Abstract
The present invention is about a hinge mechanism, for a lid assembly for a container, comprising: a first mounting structure with a first profile on a main lid member of said lid assembly; a coupler having a first end and an opposing second end, said first end being engaged with said first mounting structure and being provided with a second profile operably coupling to said first profile of said first mounting structure, said coupler being configured to operably move reciprocally towards and away from said first mounting structure; and a first lid movably connecting to said main lid member to move between a first position covering a passage on said main lid member fluidically communicable with the interior of said container and a second position uncovering said passage, and operably connecting to said coupler, and characterized in that, when said first lid being at said first position and said second position, said first mounting structure and said first end of said coupler coupling with each other due to the coupling between said first profile and said second profile; and during the movement of said first lid, said coupler moving axially away from said first mounting structure due to the decoupling of said first profile and said second profile.
Claims
1. A hinge mechanism, for a lid assembly for a container, comprising: a first mounting structure with a first profile on a main lid member of said lid assembly; a coupler having a first end and an opposing second end, said first end being engaged with said first mounting structure and being provided with a second profile operably coupling to said first profile of said first mounting structure, said coupler being configured to operably move reciprocally towards and away from said first mounting structure; and a first lid movably connecting to said main lid member to move between a first position covering a passage on said main lid member fluidically communicable with the interior of said container and a second position uncovering said passage, and operably connecting to said coupler, and characterized in that, when said first lid being at said first position and said second position, said first mounting structure and said first end of said coupler coupling with each other due to the coupling between said first profile and said second profile; and during the movement of said first lid, said coupler moving axially away from said first mounting structure due to the decoupling of said first profile and said second profile.
2. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, said coupler being resilient, whereby said coupler being configured to operably move reciprocally towards and away from said first mounting structure.
3. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, said coupler comprising: a sleeve having a first end having said first profile, and an opposing second end; and a first resilient member engaging with said second end of said sleeve; and whereby said coupler being configured to operably move reciprocally towards and away from said first mounting structure.
4. The hinge mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, said sleeve having a second end with a hollow structure to receive said first resilient member, and the interior of said hollow structure of said sleeve being provided with a stopper portion to limit the movement of said first resilient member.
5. The hinge mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, said first lid having a first end having a hollow structure to receive said first resilient member and said sleeve, and a stopper portion to limit the movement of said first resilient member; and a second end movably connecting to said main lid member.
6. The hinge mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, said first resilient member having: a first end engaging with said sleeve and a second end engaging with said first lid.
7. The hinge mechanism according to claim 6, further comprising: a first engagement member, provided to the interior of said hollow structure of said first lid; and a second engagement member, provided to the exterior of said sleeve; and wherein said first engagement member engaging with said second engagement member, such that said the movement of said first lid controlling the movement of said sleeve.
8. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, said hinge mechanism being a multi-angle locking hinge mechanism.
9. The hinge mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, said hinge mechanism being a two-angle locking hinge mechanism or a bistable hinge mechanism.
10. The hinge mechanism according to claim 9, further comprising: a first actuating structure, preferably a cam structure, provided to said first lid; an aperture on said main lid member; and a valve arranged in said aperture; and wherein when said first lid moving from its said first position to said second position, said first actuating structure acting against said valve for releasing the internal pressure of said container.
11. The hinge mechanism according to claim 10, characterized in that, said first actuating structure positioned at said second end of said first lid.
12. A lid assembly, for a container, comprising: a lid mechanism as claimed in claim 1; a second mounting structure and a through-hole and a second resilient member, provided to the main lid member of said lid assembly; a first actuating structure, preferably a cam structure provided to said first lid; a plate having a first portion and a second portion, movably connecting to said second mounting structure, wherein said second resilient member arranged to sandwich said first portion of said plate between said first actuating structure and said second resilient member, wherein in the movement of said first lid from its said first position to said second position, said first actuating structure pushing said first portion of said plate downwards and biasing said second resilient member; a bracket removably connecting to said main lid member, having at least one standing wall with a third engagement member; a sliding member movably connecting to said third engagement member of said bracket to move between a first position and a second position; a button, with a third resilient member, reciprocally movable inside said through-hole of said main lid member between a first position disengaging with said sliding member and a second position engaging with said sliding member; a sealing structure, movably connecting to said standing wall of said bracket such that said sealing structure movable between a first position closing said passage of said main lid member and a second position opening said passage of said main lid member; a biasing member, operably connected to said sealing structure, such that said biasing member being biased during the movement of said sealing structure from its said first position to said second position, wherein the movement of said button from its said first position to said second position biasing said third resilient member and actuating said sliding member to move from its said first position to said second position thus actuating said sealing structure to move from its said first position to said second position; and characterized in that, before said first lid being positioned at its second position, said second portion of said plate preventing said button from movement; and said button being movable after said first lid being positioned at its second position.
13. The lid assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, the angle between said first position and said second position of said first lid being exceed 90 degrees.
14. The lid assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, said bracket having two opposite standing walls, and/or said third engagement member of said bracket being a groove.
15. The lid assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, said sliding member being configured to provide a wing received in said groove of said bracket.
16. The lid assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, said button comprising a shaft; and said sliding member comprising a stopper portion for limiting the movement of said shaft of said button; and wherein the movement from their respective said first position to said second position of said button and said sliding member being synchronized.
17. The lid assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that, the movement of said button from its said second position to said first position being realized by relaxation of the biased third resilient member.
18. The lid assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, the movement of said sliding member from its said second position to said first position being realized by relaxation of the biased biasing member; and/or the movement of said sealing structure from its said second position to said first position being realized by relaxation of the biased biasing member.
19. The lid assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, said main lid member further comprising an aperture fluidically communicable with the interior of said container.
20. The lid assembly accordingly to claim 19, characterized in that, said second resilient member being a valve positioned in said aperture of said main lid member.
Description
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be explained, with reference to the accompanied drawings, in which:-
[0035] FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of a lid assembly of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the lid assembly of the present invention;
[0037] FIGS. 3A-3F are different views of a main body of the lid assembly of the present invention;
[0038] FIGS. 4A-4F are different views of a first lid of the lid assembly of the present invention;
[0039] FIGS. 5A-5E are different views of a sleeve of the lid assembly of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 6A shows the assembling of the sleeve and a first resilient member to the main body;
[0041] FIG. 6B shows a second profile of the sleeve when the first lid is at its first position;
[0042] FIG. 6C shows the second profile of the sleeve when the first lid is at its second position;
[0043] FIGS. 7A and 7B are different views of a valve, with a second resilient member, of the present invention;
[0044] FIGS. 8A-8C shows the opening of the first lid from its first position to its second position;
[0045] FIGS. 9A-9F are different views of a button of the present invention;
[0046] FIGS. 10A-10C are different views of a plate of the lid assembly of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 11 shows the assembling of the plate to the main body;
[0048] FIGS. 12A-12F are different views of a bracket of the present invention;
[0049] FIGS. 13A-13F are different views of a sliding member of the present invention;
[0050] FIGS. 14A-14B are different views of a connector of the present invention;
[0051] FIGS. 15A-15B show the sliding member of the present invention is at its first position;
[0052] FIGS. 15C-15D show the sliding member of the present invention is at its second position; and
[0053] FIG. 16 shows the button is at its second position;
[0054] FIGS. 17A-17B are different views of a base member of the present invention;
[0055] FIGS. 18A-18C are different views of an adapter of the present invention;
[0056] FIG. 19A-19B are different views of a fastener of the present invention;
[0057] FIGS. 20A-20C shows the fastening between the fastener, the adapter, the base member, and the bracket.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0058] The present invention is now presented by way of examples with reference to the figures in the following paragraphs. Objects, features, and aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in or are apparent from the following description. It shall be understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art that the following description is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure, which broader aspects are embodied in the exemplary constructions.
[0059] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the embodiments of the present invention shall have the usual meanings understood by person with ordinary skills in the art to which the present invention belongs. First, second and similar expression used in the embodiments of the present invention do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Front, rear, left, right, upper, and lower and other terms indicating orientation or similar terms are only described for the exemplary relative positional relationship shown in the drawings to facilitate the understanding. It does not limit the disclosed components in the present invention can only follow this specific relative positional relationship. Connect or the like, mount or the like or secure or the like or assemble or the like is not limited to physical or mechanical connections, whether direct or indirect.
[0060] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate a lid assembly 100 for a container. The container has a top opening; however, for clarity's sake it is not shown in the figures. The lid assembly 100 can be configured to connect to the container 100 for removably covering the top opening. The container is used to contain or store contents such as beverage and may be of any type known liquid in the art.
[0061] FIG. 2 is an exploded lid assembly 100. The lid assembly 100 comprises a main body 102, a plate 104, a first axle 105, a first lid 106, a second lid 107, a sleeve 108, a first resilient member 110, a second resilient member 111, a valve 112, a button 114, a third resilient member 115A, a first seal 115B, a second seal 115C, a sliding member 116, a bracket 118, a connector 120, a seal 122, a second axle 124, a biasing member 126, a base member 130, a seal 140, an adapter 150, and a fastener 160.
[0062] FIGS. 3A to 3F illustrate different views of the main body 102 of the lid assembly according to the present invention. The main body 102 is configured to provide a passage 102A that is fluidically communicable with the interior of the container, a through-hole 102E for receiving the button 114, and a recessed area that is advantageously sized to accommodate the plate 104. Within the recessed area, there is an aperture 102B for receiving the valve 112. Additionally, a pair of first mounting structures-namely, a first member 102C-1 and a second member 102C-2are provided to enable a rotational connection between the main body 102 and the first lid 106. A pair of second mounting structures, comprising a first member 102D-1 and a second member 102D-2, are also included to enable a rotational connection between the main body 102 and the plate 104. The first member 102C-1 of the first mounting structures is shaped as a hemisphere and includes an internal ridge 102C-1A. Although the ridge 102C-1A is shown in a vertical orientation in the figures, this should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention, as the ridge may instead be positioned horizontally or at any other angle within the hemisphere. Opposite the first member 102C-1 is the second member 102C-2 of the first mounting structures. The second member 102C-2 also has a hemispherical shape and is configured to enable a rotational connection, for example, between the main body 102 and the first lid 106. In some embodiments, a ridge may also be provided inside this hemisphere, similar to the ridge 102C-1A of the first member. Advantageously, the rotational connection between the first mounting structures and the first lid 106 allows the first lid 106 to move between a first position, in which it covers the passage 102A, and a second position, in which it disengages from the main body 102, thereby leaving the passage 102A exposed. The interior of the main body 102 may be provided with threads that can engage with other threads that may be provided on the container, such that the main body 102 can be removably mounted to the container.
[0063] FIGS. 4A-4F are different views of the first lid 106. The first lid 106 is designed to provide a first end 106A for connecting to the first member 102C-1 of the first mounting structures of the main body 102, and to provide an actuating structure 106B, such as a cam structure, adjacent to said first end 106A. The first lid 106 is also provided with a second end 106C, which is opposite to the first end 106A. The second end 106C is configured to have a hollow structure inside which is an engagement member 106D, for example, a ridge along the length direction from the second end 106C to the first end 106A. Inside the hollow structure of the first lid 106, there is a stopper portion 106E, which is used for limiting the movement of the first resilient member 110 when the first resilient member 110 is received in the hollow structure of the first lid 106. In some embodiments, the engagement member 106D is just partially extended along the length direction from the second end 106C to the first end 106A, as shown in FIG. 4E. In some embodiments, the engagement member 106D can be a groove. In some embodiments, the first end 106A is mounted at the second member 102C-2 of the first mounting structures, while the second end 106C is mounted at the first member 102C-1 of the first mounting structures, such that the first lid 106 can be movable between a first position covering the passage 102A and a second position uncovering said passage 102A.
[0064] FIGS. 5A-5E are different views of the sleeve 108. The sleeve 108 has a first end 108A and an opposing second end 108B. Along the outer circumferential wall of the sleeve 108, there is an engagement member 108C, which can engage with the engagement member 106D of the first lid 106 such that the movement of the first lid 106 can operably rotate the sleeve 108 between the first mounting structures. When the first lid 106, at its first position, undergoes a rotation to its second position, the sleeve 108, at its first position, will be followed to rotate to its second position accordingly. The engagement member 108C can be a groove along the length of the sleeve 108 on the outer circumferential wall of the sleeve 108. In some embodiments, the engagement member 108C can be a ridge. FIG. 5D shows the view of the sleeve 108 when the sleeve 108 in FIG. 5A is viewed. The sleeve 108 in FIG. 5A is in its first orientation; the first end 108A resembles a V-shape, as shown in FIG. 5D. The V-shape of the first end 108A can receive the ridge 102C-1A of the first member 102C-1 of the first mounting structures in FIG. 3A. FIG. 5E shows the view of the sleeve 108 when the sleeve 108 in FIG. 5B is viewed. The sleeve 108 in FIG. 5B is in another orientation orthogonal to the first orientation (the intermediate during the movement of the first lid from its first position to its second position, or vice versa); the first end 108A resembles an outwardly protruding triangular shape, as shown in FIG. 5E. When the vertex of the triangular shape meets the ridge 102C-1A of the first member 102C-1 of the first mounting structures in FIG. 3A, the vertex of the triangle will slip over the ridge 102C-1A easily, and then subsequently, the slope of the triangle will gradually slip over the ridge 102C-1A as the sleeve 108 keeps further rotation. Advantageously, the slope of the triangle can be slightly curved inwards from the vertex to the bottom of the triangular shape to facilitate the sliding.
[0065] FIG. 6A illustrates the assembly of the sleeve 108 and the first resilient member 110 with the main body 102. The first resilient member 110 is designed to be received within the hollow structure located at the second end 108B of the sleeve 108. To enhance functionality, the interior of this hollow structure includes a stopper portion 108D. This stopper portion acts to limit the movement of the first resilient member 110 once it has been inserted into the sleeve, thereby ensuring controlled positioning and reliable operation within the assembly. FIG. 6B depicts the orientation of the sleeve 108 when the first lid is in its first position, whereas FIG. 6C shows the orientation of the sleeve 108 when the first lid is in its second position. The key distinction between these two orientations is the placement of the engagement member 108C, which is circumferentially displaced by 180 degrees between the two states. Despite this rotational difference, the profile of the first end 108A of the sleeve 108 engages with the ridge 102C-1A of the first member 102C-1 in both positions, as illustrated in FIG. 3A. This consistent engagement demonstrates that, regardless of whether the first lid is in the first or second position, the profile of the first member 102C-1 of the first mounting structures remains coupled with the first end 108A of the sleeve 108, in accordance with the earlier description.
[0066] As outlined above, it is understood that the first resilient member 110 is fittingly received within the hollow structures of both the first lid 106 and the sleeve 108. During movement of the first lid 106 from its first position to its second position, or vice versa, the outwardly protruding triangular shape of the sleeve 108as illustrated in FIG. 5B interacts with the ridge 102C-1A of the first member 102C-1. When their profiles do not match, this interaction pushes the sleeve 108 axially away from the first mounting structure, i.e., the first member 102C01 of the first mounting structures, thereby compressing or biasing the first resilient member 110. As the rotation of the first lid 106 continues and eventually reaches either the first or second position, the profiles of the first end 108A of the sleeve and the ridge 102C-1A realign and couple once more. This re-engagement allows the previously biased resilient member to return to its relaxed state, thus pushing the sleeve 108 back toward the first member 102C-1 of the mounting structures. From the above explanation, it becomes clear that the interaction between the first member of the first mounting structures, the sleeve, and the first lid defines a unique hinge mechanism. Owing to the specially designed profiles of the first end 108A and the ridge 102C-1A, this hinge mechanism can be characterized as a two-angle locking hinge mechanism, or more broadly, a bistable hinge mechanism. Moreover, due to the profile geometry of the first end 108A of the sleeve 108, the mechanism may also function as a multi-angle locking hinge. Notably, once the user initiates rotation of the first lid 106 from one position to the other, the design facilitates automatic transition between the positions without the need for additional force or user intervention. In some embodiments, the second member 102C-2 of the first mounting structures may be configured in the same manner as the first member 102C-1, enabling symmetrical functionality. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the combination of the sleeve 108 and the first resilient member 110 may be replaced by a coupler that exhibits the same characteristics. For instance, such a coupler could be substantially similar to the sleeve 108 described above, but formed from a resilient material, thereby integrating the mechanical and elastic functionalities into a single component.
[0067] FIGS. 7A and 7B show different views of valve 112, which includes a second resilient member 111. The valve 112 is positioned within aperture 102B of the main body 102. It functions to release pressure from the interior of the container. Advantageously, the second resilient member 111such as a springis sleeved around the shaft portion of valve 112, as shown in the figures, enhancing the axial movement of shaft 110.
[0068] FIGS. 8A-8C show the opening of the first lid from its first position to its second position, thereby exposing the passage 102A. As seen, the actuating structure 106B has a D-shaped profile, with one truncated flat portion and one circular portion. When the first lid 106 is in its first position, the truncated flat portion of the actuating structure 106B does not act upon the upper portion of valve 112. As the first lid 106 rotates from its first position to its second position, the circular portion of the actuating structure 106B begins to engage the upper portion of the valve 112. As a result, the lower portion of the valve flexes, exposing aperture 102B of the main body 102. When the first lid 106 rotates back from its second position to its first position, the actuating structure 106B disengages, allowing the valve 112 to relax. The resilient member 111 then helps the valve 112 return to its original position. In some embodiments, for simple design, the valve 112 can be simply and directly replaced with a resilient member and it is not necessary to be positioned in the aperture 102B of the main body 102. This replacement does not affect the operation of the hinge mechanism as described above.
[0069] FIGS. 9A-9F show different views of the button 114. The button 114 is designed with a plate 114A and a shaft 114B connected to the plate 114A. Advantageously, the diameter of the shaft 114B is sized to fit into the through-hole 102E of the main body 102. Preferably, the length of the shaft 114B is greater than the depth of the through-hole 102E, meaning that a portion of the shaft 114B extends beyond the through-hole when fully inserted. To facilitate the movement of the shaft 114B into and out of the through-hole 102E, a resilient member 115A, as shown in FIG. 2, may be provided during the assembly of the button 114. Advantageously, seals 115B and 115C, also shown in FIG. 2, are included in the assembly to ensure proper sealing. Along the length of the shaft 114B, two recesses-namely, recess 114C and recess 114Dare provided to receive seals 115C and 115B, respectively.
[0070] FIGS. 10A-10C show different views of the plate 104. The plate 104 has a zig-zag shape, comprising a first portion 104A and an adjacent second portion 104B. For clarity, line D in FIG. 10A illustrates the separation between the first portion 104A and the second portion 104B. In this specification, the terms first portion of the plate and second portion of the plate refer to the opposite sides of the plate that move in opposite directions during rotation about a rotational connection. For example, when the first portion of the plate moves downward, the second portion moves upward. More specifically, the first portion of the plate moves downward means that it is positioned lower than the second portion. Along line D, the plate 104 is configured with a pair of holes 104D to enable rotational connectione.g., via an axle 105, the holes 104D, and the second mounting structures 102D. Advantageously, the second mounting structures 102D may be grooves designed to receive the axle 105, which passes through the holes 104D. Additionally, the bottom side of the first portion 104A of the plate 104 is provided with a protrusion 104C. This protrusion is sized and shaped to interact with a resilient member positioned within the protrusion 102F, located in a recessed area of the main body. This configuration facilitates the rotation of the plate 104 about the axle 105.
[0071] FIG. 11 shows the assembly of plate 104 into the recessed area of main body 102. As seen, the first portion 104A of plate 104 is positioned closer to the connection between main body 102 and first lid 106 than the second portion 104B, while second portion 104B is located closer to button 114 than first portion 104A. As shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, plate 104 is sandwiched between the first actuating structure of first lid 106 and valve 112 or its alternative. Referring back to FIGS. 8A-8C, it can be seen that, before the first portion 104A of the plate is biased downward, the second portion 104B prevents button 114 from being pushed.
[0072] FIGS. 12A-12F show different views of bracket 118. Bracket 118 comprises a base plate 118Apreferably a perforated base plateand at least one standing wall 118B extending upward from base plate 118A. Advantageously, bracket 118 includes two standing walls 118B. Together with base plate 118A, the two standing walls 118B define a receptacle sized to accommodate sliding member 116. Each standing wall 118B is provided with a protrusion 118C at its upper portion, an engagement member 118D (such as a groove) at its lower portion, and an aperture 118E adjacent to groove 118D.
[0073] FIGS. 13A-13F show various views of the sliding member 116. The sliding member 116 comprises a base plate 116A, preferably a perforated base plate, and at least one standing member 116B extending upward from the base plate 116A and located adjacent to its edge, thereby defining a wing member 116D. The wing 116D is dimensioned to fit within the groove 118D of the bracket 118, allowing it to slide within the groove 118D. The sliding member 116 further includes a stopper plate 116C extending upward from the base plate 116A. Advantageously, the sliding member 116 includes two standing members 116B, with the stopper plate 116C positioned between them.
[0074] FIGS. 14A-14B are different views of the connector 120. The connector 120 resembles a horse shoe having a pole 120A connecting the two open ends 120B of the connector 120 and a front portion 120C profiled with a plurality of apertures to receive the seal 122. Each of the two open ends 120B is provided with an aperture 120D for receiving a corresponding protrusion 118C of the bracket 118.
[0075] FIGS. 15A-15D illustrate the assembly of the bracket 118, sliding member 116, button 114, third resilient member 115A, connector 120, seal 122, and biasing member 126. In FIGS. 15A-15B, the sliding member 116 is shown in its first position, while in FIGS. 15C-15D, it is in its second position. It can be understood that when a user pushes the button 114 from its first position to its second position, this action causes the sliding member 116 to move correspondingly from its first position to its second position. During this movement, the distal end of the shaft 114B remains engaged with the stopper plate 116C. The upper side, or distal side, of the standing wall 116B is slanted to operably control the movement of the connector 120, as shown in FIGS. 15B and 15D. In this specification, the term upper side or distal side of the standing wall refers to the side of the standing wall that faces away from the base plate 116A. As shown in the figures, when the sliding member 116 is gradually pushed inward from the first position to the second position, the upper side of the standing wall 116B is positioned higher relative to the open ends 120B of the connector 120. Therefore, as the sliding member 116 moves inward, the interaction between the standing wall 116B and the open ends 120B of the connector 120 increases, thereby pushing the connector 120 to rotate downward about the connection between the apertures 120D and the protrusions 118C of the bracket 118, as illustrated in FIGS. 15C and 15D.
[0076] FIG. 16 shows the sliding member 116 and the button 114 in their second positions. Due to the downward position of the connector 120, it biases the biasing member 126, which is mounted inside the bracket 118. The biasing member 126 may be, for example, a torsion spring with a series of helical coils, and can be mounted inside the bracket 118 by passing an axle 124 through the apertures 118E and through the helical coils of the torsion spring. When the user releases the button 114, the compressed third resilient member 115A relaxes and pushes the button 114 back from its second position to its first position. At this moment, the button 114 is no longer engaged with the stopper plate 116C of the sliding member 116. The previously biased biasing member 126 then relaxes, pushing the connector 120 to return from its second position to its first position. As a result, the open ends 120B of the connector 120 interact with the upper side of the standing wall 116B, thereby pushing the sliding member 116 back from the second position to the first position. The assembly of the button 114 with the third resilient member, the sliding member 116, the bucket 118, biasing member 126, the connector 120 defines an actuation mechanism for the present invention, allowing a user to control the opening and closing of the passage 102A. The assembly of the button 114 with the third resilient member 115A, the sliding member 116, the bracket 118, the biasing member 126, and the connector 120 defines an actuation mechanism for the present invention, which allows a user to control the opening and closing of the passage 102A.
[0077] FIGS. 17A-17B show different views of base member 130. Base member 130 has a ring structure, with its internal circumference featuring a stage 130A. The circumferential wall above stage 130A defines the upper portion of base member 130, while the circumferential wall below stage 130A defines the lower portion. Stage 130A, together with the upper portion of the circumferential wall, defines a receiving cavity for bracket 118, as shown in FIG. 20A. The interior surface of the lower portion of base member 130 is provided with threads 130B. FIGS. 18A-18C show different views of adapter 150. Adapter 150 also has a ring structure and is designed to be smaller than base member 130, such that it can be received within the cavity of base member 130. The outer circumference of the upper portion of adapter 150 is provided with threads 150A, which are configured to engage with threads 130B of base member 130. This allows adapter 150 to be removably attached to base member 130. At the lower portionpreferably at the bottomadapter 150 includes a pair of hooks 150B extending downward. FIGS. 19A-19B depict different views of fastener 160, which features a central hollow channel that allows the legs 118F (see FIG. 12) of bracket 118 to pass through. Fastener 160 is sized and shaped to fit within, and rotate inside, the cavity of adapter 150, which is defined by the circumferential wall and a stopper portion 150C. Fastener 160 is provided with at least one protrusion 160A. When protrusion 160A engages with hooks 150B, fastener 160 is prevented from further rotation, thereby maintaining the position shown in FIG. 20B. It can be understood that the assembly in FIG. 20B is secured, as legs 118F have outward-extending steps. When legs 118F of bracket 118 pass through the central hollow channel of fastener 160, fastener 160 and bracket 118 are fastened together via a snap-fit connection. Preferably, legs 118F are resilient and can be compressed inward and then return to their original positions. By rotating fastener 160 in the opposite direction, the engagement between protrusion 160A and hooks 150B can be released, allowing fastener 160 to be removed from adapter 150, as shown in FIG. 20C.
[0078] It shall be understood that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the content of separate embodiments, may be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the content of a single embodiment, may be provided separately or in any appropriate sub-combinations. Also, a skilled person in the art would be aware of the prior art which is not explained in the above for brevity purpose. It is to be noted that certain features of the embodiments are illustrated by way of non-limiting examples. For example, the size and shape and position of the disclosed components can be adaptively changed to cater different users' need. The disclosed components are all examples to illustrate the present invention only and shall not construe as limiting to the scope of protection. Those skilled in the art could adjust and/or modify these components according to actual needs, and variations therefrom also fall into the scope of the present invention. For example, a protrusion in embodiments can be modify into a recess, or vice versa; for manufacturing purpose, the main body and/or the base member and/or the adapter in the disclosed invention can be made integrally as one piece as a main lid member.
