extending annular cylinder 62. In such an embodiment, the downwardly extending annular cylinder 62 has an inner circumferential sidewall 64. In FIG. 13, a suitable location for bump seats 65 is shown. In an embodiment, four (4) bump seats 65 are spaced apart adjacent the upper end of the inner circumferential sidewall 64 of the annular cylinder 62.
[0045] The upper section 46 may be an assembled upper body 66 (see FIG. 6), including (a) an upper cap 80, (b) an intermediate gasket 82, and (c) a lower support 84. Those components are further described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. In an embodiment, the upper section 46 may include a lower engaging surface 68 (see FIG. 4). In an embodiment a second coupler 86 may be provided in the form of a first prong 90 and a second prong 92. In an embodiment, the first prong 90 and the second prong 92 each may extend downward from the lower engaging surface 68.
[0046] In an embodiments, the lower section 44 and the upper section 46 are rotatably joined by latching the first coupler 60 and the second coupler 76 together. In an embodiment, the lower section 44 and the upper section 46 are detachable from each other by unlatching the first coupler 60 and the second coupler 76 from each other. The lower engaging surface 68 and the upper engaging surface 50 have an axis of rotation extending therethrough (see axis reference R in FIG. 9), wherein the lower section 44 and the upper section 46 are alternately positionable when coupled together, between (1) a first, fluid communication relationship (indicated by reference location O in FIG. 9) wherein a fluid in the drink container may flow through the liquid conduit and through the drink passageway, and (2) a second, closed, spill resistant configuration (indicated by reference location C in FIG. 9) wherein fluid in the drink container will not appreciably escape outward through the drink passageway. As seen in FIG. 9, in an embodiment, an angle alpha () may be provided between the open position O and the closed position C. In an embodiment, the angle alpha () may be ninety degrees (90). In an embodiment, the upper section 46 may be rotated either direction from an open position O to a closed position C. In an embodiment, a registration system, as further described below, may be included to provide a positive indication (via haptic snap action) of the registration of the upper section 46 at either an open O position or at a closed C position with respect to lower section 44.
[0047] In an embodiment, a lid 30 may be configured so that when the lower section 44 and the upper section 46 are coupled together in a first fluid communication relationship, the vent conduit 56 and the vent passageway 72 are sufficiently co-axially oriented so as to provide a vapor passageway, which may allow inflow of outside air (to replace volume of liquid consumed), or which may allow escape of heated vapor or scents of the beverage to escape outward. Thus, when the lid 30 is configured so that when the lower section 44 and the upper section 46 are coupled together in a second, closed configuration, the vent conduit 56 and the vent passageway 72 are oriented to preclude establishment of a vapor passageway, and thus substantially prevent vapor passage through the lid 30.
[0048] Attention is now directed to FIG. 3, which provides an exploded perspective view of the obverse side of the upper section 46 of an embodiment for a lid 30. FIG. 3 shows components of the upper section 46, including an upper cap 80, an intermediate gasket 82, and a lower support 84 for the upper cap 80. In an embodiment, the upper cap 80 may be provided in stainless steel. However, those of skill in the art will understand that many other suitable materials are available, such as Tritan brand plastic, or other plastic or metallic components. It can be appreciated by view of FIGS. 1 and 3 that the upper cap 80 is free from devices thereon (e.g. slides or tabs) for opening or closing drink or vent passageways to a beverage container 32. As seen in FIG. 3, the upper cap 80 and the lower support 84 provide a raised lip 78 structure (78C on the upper cap 80, and 78L on the lower support 84, which effectively provides a drink well 38 for a user adjacent drink passageway 80D, as noted in the following paragraph.
[0049] FIG. 4 provides an exploded perspective of the reverse side of the upper section 46 of an embodiment for a lid 30, showing the underside of the upper cap 80, the underside of the intermediate gasket 82, and the lower engaging surface 68 of the upper section 46 which is provided by the lower support 84 of the upper section 46. A plurality of passageways may be provided through the upper section 46, including a drink passageway 68 and a vent passageway 72, and in an embodiment each may be defined by component edgewalls, as set out in detail below. A drink passageway 80D (defined by edgewall 80DE) and a vent passageway 80V (defined by edgewall 80VE) are provided in the upper cap 80. A drink passageway 82D (defined by edgewall 82DE) and a vent passageway 82V (defined by edgewall 82VE) are provided in the intermediate gasket 82. A drink passageway 84D (defined by edgewall 84DE) and a vent passageway 84V (defined by edgewall 84VE) are provided in the lower support 84. So, combining components of the upper section 46, a drink passageway 68 may be provided by a combination of drink passageways 80D, 82D, and 84D, each respectively defined by edgewalls 80DE, 82DE, and 84DE. Similarly, combining components of upper section 46, a vent passageway 72 may be provided by a combination of vent passageways 80V, 82V, and 84V, each defined by their respective sidewalls 80VE, 82VE, and 84VE, each as described above and noted in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0050] Attention is directed to FIGS. 3 and 5, where it can be seen that the lower support 84 of upper section 46 may be provided with a flat upper surface 100 and circumferential vertically oriented side 102. In such an embodiment, the upper cap 80 may have a flat component 80F which extends over the intermediate gasket 82, and thus over the flat upper surface 100. Cap 80 also may include a vertical and downward extending outer edge 80S that covers at least some of the circumferential vertically oriented side 102 of the lower support 84.
[0051] As seen in FIGS. 16 and 18, in an embodiment, the lower section 44 and the upper section 46 may be sealingly joined using a vertical circumferential seal 110. In an embodiment, the vertical circumferential seal 110 may provide a liquid tight seal between the lower section 44 and the upper section 46. In an embodiment a vertical seal seat 112 is provided in the lower section 44. In an embodiment, the vertical circumferential seal may be provided having a base 114 and an upwardly directed U shape 116. In such an embodiment, the upper section 46 may further include a downwardly oriented vertical circumferential sealing flange 118. In such an embodiment, the vertical circumferential sealing flange 118 may be configured for tight fitting engagement with the vertical circumferential seal 110.
[0052] In an embodiment, the disc shaped body 48 of the lower section 46 have include an outer sidewall 120, which provides a manual gripping surface. In an embodiment, the manual gripping surface may be provided using Tritan brand plastic. In an embodiment, the disc shaped body 48 may be provided using Tritan brand plastic
[0053] As also seen in FIGS. 16 and 18, in an embodiment the disc shaped body 48 of the lower section 44 may also include (a) a lateral circumferential cup seal seat 122, and (b) a lateral circumferential cup seal 124. In such a configuration, the lateral circumferential cup seal 124 is located in the lateral circumferential cup seal seat 122. The lateral circumferential cup seal 124 is sized and shaped for manually removable fiction fit engagement with an open end 40 of a beverage container.
[0054] As can be seen in FIGS. 10, 11, 14, and 22, in an embodiment, the inner circumferential sidewall 64 of the downwardly extending annular cylinder 62 may further include a plurality of arcuate cutouts 130, which may be spaced apart around the inner circumferential sidewall 64. As noted in FGI. 14, in an embodiment, the arcuate cutouts 130 may include a most radially outward sidewall 132, which extends radially outward from the inner circumferential sidewall 64 of the annular cylinder 62 for a distance RC. In an embodiment, the distance RC may be in the range of more than zero (0.0) to about zero point eight (0.8) millimeters. In an embodiment, the distance RC may be about zero point eight (0.8) millimeters. In FIG. 23, a rear view is provided of the backside 130R of arcuate cutouts 130, (normally downwardly extending annular cylinder 62 is illustrated from the bottom, looking up) now showing how the thickness of inner circumferential sidewall 64 may be maintained by extending a full wall thickness outward. In such an embodiment, the outward protrusion 130R may be about the same as the radial inward distance RC of arcuate cutout 130.
[0055] Attention is directed to FIG. 24 (as well as FIGS. 13, 14, and 17), where it may be appreciated that in an embodiment, the first prong 90 and the second prong 92 each have an arcuate radial outward surface 90S and 92S, respectively. The first prong 90 and the second prong 92 are each sized and shaped for insertion into the downwardly extending annular cylinder 62 having a selected length L. The first prong 90 and the second prong 92 are each configured for and manufactured with a flexible plastic material and that provides outwardly biased engagement against the inner circumferential sidewall 64 of the downwardly extending annular cylinder 62. In an embodiment, the first prong 90 and the second prong 92 each further include, on their respective radially outward surface 90S and 92S, an additionally extending protruding positioner, 90P and 92P, respectively. Each protruding positioner (90P, 92P) are sized and shaped for manually rotatable friction fit within and between the arcuate cutouts 130. Thus, the first prong 90 and the second prong 92 are configured for manually rotatable engagement with respect to the inner circumferential sidewall 64 of the annular cylinder 62. In an embodiment, each of the protruding positioners 90P and 92P has a most radially outward sidewall surface, 90PX and 92PX, respectively. Prongs 90 and 92 may be configured so that the most radially outward sidewall surface 90PX and 92PX extends radially outward from the outward surface 90S and 92S of the respective first prong 90 and the second prong 92 for a distance of RP. In an embodiment, the distance RP is from more than zero (0.0) to about zero point four one three (0.413) millimeters. In an embodiment, the distance RP is about zero point four one three (0.413) millimeters. More generally, the most radially outward sidewall surface 90PX and 92PX extends radially outward from the outward surface 90S of the first prong 90 and of the second prong 92 for a distance of RP, and in such instance, the distance RC note above is greater than the distance RP. Additionally, the first prong 90 and the second prong 92 each may include a lower portion 90Y and 92Y, respectively, having an outwardly biased latch 90L and 92L, respectively. In an embodiment, the outwardly biased latches 90L and 92L are sized and shaped for rotatable latching attachment when engaged with the annular cylinder 62. In an embodiment, the downwardly extending annular cylinder 62 has a distal end 140, and in such an embodiment, the latches 90L and 92L are sized and shaped for latching engagement with the distal end 140. T In an embodiment, the arcuate cutouts 130 provide detents, and protruding positioners 90P and 92P provide locating surfaces, so that by together the detents provided by the arcuate cutouts 130 and the protruding positioners 90P and 92P establish a registration system that provides haptic snap action of the lid 30 between the first fluid communication relationship where a beverage may be consumed, and the second, closed configuration, where a spill resistant lid 30 position is provided.
[0056] As seen in FIG. 21, and also in FIGS. 4, 6, and 8) the lower engaging surface 68 of the upper section 46 may further include a pair of spacing bumps 150. In an embodiment, spacing bumps may be located radially outward from the first prong 90 and from the second prong 92. The spacing bumps 150 are configured to slightly space apart by a bump height BH the lower section 44 from the upper section 46 when the lid 30 is moved between the first, fluid communication relationship and the second, closed configuration. In an embodiment, the distance BH may be in the range of more than zero (0.0) to about zero point five (0.5) millimeters. In an embodiment, the distance BH may be about zero point five (0.5) millimeters.
[0057] In an embodiment, the upper engaging surface of the lower section further comprises a plurality of bump seats 65 spaced apart adjacent an upper end 64U of the inner circumferential sidewall 64 of the annular cylinder 62. The bump seats 65 are recessed into the upper engaging surface by a distance BY. Each of the bump seats 65 are sized and shaped to receive therein one of the spacing bumps 150. In an embodiment the distance BY may be approximately the same as distance BH. In an embodiment, the distance BY may be slightly larger than the distance BH. In an embodiment, the distance BY may be slightly smaller than distance BH. In such an embodiment, the distance BY may be in the range from more than zero (0.0) to about zero point four four seven (0.447) millimeters. In an embodiment, the distance BY may be above zero point four four seven (0.447) millimeters. Importantly, the haptic snap action of the aforementioned registration system is enhanced by haptic snap fit of spacing bumps 150 in bump seats 65 when the lid 30 is rotated between the first, fluid communication relationship and the second, closed configuration.
[0058] For cleaning of the lid 30, attention is directed to FIGS. 4, 5, and 20. The first prong 90 and the second prong 92 each may further include a manually engageable pinch surface 90N and 92N, respectively. By using the pinch surfaces 90N and 92N, the first 90 and second 92 prongs may be urged radially inward, for disengagement from the annular cylinder 62, so that the upper section 46 and the lower section 44 are separable. In an embodiment, the pinch surfaces 90N and 92N may be provided with a concave portion, 90C and 90C, which is configured to receive a digit 160 (see FIG. 20) of a user, for secure engagement with prongs 90 and 92 while urging the first 90 and second prongs 92 radially inward, to facilitate separation of the upper section 46 from the lower section 44.
[0059] In the foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details have been set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed exemplary embodiments for the design of a drink-through lid with a clean, device free upper cap surface, while still allowing the lid to be opened and closed repeatedly during use. However, certain of the described details may not be required in order to provide useful embodiments, or to practice selected or other disclosed embodiments. Further, for descriptive purposes, various relative terms may be used. Terms that are relative only to a point of reference are not meant to be interpreted as absolute limitations, but are instead included in the foregoing description to facilitate understanding of the various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. And, various actions or activities in any method described herein may have been described as multiple discrete activities, in turn, in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the present invention. However, the order of description should not be construed as to imply that such activities are necessarily order dependent. In particular, certain operations may not necessarily need to be performed precisely in the order of presentation. And, in different embodiments of the invention, one or more activities may be performed simultaneously, or eliminated in part or in whole while other activities may be added. Also, the reader will note that the phrase in an embodiment or in one embodiment has been used repeatedly. This phrase generally does not refer to the same embodiment; however, it may. The terms comprising, having and including should be considered synonymous, and open ended, and thus should be interpreted to mean including, but not limited to, unless the context expressly dictates otherwise. Finally, a reference to an element by the indefinite article a does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless context clearly requires that there only be one of the elements.
[0060] From the foregoing, it can be understood by persons skilled in the art that a novel beverage container lid for use with a beverage container having cylindrical upper interior walls has been described herein. Although only certain specific embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, there is no intent to limit this invention by these embodiments. Rather, the invention is to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents when taken in combination with the description.
[0061] Importantly, the aspects and embodiments described and claimed herein may be modified from those shown without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages provided, and may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. More generally, drink-through lid designs with structure designs, whether or not including a similarly shaped rim to form a drink well, or different height upper sections and lower sections, may be configured using the teachings hereof, and are thus intended to be included with the breadth of appropriate claims as set forth below. Therefore, the embodiments presented herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive or limiting. As such, this disclosure is intended to cover the structures described herein and not only structural equivalents thereof, but also equivalent structures.
[0062] Numerous modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, the protection afforded to this invention should be limited only by the claims set forth herein, and the legal equivalents thereof.
