DRINKING CONTAINER AND LID

Abstract

A lid for use with a drinking container including a vessel having an internal space to hold a base liquid and an opening to the internal space. The lid has a body with an engagement portion configured to engage with the drinking container at the opening to close the opening, and defines a flowpath from an inlet configured to receive the base liquid from the internal space and an outlet, e.g., so a user can drink the base liquid from the vessel by way of the flowpath. The flowpath can include a cavity configured to receive a cartridge to treat the base liquid that is inserted into the cavity via the outlet, e.g., the cartridge can include an additive such as a flavoring for mixing with the base liquid. The flowpath and cartridge can accommodate drinking from the vessel in an upright position, e.g., such that the inlet of the flowpath is below the outlet. An adjustable length portion may define the inlet of the flowpath and may accommodate differently sized vessels.

Claims

1. A lid for use with a drinking container including a vessel having an internal space to hold a base liquid and an opening to the internal space, the lid comprising: a body having an engagement portion configured to engage with the drinking container at the opening to close the opening, and defining a flowpath from an inlet configured to receive the base liquid from the internal space and an outlet for communicating with an area outside of the internal space, the flowpath being free of any one-way valve from the inlet to the outlet and being entirely closed from the inlet to the outlet, the flowpath including a cavity configured to receive a cartridge to treat the base liquid that is inserted into the cavity via the outlet.

2. The lid of claim 1, wherein the body includes a wall that extends downwardly from the outlet and defines the cavity, the cavity having a cross sectional area that is larger than a cross sectional area of portions of the flowpath between the cavity and the inlet.

3. The lid of claim 1, wherein the outlet is on an upper side of the lid, and wherein the outlet and the cavity are configured to receive the cartridge by inserting the cartridge through the outlet and into the cavity.

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. The lid of claim 3, wherein the flowpath includes a straw that extends downwardly from a bottom of the cavity.

7. (canceled)

8. The lid of claim 1, wherein the engagement portion is configured to engage with the vessel at the opening by rotation of the lid relative to the vessel about an engagement axis, and the cavity extends from the lid along a cartridge axis that is transverse to the engagement axis.

9. The lid of claim 8, wherein a centerline of the flowpath extends along the cartridge axis.

10. The lid of claim 9, further comprising the cartridge which is configured to engage with a portion of the lid at the outlet by rotation of the cartridge about the cartridge axis.

11. The lid of claim 1, further comprising the cartridge which is configured to be received in the cavity via the outlet, the cartridge and the cavity being configured such that the base liquid received into the cavity surrounds an outer surface of the cartridge.

12. (canceled)

13. The lid of claim 1, further comprising the cartridge including a one-way valve in a cartridge flowpath of the cartridge, the cartridge and the lid being configured such that the one-way valve of the cartridge prevents flow of base liquid along the flowpath in a direction from the outlet to the inlet of the flowpath.

14.-16. (canceled)

17. The lid of claim 1, further comprising the cartridge including an additive reservoir holding an additive to be mixed with the base liquid and a mixing chamber configured to mix the additive with the base liquid, the mixing chamber being configured above the additive reservoir with the inlet of the flowpath positioned below the outlet.

18. (canceled)

19. The lid of claim 1, further comprising the cartridge including an additive reservoir holding an additive to be mixed with the base liquid, wherein the cartridge is configured to open a path for additive to exit the additive reservoir without puncturing any portion of the additive reservoir.

20. The lid of claim 1, wherein the flowpath includes an adjustable length portion that defines the inlet at a first end and is fluidly coupled to the cavity at a second end.

21. A lid for use with a drinking container including a vessel having an internal space to hold a base liquid and an opening to the internal space, the lid comprising: a body having an engagement portion configured to engage with the drinking container at the opening to close the opening, and defining a flowpath from an inlet configured to receive the base liquid from the internal space and an outlet for communicating with an area outside of the internal space, the flowpath including a cavity extending from the outlet and configured to receive a cartridge to treat the base liquid that is inserted into the cavity via the outlet, and an adjustable length portion that defines the inlet at a first end and is fluidly coupled to the cavity at a second end.

22. The lid of claim 21, wherein the body includes a wall that extends downwardly from the outlet and defines the cavity, the cavity having a cross sectional area that is larger than a cross sectional area of the adjustable length portion.

23. The lid of claim 21, wherein the outlet and the cavity are configured to receive the cartridge by inserting the cartridge through the outlet and into the cavity.

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. The lid of claim 23, wherein the adjustable length portion includes at least two telescoping portions.

27. (canceled)

28. The lid of claim 21, wherein the engagement portion is configured to engage with the vessel at the opening by rotation of the lid relative to the vessel about an engagement axis, and the adjustable length portion extends along a flowpath axis that is transverse to the engagement axis.

29. The lid of claim 28, wherein a centerline of the flowpath extends along the flowpath axis.

30. The lid of claim 29, further comprising the cartridge which is configured to engage with a portion of the lid at the outlet by rotation of the cartridge about the flowpath axis.

31. The lid of claim 21, further comprising the cartridge which is configured to be received in the cavity via the outlet, the cartridge and the cavity being configured such that the base liquid received into the cavity surrounds an outer surface of the cartridge.

32. (canceled)

33. The lid of claim 21, further comprising the cartridge including a one-way valve in a cartridge flowpath of the cartridge, the cartridge and the lid being configured such that the one-way valve of the cartridge prevents flow of base liquid in the flowpath in a direction from the outlet to the inlet of the flowpath.

34.-36. (canceled)

37. The lid of claim 21, further comprising the cartridge including an additive reservoir holding an additive to be mixed with the base liquid and a mixing chamber configured to mix the additive with the base liquid, the mixing chamber being configured above the additive reservoir with the inlet of the flowpath positioned below the outlet.

38. The lid of claim 21, further comprising the cartridge including an additive reservoir holding an additive to be mixed with the base liquid, wherein the cavity is configured to receive the base liquid from the adjustable length portion only through a port at a bottom of the cavity and the cartridge is configured such that additive does not contact the cavity.

39. The lid of claim 21, further comprising the cartridge including an additive reservoir holding an additive to be mixed with the base liquid, wherein the cartridge is configured to open a path for additive to exit the additive reservoir without puncturing any portion of the additive reservoir.

40. The lid of claim 21, further comprising the vessel and the cartridge, wherein the cartridge includes a treated liquid outlet and the vessel, cartridge and lid are configured such that suction applied to the treated liquid outlet causes the base liquid to flow from the inlet to the treated liquid outlet.

41. A lid for use with a drinking container including a vessel having an internal space to hold a base liquid and an opening to the internal space, the lid comprising: a body having an engagement portion configured to engage with the drinking container at the opening to close the opening, a thumb pad on an upper surface of the lid configured for receiving a force to move the body relative to the vessel to engage the lid with the vessel, the body defining a flowpath from an inlet configured to receive the base liquid from the internal space and an outlet for communicating with an area outside of the internal space, the flowpath including a cavity extending from the outlet and configured to receive a cartridge to treat the base liquid that is inserted into the cavity via the outlet.

42. The lid of claim 41, further comprising a vent that extends through the thumb pad from an upper side of the lid body to a lower side of the lid body.

43. The lid of claim 42, wherein the vent includes a one-way valve.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Aspects of the invention are described with reference to various embodiments, and to the figures, which include:

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a drinking vessel having a lid in an illustrative embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the drinking vessel and lid of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view of the drinking vessel and lid along the line 3-3 in

[0022] FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the lid of the FIG. 1 embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the lid of the FIG. 1 embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 6 shows a close up, upper, front, left perspective view of the lid of the FIG. 1 embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 7 shows a close up, upper, rear, right perspective view of the lid of the FIG. 1 embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 8 shows a lower perspective view of the lid of the FIG. 1 embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 9 shows an upper perspective view of the lid of the FIG. 1 embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of a cartridge that is usable with a drinking vessel and lid in an illustrative embodiment; and

[0030] FIG. 11 shows a close-up cross-sectional view of a portion of the FIG. 10 cartridge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Inventive features are described below with reference to illustrative embodiments, but it should be understood that inventive features are not to be construed narrowly in view of the specific embodiments described. Thus, inventive features are not limited to the embodiments described herein. It should also be understood that various inventive features may be used alone and/or in any suitable combination with each other, and thus various embodiments should not be interpreted as requiring any particular combination or combinations of features.

[0032] Instead, one or more features of the embodiments described may be combined with any other suitable features of other embodiments. For example, some embodiments are described including features of an adjustable length portion that is part of a flowpath from an inlet to an outlet of a lid, a lid flowpath that includes no one-way valves or other flow control elements, a lid flowpath arranged at an angle relative to an engagement axis along which the lid is engageable with a vessel, and a thumbpad on the lid configured to receive force to move the lid relative to a vessel. These features may be used together as in the embodiments below, or independently of each other, e.g., a lid may include a flowpath with an adjustable length portion, but the flowpath may be parallel to an engagement axis and may include a one-way valve or other flow control element in the flowpath. As another example, a lid may include no thumbpad or adjustable length portion but include a flowpath with no one-way valve or flow control element. These are merely two examples, but those of skill will appreciate that any suitable combination of features described below may be employed to the extent such features are not mutually exclusive.

[0033] FIGS. 1-3 show drinking container 10 that includes a lid 1 and a vessel 5, e.g., that may be used to hold a drinkable liquid and to deliver the liquid to a user for drinking. The vessel 5 may be configured with an internal space 53 to hold a base liquid, such as water or any other drinking liquid, and an opening to access the internal space 53, e.g., at an upper end of the vessel 5 so base liquid can be provided into the internal space 53. The vessel 5 may be configured with any suitable features, such as one or more handles 51 to permit a user to hold and manipulate the vessel 5 by hand, a tapered or otherwise shaped bottom portion 52 (e.g., to permit the vessel 5 to be placed in a vehicle cup holder or other receptacle), a flexible wall or other portion to permit a user to squeeze the vessel 5 so as to reduce the volume of the internal space 53, and others. The vessel 5 may have any suitable size (e.g., height and/or width) and/or volume of the internal space 53, and may be configured to help keep a base liquid at a desired temperature and/or to reduce heat transfer between the base liquid in the internal space and an environment outside of the vessel. For example, the vessel 5 may have an insulated wall (e.g., a double wall container with a vacuum or otherwise low-pressure space between the walls), and/or an electronic heating and/or cooling element (such as an electrical resistance heating element, Peltier device, etc.).

[0034] A lid 1 may be configured to cooperate with a vessel 5 to close, or at least partially close, the opening of the vessel to the internal space 53 and may be configured for use with vessels 5 of multiple different types. Thus, a lid 1 may be configured to operate with one particular type of vessel 5 or with multiple different types of vessels 5. A lid 1 may be configured to operate as an adapter to permit a vessel 5 to be used with a cartridge 3 (see FIG. 2) for treating base liquid contained in the internal space 53. For example, such a cartridge 3 may be configured to provide an additive or other material that is combined with the base liquid in the vessel 5 for drinking. Although referred to as a lid, a lid 1 need not entirely close or seal a vessel opening to the internal space 53 and may be configured to operate with vessels 5 that have no cap or covering for the opening to the internal space 53, or that include a cap or covering that at least partially covers the opening to the internal space 53. For example, a vessel 5 may have no other cap or covering over an opening to the internal space 53 of the vessel 5, and a lid 1 may engage with a vessel 5 to function as the only cap or covering at the vessel opening. In other embodiments, the vessel 5 may include a cap or covering to at least partially close an opening of the vessel 5 to the internal space 53 and the lid 1 may cooperate with an opening of the cap or covering. Thus, reference herein is made to the lid 1 engaging with a vessel 5 at an opening to an internal space 53 of the vessel 5, and such reference is intended to include embodiments in which a vessel has no cap or covering at all and the lid 1 functions as the only cap or covering for the vessel 5 as well as embodiments in which the vessel has cap or covering (e.g., which can be opened or removed to gain access to the internal space) that engages with a lid 1. Thus, the lid 1 can function as an adapter in some cases, e.g., to permit a user to employ a cartridge 3 with a vessel 5 that otherwise may not normally be compatible with such use, e.g., because the cartridge 3 is not configured to engage with the vessel 5. The lid 1 can engage with a vessel 5 (including a vessel cap or cover) in any suitable way using an engagement portion 15, such as by a threaded connection, bayonet connection, friction fit (such as by frictionally engaging a gasket on the lid 1 with a portion of the vessel 5), a clamp, etc. The lid 1 may seal the internal space 53 closed, e.g., so that liquid in the internal space 53 does not exit if the vessel 5 is inverted with the lid 1 in place and/or so that air cannot enter the internal space 53, or the lid 1 may engage the vessel 5 without sealing the internal space 53 closed.

[0035] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the threaded connection may provide for left-handed and right-handed orientations of the lid 1 (and cartridge 3) relative to the vessel 5. The male threaded portion on the lid 1 may be a single spiral thread, for example, and the female threaded portion of the vessel 5 may have two entry points disposed 180 degrees from one another. When installation of the lid 1 is started at one rotational position relative to the vessel 5, the lid 1 will assume a left-handed orientation on the vessel 5 when fully seated, the cartridge spout 31 being located towards the user when the vessel handle 51 is grasped with the left hand. When installation of the lid 1 is started at a second rotational position relative to the vessel, the lid 1 will assume a right-handed orientation on the vessel when the lid 1 is fully seated, the cartridge spout 31 being located towards the user when the vessel handle 51 is grasped with the right hand. Indicia 30 such as R and L may be provided on the vessel near the lid with a corresponding alignment or indexing indicator 32, such as an arrowhead on the lid 1 to facilitate installation of the lid by the user in one of the two positions. Although FIGS. 1-3 show an arrangement in which the engagement portion 15 is configured as a male element to fit within or into an opening of the vessel 5, the engagement portion 15 may be configured as a female element configured to receive and engage with a corresponding portion of the vessel 5. Engagement of the lid 1 with the vessel 5 can form a fluid-tight seal, e.g., to prevent leakage of base liquid from the internal space 53, although this is not required.

[0036] A lid 1 may be configured to permit a user to drink base liquid from the vessel 5, e.g., with the vessel 5 in an upright or vertical orientation shown in FIGS. 1-3. In some cases, a lid 1 may include a flowpath 11 that extends from an inlet 12 (e.g., on a lower side of the lid) to an outlet 13 (e.g., on an upper side of the lid). In some embodiments, the flowpath 11 may be fixed relative to the lid 1, e.g., arranged at a fixed angle relative to the lid 1. The outlet 13 may be configured to be positioned outside of the internal space 53 of the vessel 5, e.g., on an upper side of the lid 1, and the inlet 12 may be configured to be positioned in the internal space 53 of the vessel, e.g., so the inlet 12 is positioned on a lower side of the lid 1. In some cases, the flowpath 11 may extend along a straight line from the inlet 12 to the outlet 13. In some cases, the inlet 12 may be configured to be submerged in base liquid in the vessel 5, e.g., so base liquid can be drawn into the flowpath 11 by suction applied at the outlet 13 and/or by pressure in the internal space 53. For example, a user may apply suction to the outlet 13 (i.e., by applying suction to a dispensing spout 31 of a cartridge secured to the outlet 13 of the lid 1) so as to cause liquid in the internal space 53 of the vessel 5 to flow into the inlet 12 and towards the outlet 13 of the lid 1. Thus, in some cases the flowpath 11 may be entirely closed or sealed in a fluid sense from the inlet 12 to the outlet 13, e.g., so the flowpath 11 can function as a type airtight, sealed flowpath with no openings between the inlet 12 and the outlet 13. In some embodiments, the flowpath 11 may be entirely free of any one-way valve (e.g., that prevents flow of base liquid in a direction from the outlet 13 to the inlet 12) or other flow control device (such as a controllable valve, etc.). Such an arrangement may permit for easier drinking through the flowpath 11, easier cleaning of the flowpath 11, and/or providing base liquid into the vessel 5 via the outlet 13. As an example, water may be provided into the outlet 13 of the flowpath 11 and flow into the internal space 53 via the inlet 12. The lid 1 may include a vent 16, such as an orifice or other opening through a portion of the lid 1 body, a one-way valve, etc., to permit air to enter the internal space 53 of the vessel 5 as base liquid is removed via the flowpath 11 and/or to permit air to exit the internal space 53. In some embodiments, the vent 16 may include an umbrella or other valve 161 that permits air entry into the internal space 53, but prevents or otherwise resists exit of air or base liquid from the internal space 53, e.g., if the vessel 5 is inverted. The vent 16 may permit a user to drink more easily from the internal space 53 via the flowpath 11, e.g., because base liquid that is removed from the vessel 5 can have its volume replaced with air that enters via the vent 16. Moreover, a one-way vent 16 facilitates the maintenance of ambient pressure (and prevents a vacuum) of the volume of replacement air residing in the space above the base liquid contained in the vessel 5.

[0037] In some cases, the flowpath 11 can include an adjustable length portion 14, e.g., so a straight-line distance between the inlet 12 and the outlet 13 can be adjusted. Such a configuration may allow the lid 1 to extend to or near the bottom of vessels 5 of different internal heights in the internal space 53. For example, a distance between the inlet 12 and outlet 13 may be extended for taller vessels 5 and reduced for vessels 5 of shorter height. Such a configuration may permit a user to consume all or nearly all base liquid in vessels 5 of different sizes, but is not required. The adjustable length portion 14 can be implemented in any suitable way. In some embodiments, the adjustable length portion 14 can include two or more telescoping portions, e.g., first tubular portion 111 having a size that fits over or within a second tubular portion 112 so the first tubular portion 111 can move longitudinally relative to the second tubular portion 112 and adjust the size of the flowpath 11. The first and second tubular portions 111, 112 may be coupled so that a suitable seal is formed between the portions 111, 112 at least for a range of relative movement of the portions 111, 112. For example, a gasket, suitable interference or friction fit or other configuration at an interface between the portions 111, 112 may be provided for the sealing function. Other configurations for the adjustable length portion 14 are possible, such as a flexible tubular member, a tubular component with a bellows element that can be adjusted in length, etc. In short, any configuration that permits a change in distance between the inlet 12 and the outlet 13 can be employed. In some cases, a first end of the adjustable length portion 14 may define the inlet 12 of the flowpath 11 and a second end of the adjustable length portion 14 may be fluidly coupled to upstream portions of the flowpath 11, e.g., the second end of the adjustable length portion 14 may be fixed relative to the lid 1 body. A length of the adjustable length portion 14 may be adjusted automatically, e.g., by an inlet end of the adjustable length portion 14 contacting a bottom of the vessel 5 and retracting as needed, or may be adjusted by a user manipulating one or more parts of the adjustable length portion 14. The inlet 12 may include a slotted end to permit or improve flow of base liquid into the flowpath 11 even when the inlet rests on the bottom of the vessel 5.

[0038] In some cases, the flowpath 11 can include a cavity 17, e.g., that is configured to receive a cartridge 3 that is inserted into the cavity 17 via the outlet 13 opening. For example, the cartridge 3 may be inserted into the outlet 13 opening so a bottom of the cartridge is positioned below a lower side of the lid 1 and an upper part of the cartridge sealingly engages with the outlet 13 opening, e.g., by threaded engagement. The cartridge 3 may treat base liquid that is consumed via the flowpath 11, e.g., by filtering, flavoring, or otherwise modifying the base liquid in some way. Thus, base liquid drawn into the inlet 12 of the flowpath 11 may flow to, and accumulate in, the cavity 17 for treatment by the cartridge 3. In this regard, and according to an aspect of the disclosure, once a user primes the system by drawing base fluid into the flowpath 11 by applying suction to the cartridge dispensing spout 31 (creating a vacuum within the cartridge base fluid flow path and thus in the flowpath 11), the cavity 17 operates as an elevated reservoir of base liquid surrounding the cartridge 3. For example, an elevated reservoir may refer to a reservoir of liquid which is elevated relative to an upper surface of liquid within the vessel 5. The shape and dimensions of cavity 17 may thus ensure that a ready supply of base liquid is available to flow into entry ports of the cartridge 3 at appropriate pressure (e.g., ambient and without vacuum or flow resistance) and flow rate to support and not impede optimal mixing operation of the cartridge 3. Accordingly, in some embodiments, while the cavity 17 supports a volume of base liquid (e.g., a buffer of base liquid), for example after the user has primed the system, a pressure induced by suction applied by a user to the cartridge dispensing spout 31 may urge the volume of base liquid in the cavity 17 towards the cartridge dispensing spout 31 and may urge base liquid in the vessel 5 into the flowpath 11. In some cases, the cavity 17 and other portions of the flowpath 11 may be arranged to enable a user to apply a more consistent and/or reduced amount of suction to dispense liquid from the cartridge dispensing spout 31 in comparison to a system with a cavity 17 which is not configured to support a volume of base liquid in an elevated reservoir. In some cases, the cavity 17 and other portions of the flowpath 11 such as the tubular portions 111, 112 may be configured to provide desired flow resistance, e.g., so that the cartridge additive mixing function operates properly and/or so that the user does not exert an unnecessary amount of effort in drawing liquid through the flowpath 11. Portions of the flowpath 11 such as the tubular portions 111, 112 may be sized and otherwise configured so that liquid held in the cavity 17 does not drain out, e.g., if the vessel 5 is turned on its side. This may help prevent requiring the user to reprime the flowpath 11, i.e., draw air out of the flowpath 11 so that liquid can be pulled into and through the cartridge 3. The cavity 17 and other portions of the flowpath 11 such as the tubular portions 111, 112 may be sized and/or otherwise configured so that a minimum amount of liquid is required to prime the system (draw any air out of the flowpath before liquid begins emerging from the cartridge 3). For example, the cavity 17 may be made so the inner wall fits closely to the cartridge 3, minimizing any volume of liquid in the cavity 17 while maintaining a desired resistance to flow (e.g., suitably low). As another example, the tubular portions 111, 112 or other parts of the flowpath 11 separate from the cavity 17 may be made to have a suitably small volume (e.g., diameter and/or length) so as to minimize a volume of liquid needed to prime the flowpath 11 while providing a desired resistance to flow (e.g., suitably low). Thus, a user may be required to draw a minimal amount of air through the cartridge 3 and flowpath 11, e.g., after a cartridge is first placed in the cavity, before liquid can be consumed from the cartridge 3. In some cases, the flowpath 11 may include a one way valve, e.g., at a bottom of the flowpath 11 or elsewhere, to help prevent backflow of liquid from flowpath 11, e.g., when a cartridge 3 is removed from the cavity 17. However, in some cases, a cartridge 3 may include a one way valve that prevent backflow from the cartridge spout 31 and thereby prevent backflow of liquid in the flowpath 11 when the cartridge 3 is sealingly engaged in the cavity 17.

[0039] Since the cavity 17 may be accessible from an upper (or outer) side of the lid 1, a user may be permitted to replace and/or exchange a cartridge 3 with respect to the lid 1 without removing the lid 1 from the vessel 5. This may provide more convenient use for a user, e.g., to allow a user to replace a cartridge 3 that is spent or empty of additive and/or to allow a user to exchange a first cartridge 3 for another that has a different additive (e.g., so a user can change flavors).

[0040] In some cases, a body of the lid 1 may include a wall that extends downwardly from the outlet 13 and defines the cavity 17, e.g., a cylindrical wall that defines the cavity 17 may extend from an upper side of the lid body to a lower side of the lid body, e.g., so a lower portion of the cavity 17 is positionable in the internal space 53 of the vessel 5. The cavity 17 may be fixed relative to the body of the lid 1. A port or opening at an extreme lower end of the cavity 17 may be fluidly coupled to an adjustable length portion 14 or other part of the flowpath 11 so base liquid can be received into the cavity 17 from the inlet 12. Thus, the cavity 17 may be entirely closed except for a port or opening at the lower end and the outlet 13 at the upper end. In some cases, the cavity 17 may have a cross sectional area that is larger than a cross sectional area of portions of flowpath 11 between the cavity 17 and the inlet 12 (such as an adjustable length portion 14, if employed). In some cases, an inner wall of the cavity 17 may fit closely to a cartridge 3. This configuration may reduce an amount of base liquid that must be drawn into the flowpath 11 before base liquid begins to enter the cavity 17 and/or begins to exit at the outlet 13. The cavity 17 may be configured to receive a cartridge 3 so that a gap or space is present between the inner wall of the cavity 17 and an outer surface of the cartridge 3. This may permit base liquid to surround at least a lower part of the cartridge 3 that is in the cavity 17 and flow to an inlet of a cartridge flowpath that is located at an upper part of the cavity 17. That is, the cartridge 3 may have a fluid inlet into which liquid enters the cartridge for mixing with additive that is located above a bottom of the cartridge. As a result, liquid entering the cavity 17 at the bottom of the cavity 17 must flow upwardly past the bottom of the cartridge 3 to the fluid inlet of the cartridge 3. In some cases, the fluid inlet of the cartridge 3 may be located near, at or above a ring or other component that engages at the outlet 13 opening.

[0041] A cartridge 3 may engage a lid 1 in any suitable way, such as with an engagement portion 19 which can include a threaded connection, bayonet connection, friction fit (such as by frictionally engaging a gasket on the cartridge 3 with a portion of the lid 1), a clamp, etc.

[0042] As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, an engagement portion 19 of the lid 1 body at the outlet 13 includes a thread to engage a complementary thread portion of a cartridge 3. Thus, a portion of the lid body that defines the outlet 13 may be configured to removably engage with the cartridge, but other alternatives are possible for engagement between a cartridge 3 and lid 1. Engagement of the cartridge 3 with the lid 1 can form a fluid-tight seal, e.g., to prevent leakage of base liquid from the internal space 53 and/or the flowpath 11. To engage a cartridge 3 with the lid 1, a portion of the cartridge 3 (e.g., a lower portion) may be inserted into the outlet 13 opening and into the cavity 17, e.g., so a lower part of the cartridge 3 is positioned in the cavity 17 below a lower side of the lid 1. A collar or other portion of the cartridge 3 may engage with the engagement portion 19 of the lid 1 to hold the cartridge 3 in the cavity 17 and form a liquid-tight seal. Although the engagement portion 19 is shown as a male element that engages with a female portion of a cartridge 3, the engagement portion 19 may be configured as a female element to engage with a male element of the cartridge 3, or have other arrangements.

[0043] In some cases, the cartridge 3 includes a treated liquid outlet and the vessel, cartridge and lid are configured such that suction applied to the treated liquid outlet causes the base liquid to flow from the inlet 12 to the treated liquid outlet. For example, a cartridge 3 may include a spout 31 (a treated liquid outlet) to which a user may apply suction for drinking from the flowpath 11. Such suction may cause base liquid in the vessel 5 to enter the inlet 12 of the flowpath 11 and flow to the cavity 17. Base liquid in the cavity 17 may enter a cartridge flowpath of the cartridge 3 for treatment by the cartridge 3 and then treated fluid may flow to the treated liquid outlet (e.g., spout 31) of the cartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridge 3 may include a one-way valve in the cartridge flowpath to prevent or otherwise resist the flow of mixed additive and base fluid from the cartridge mixing section. The lid 1 may be configured such that the one-way valve of the cartridge 3 prevents flow of base liquid in the flowpath 11 in a direction from the outlet 13 toward the inlet 12 of the flowpath 11, e.g., from the cavity 17 to the inlet 12. This may provide various benefits, such as allowing a user to stop drinking from the treated liquid outlet for a period of time, and then later drink from the treated liquid outlet without having to again draw liquid into the flowpath 11 and fill the cavity 17 with base liquid. In other words, the one-way valve of the cartridge 3 may prevent backflow in the flowpath 11 such that base liquid does not drain from the flowpath 11 and into the vessel 5 when drinking stops. Such drinking and prevention of backflow may be performed with the inlet 12 of the flowpath 11 positioned below the outlet 13, e.g., with the vessel 5 in an upright orientation. In some cases, the lid 1 may be configured with a one-way vent 16 such that when the lid 1 is installed on the container, air contained in the space above a supply of base fluid in the vessel 5 is maintained at ambient pressure but cannot escape the vessel 5. As a result, flow of base liquid in the flowpath 11 in a direction from the outlet 13 toward the inlet 12 of the flowpath 11, e.g., from the cavity 17 to the inlet 12, may be prevented or otherwise resisted since such flow would otherwise cause a reduction in volume and corresponding increase in pressure in the air above the base fluid supply. Thus, in some cases, flow of liquid in the flowpath 11 from the outlet 13 to the inlet 12 may be prevented or otherwise resisted by the vent 16 alone, and a one-way valve or other flow resisting arrangement of the cartridge 3 or flowpath 11 need not be included to prevent flow of liquid in the flowpath 11 from the outlet 13 to the inlet 12, at least when the lid 1 is secured to the vessel 5.

[0044] In some cases, the cartridge 3 may include an additive reservoir holding an additive to be mixed with the base liquid and a mixing chamber configured to mix the additive with the base liquid. This may permit a user to drink base liquid from the vessel 5, e.g., plain water, and have the base liquid mixed with an additive (e.g., a flavoring, nutraceutical, vitamin, and/or any other additive) for consumption. In some cases, a one-way valve of the cartridge 3 may be positioned downstream of the mixing chamber, which may help prevent backflow of mixed beverage into any portion of the flowpath 11 (such as the cavity 17) and/or the vessel 5. This can help prevent contamination of base liquid in the flowpath 11 and/or vessel 5, e.g., a base liquid in the vessel 5 may remain unflavored or otherwise unmixed with any additive, allowing a user to switch cartridges 3 with little risk of cross contamination. In some cases, the mixing chamber may be configured above, or downstream of, the additive reservoir when the inlet 12 of the flowpath 11 is positioned below the outlet 13. In some embodiments, portions of the additive reservoir may contact base liquid in the cavity 17, e.g., which may help maintain a desired pressure in the additive reservoir where the additive reservoir has a flexible wall to contain the additive.

[0045] In some embodiments, the flowpath 11 may be oriented at an angle relative to an engagement axis 40 relative to which a lid 1 is moved (e.g., rotated and/or moved linearly) to engage with a vessel 5. Such an arrangement may permit a user to more easily access the outlet 13 of the flowpath 11 and/or a cartridge 3, whether for cartridge placement and/or drinking. For example, the engagement portion 15 may be configured to engage with the vessel 5 at the vessel opening by rotation of the lid 1 relative to the vessel 5 about an engagement axis 40, which may be oriented vertically. Such an example is shown in FIGS. 1-3 where the lid 1 may be rotated about a vertical axis so the engagement portion 15 engages with the vessel 5 to secure the lid 1 to the vessel 5. In some embodiments, the lid 1 may be moved linearly along an engagement axis 40 to engage the lid 1 with a vessel 5. For example, such an arrangement may be provided where the engagement portion 15 of FIGS. 1-3 is replaced with an unthreaded sleeve and gasket that is engaged with a vessel 5 by moving the lid 1 vertically downward relative to the vessel 5, e.g., so as to insert the sleeve and gasket linearly into an opening of the vessel 5. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the flowpath 11 may be oriented at an angle relative to the vertical (e.g., the engagement axis 40), e.g., so the inlet 12 is not positioned directly under the outlet 13. This may help position the outlet 13 along an edge of the lid 1 and/or orient the outlet 13 and/or cartridge 3 treated liquid outlet in a more convenient location while permitting the inlet 12 to be positioned near a bottom of the vessel 5. In some embodiments, however, the flowpath 11 may be oriented so as to be parallel to the engagement axis 40.

[0046] In some cases, a cartridge 3 may be configured so that when the cartridge 3 is received in a cavity 17 of a lid 1, flow exiting the cartridge 3 to a user may be along a direction that is transverse to the engagement axis 40, e.g., at an angle relative to the vertical when the vessel 5 is oriented vertically. This may allow a user to more comfortably drink from the vessel 5, e.g., while keeping the vessel 5 in an upright or vertical orientation. In some cases, a cartridge 3 may be configured to engage with a portion of the lid 1 at the outlet 13 by rotation of the cartridge 3 about a cartridge axis 311 that is transverse to the engagement axis 40, e.g., at an angle relative to the vertical when the vessel 5 is oriented vertically. This angled orientation may permit a user to more easily manipulate a cartridge 3 during placement on the lid 1, e.g., while maintaining the vessel 5 is an upright orientation. In some cases, one or more portions of the flowpath 11 may be oriented at an angle that is transverse to the engagement axis 40, e.g., at an angle relative to the vertical when the vessel 5 is oriented vertically. For example, where employed, a part of the adjustable length portion 14 may extend along a flowpath axis 115 that is transverse to the engagement axis. In some cases, a centerline of the flowpath 11 may extend along the flowpath axis 115, e.g., a centerline of the cavity 17 and an adjustable length portion 14 may be along a straight line that is at an angle to the engagement axis 40.

[0047] According to an aspect of the disclosure, and as can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, a flexible connector 120 may secure the second tubular portion 112 to the cavity 17 and provide a telescoping function, either in addition to that provided by the portions 111, 112 or in place thereof. The flexible connector 120 may be made from an elastomeric material and may include a cavity-engaging portion 122, which may be a grommet-shaped portion that forms a fluid-tight seal with an aperture in the bottom of cavity 17, e.g., the cavity-engaging portion 122 may sealingly engage with a lip 171 at the bottom of the cavity 17 by interference fit, adhesive, clamp, etc. The flexible connector 120 may include a tube engaging portion 124, e.g., which frictionally engages and forms a fluid tight seal with the second tubular portion 112. In some cases, the engagement between the connector 120 and the second tubular portion 112 may provide for an adjustable length, e.g., provide a telescoping feature to allow for adjustment of the length of the flowpath 11. In some cases, the connector 120 need not be flexible, but may be rigid either in whole or in part.

[0048] In some embodiments, a lid 1 may include a thumb pad 18 configured to aid a user in moving the lid 1 relative to a vessel 5, e.g., for sealingly engaging the lid 1 with the vessel 5. For example as can be seen in FIGS. 4-7, a lid 1 may include a thumb pad 18 that extends upwardly, e.g., as a fin or wall, that presents a surface for a user's thumb to press on the lid 1. Such a thumb pad 18 may permit a user to apply a rotating force on the lid 1 by using a thumb or other structure, thereby avoiding any need for a user to grip an outer rim or circumference of the lid 1. This may permit some users, including those with a reduced ability to grasp a lid circumference, to more easily engage a lid 1 with a vessel 5. The thumb pad 18 may have a surface that is offset from a rotation axis of the lid 1, e.g., so force applied to the thumb pad 18 may suitably rotate the lid 1 about an engagement axis 40. The thumb pad 18 may be configured to receive force for rotating the lid 1 in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, e.g., for engagement and disengagement with a vessel 5. In some embodiments, the thumb pad 18 may permit a user to grasp the thumb pad 18 by thumb and finger, e.g., by pinching the thumb pad 18, and thereby permit a user to manipulate the lid 1. In some cases, the thumb pad 18 may be formed as a resilient element, e.g., made of an elastomeric rubber or other material. In some cases, the thumb pad 18 may be removable from the lid 1, e.g., as can be seen in FIG. 5. For example, the lid 1 may define an opening that receives the thumb pad 18. In some cases, and as can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the lid 1 may include a fin or rib 181 that extends upwardly from an upper surface of the lid 1 and has an opening that extends laterally or horizontally through the fin or rib 181. The thumb pad 18 may be inserted into the opening in the fin or rib 181 and held in place by a friction fit, adhesive, etc.

[0049] In some embodiments, a vent 16 of a lid 1 may be positioned under and/or so as to extend through a thumb pad 18 and/or a fin or rib 181 of the lid 1. This configuration may help prevent unintended blocking of the vent 16 during drinking or manipulation of the lid 1. For example, as can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 6-9, a vent 16 may include an orifice or port that extends through the fin or rib 181 and the thumb pad 18 (e.g., from an upper side of the lid body to a lower side of the lid body) and a valve element 161 (such as an umbrella valve) may be provided under the thumb pad 18 on a lower side of the lid body to provide a one-way valve function. Since a user is less likely to touch the upper surface of the thumb pad 18 during drinking and/or manipulation of the lid 1, the vent 16 may be more likely to remain open for flow as needed.

[0050] As will be appreciated, and in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, the features of the lid 1 and associated components facilitate a closed, controlled fluid environment within the container interior with regard to the contained base liquid as well as the contained air. This environment, in turn, provides for control of the flow of base fluid into the flowpath 11 such that the mixing performance of the cartridge 3 residing in the cavity 17 may be optimal and not impeded. More specifically, the lid 1 may form a fluid-tight seal with the container. Similarly, the cartridge 3 may form a fluid-tight seal with the lid 1. The container interior may thus be isolated from the ambient environment (external to the vessel 5 interior) except for the one-way vent 16, which prevents outflow of air or base fluid from the vessel interior but permits inflow of replacement air into the vessel interior. Thus, once a supply of base fluid is brought up into the interior of cavity 17 by suction applied by the user/consumer to the cartridge dispensing spout, the cavity supply of base fluid will tend to remain there, even when the user stops applying suction, and even if the cartridge 3 is removed, since the one-way vent 16 prevents outflow of the air in the space above the base fluid contained in the vessel 5.

[0051] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, the flow path 11 and/or one-way vent 16 may be configured (tuned) to support optimal cartridge mixing. More specifically, components such as the flow path 11 and/or the one-way vent 16 may be configured to provide an optimal flow rate of base fluid through the cartridge 3 as the user applies suction to the cartridge dispensing spout 31. Flow rate of the base fluid through the cartridge 3 may be precisely controlled by controlling the pressure difference induced by the flow path 11 and one-way vent 16. The induced pressure difference and flow rate, in turn, may be varied by adjustment of component dimensions, such as the internal diameter and length of flow path 11, internal (flow passage) dimensions of inlet 12, internal diameter of connector 120, and dimensions of components of the one-way vent 16, including the air flow related dimensions and parameters of the umbrella or button valve, such as an air inlet port diameter and diameter of the umbrella or button valve stem extending through the air inlet port.

[0052] The flow path 11 and/or one-way vent 16 in some cases may be altered in shape and/or dimension to support optimal cartridge mixing. In some cases, the flow path 11 may include one or more features adapted to adjust the pressure in and/or flow of liquid through the flow path 11. For example, the flow path 11 may include one or more projections disposed at least partially within the flow path 11 and configured to adjust the flow and/or pressure of liquid in the flow path 11. In some cases, one or more projections may be formed on or within one or more of the cavity 17, first tubular portion 111, second tubular portion 112, connector 120, cavity engaging portion 122, and tube engaging portion 124 and may be disposed at least partially within the flowpath 11. In some embodiments, one or more of the cavity 17, first tubular portion 111, second tubular portion 112, connector 120, cavity engaging portion 122, and tube engaging portion 124 may include one or more tapered and/or curved portions (e.g., tapered and/or curved projections) disposed at least partially within the flowpath 11. For example, one or more of the cavity 17, first tubular portion 111, second tubular portion 112, connector 120, cavity engaging portion 122, and tube engaging portion 124 may include a tapered section with a first portion having a lesser diameter than a second portion of the tapered section positioned upstream of the first portion.

[0053] In some embodiments, a projection, tapered portion, curved portion or other flow altering element on one or more of the flowpath 11 may increase an amount of pressure, e.g., suction, needed to cause and/or maintain a flow of base liquid though the flowpath 11. In some cases, the projections may be formed in a position downstream (e.g., proximal to the outlet 13) in the flowpath 11 such that at least a portion of the flowpath 11 positioned upstream (e.g., proximal to the inlet 12) of the projections requires a greater pressure, e.g., suction, to cause and/or maintain base liquid flow than portions of the flowpath 11 located downstream of the projections. In some embodiments, the projections and/or shapes of one or more of the cavity 17, first tubular portion 111, second tubular portion 112, connector 120, cavity engaging portion 122, and tube engaging portion 124 may be configured to increase the consistency and/or reduce the amount of suction needed to dispense liquid from the cartridge dispensing spout 31.

[0054] As noted above, a cartridge 3 that is used with a lid 1 may be configured in a variety of different ways, e.g., as an adjustable additive cartridge system such as those described in U.S. Pat. 10,888,826 which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. FIGS. 10 and 11 show exploded perspective and partial cross-sectional views of an example cartridge 3 that may be used with a lid 1 having one or more features described herein. The cartridge 3 may include a number of components that are assembled in a generally stacked arrangement using snap-fit, threaded or other suitable connections that facilitate assembly. The components may include a cartridge cap having an additive flow adjustment actuator 200 that is mounted for rotational movement on a cartridge cap base 250. The additive flow adjustment actuator 200 may include a dispensing spout 31 from which beverage may be consumed and may have a push-pull closure 230 for selectively permitting and preventing egress of fluid from the spout 31. Disposed between the additive flow adjustment actuator 200 and the cartridge cap base 250 is an additive flow metering component 300 (e.g., a movable valve gate), which cooperates with a mixing nozzle 350 (e.g., having a valve seat portion to cooperate with the valve gate). An annular one-way base fluid flow valve element 320 (e.g., a one-way valve) may provide for one-way flow of base fluid through the cartridge 3, preventing backflow along a cartridge flowpath B, as will be described. An additive reservoir assembly may include including a reservoir spout 400, reservoir 420 and outer housing 500 that are secured to the mixing nozzle 350 and the cap base 250. The reservoir 420 may include a flexible pouch containing an additive that is fluidly coupled to the reservoir spout 400. The additive reservoir assembly may be secured to the cap base 250 using snap fittings or other fastening elements, such as threaded fasteners or friction fastening. The outer housing 500 may be a cage or a solid-walled (illustrated) cover, and may be snap-fit to a flange of the reservoir spout 400 to protect the interior flexible reservoir 420 containing additive. The outer housing 500 and reservoir 420 may be made of a transparent or translucent material to permit a user to view and identify the nature of the additive supply. The cap base 250 may have a threaded portion (e.g., at a lower inner wall as can be seen in FIGS. 10 and 11) or any other suitable engagement portion to engage with the engagement portion 19 of the lid 1, e.g., to form a fluid tight seal.

[0055] As can be seen in FIG. 11, assembly of the cartridge 3 may involve first inserting and snap-fitting the metering valve 350 in place on the cartridge cap base 250. In a next step, the one-way sealing valve 320 is placed onto the mixing nozzle 350 and fit over the retaining ridge on the mixing nozzle 350 and seated on outer annulus 272 of the cap base. Next, the additive flow metering component 300 is threaded onto counterpart threads on the mixing nozzle 350 and positioned in proper rotational orientation, e.g., fully closed as in FIG. 11.

[0056] The additive adjustment actuator 200 is then mounted on the cartridge cap base 250 in proper alignment with the additive flow metering component 300 and so that rotation of the additive adjustment actuator 200 rotates the metering component 300. The additive adjustment actuator 200 is retained on cap base 250 with retaining tabs 224 and may rotate with respect to the cap base 250 to enable selection of an additive level and associated position of metering component 300. The push-pull cap 230 may then be placed on the spout 31. The reservoir spout 400 may then be snap fit into the mixing nozzle 350 lower portion, e.g., by engaging barb 405 with a corresponding groove in the mixing nozzle 350.

[0057] In operation, the additive flow adjustment actuator 200 may be rotated relative to the cap base 250 to cause rotation of the metering insert 300 relative to the mixing nozzle 350, resulting in axial, i.e., upward or downward movement of the metering insert 300 by way of cooperating threads between the metering insert 300 and the mixing nozzle 350. The metering insert 300 is shown in a fully closed position in FIG. 11, and rotation of the additive adjustment actuator 200 can open a flowpath for additive through the mixing nozzle 350 without puncturing or otherwise causing damage to the additive reservoir 420. Axial movement of the metering insert 300 results in a change of additive flow through the metering area between the conical portion of metering insert 300 (e.g., a valve gate portion) and the corresponding surface on mixing nozzle 350 (e.g., a valve seat portion). As base fluid flows along a cartridge flowpath B of the cartridge 3 as a result of a pressure difference between the internal space 53 of the vessel 5 and the spout 31, i.e., from squeezing of a vessel 5 having a flexible wall or by suction applied to the spout 31 by a user during drinking, additive flows along an additive flowpath A from the reservoir 420 through the mixing nozzle 350 and to a mixing area between the spout 31 and the one-way valve 320 where base fluid and additive are mixed. The amount of additive mixed with the base fluid is determined by the rotational position of the additive adjustment actuator 200. The cartridge flowpath B extends from within the cavity 17 and enters the cartridge 3 at fluid inlet ports 358 of the mixing nozzle 350. The fluid inlet ports 358 are located above the cap base 250 which threadedly engages with the outlet 13 opening of the cavity 17 and are above a bottom of the cartridge 3. The one-way valve 320 can prevent backflow of liquid along the cartridge flowpath B, and thus mixed fluid including additive and base liquid can be prevented from flowing back into the cavity 17 and/or the internal space 53 of the vessel 5.

[0058] While aspects of the invention have been shown and described with reference to illustrative embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention 10 encompassed by the appended claims.