CONTAINER LID ASSEMBLY WITH LOCKING HANDLE AND ADDITIVE CARTRIDGE CHAMBER

Abstract

A lid and closure assembly is adapted for use with a drinking container having an internal space configured to hold a base liquid. The lid and closure assembly can accommodate an additive cartridge. A push button latching mechanism enables user release and latching of the closure assembly. A locking mechanism, which may be a pivoting handle, prevents accidental operation of the latching mechanism. The closure can be coupled to the lid base and configured to move from a closed position in which the closure covers an additive cartridge receiving space, and an open position in which the additive cartridge receiving space is not covered. The closure can be configured to accommodate an upper portion of the additive cartridge when the closure is in the closed position.

Claims

1. A lid assembly for use with a drinking container having an internal space configured to hold a base liquid and a drinking container opening, the lid assembly comprising: a lid base configured to attach to the drinking container, the lid base including a lid base opening; a cartridge chamber extending from the lid base opening and defining an additive cartridge receiving space; a closure coupled to the lid base and configured to move from a closed position in which the closure covers the additive cartridge receiving space, and an open position in which the additive cartridge receiving space is not covered, wherein the closure is configured to accommodate an upper portion of the additive cartridge when the closure is in the closed position; a latching mechanism movable between a latched position, in which the latching mechanism retains the closure in the closed position, and a release position in which the closure is free to move to the open position; and a handle configured to selectively lock the latching mechanism and thereby prevent the latching mechanism from moving to the release position.

2. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the closure includes a domed portion and a shoulder, wherein the handle encircles the domed portion.

3. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the closure includes a domed portion and a shoulder, wherein the handle rests on the shoulder.

4. The lid assembly of claim 3, wherein an outer portion of the closure disposed beneath the shoulder protrudes outwardly.

5. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the closure includes a domed portion and a shoulder, wherein the handle has an inner surface flush with an outer surface of the domed portion in the closed position.

6. The lid assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a chamber-straw connector formed by an elongate body comprising: a longitudinal axis, a chamber-straw connector passage extending along the longitudinal axis, a chamber connection portion, and a straw connection portion opposite the chamber connection portion, wherein, when assembled, the chamber connection portion is disposed within the cartridge chamber and the straw connection portion is disposed outside the cartridge chamber; and a straw configured to be received within the chamber-straw connector passage such that a fluid pathway extends continuously through the straw and the cartridge chamber.

7. The lid assembly of claim 1, further comprising a push button configured to move the latching mechanism into the release position.

8. A lid assembly for use with a drinking container having an internal space configured to hold a base liquid and a drinking container opening, the lid assembly comprising: a lid base configured to attach to the drinking container, the lid base including an enclosing wall and a lid base opening encircled by the enclosing wall; a cartridge chamber extending from the lid base opening and defining an additive cartridge receiving space; a closure coupled to the lid base and configured to move from a closed position in which the closure covers the additive cartridge receiving space, and an open position in which the additive cartridge receiving space is not covered, wherein the closure is configured to accommodate an upper portion of the additive cartridge when the closure is in the closed position; a hinge positioned on an outermost edge of the enclosing wall, wherein the hinge is configured to enable pivoting movement of the closure; a latching mechanism movable between a latched position, in which the latching mechanism retains the closure in the closed position, and a release position in which the closure is free to move to the open position; and a handle configured to selectively lock the latching mechanism and thereby prevent the latching mechanism from moving to the release position.

9. The lid assembly of claim 8, wherein the closure includes a domed portion and a shoulder, wherein the handle encircles the domed portion.

10. The lid assembly of claim 8, wherein the closure includes a domed portion and a shoulder, wherein the handle rests on the shoulder.

11. The lid assembly of claim 10, wherein an outer portion of the closure disposed beneath the shoulder protrudes outwardly.

12. The lid assembly of claim 8, wherein the closure includes a domed portion and a shoulder, wherein the handle has an inner surface flush with an outer surface of the domed portion in the closed position.

13. The lid assembly of claim 8, further comprising a push button configured to move the latching mechanism into the release position.

14. The lid assembly of claim 8, wherein the lid base includes a lid base wall perpendicular to the enclosing wall and wherein accommodating the upper portion of the additive cartridge when the closure is in the closed position includes accommodating a cartridge base, a flavor adjuster, and a drinking spout assembly all extending outwardly from lid base wall.

15. A lid assembly for use with a drinking container having an internal space configured to hold a base liquid and a drinking container opening, the lid assembly comprising: a lid base configured to attach to the drinking container, the lid base including a lid base wall and an inner annular wall extending outwardly from lid base wall and forming a lid base opening; a cartridge chamber extending inwardly from the lid base opening and defining an additive cartridge receiving space; a closure coupled to the lid base and configured to move from a closed position in which the closure covers the additive cartridge receiving space, and an open position in which the additive cartridge receiving space is not covered, wherein the closure is configured to accommodate an upper portion of the additive cartridge disposed within the lid base opening when the closure is in the closed position; a latching mechanism movable between a latched position, in which the latching mechanism retains the closure in the closed position, and a release position in which the closure is free to move to the open position; and a handle configured to selectively lock the latching mechanism and thereby prevent the latching mechanism from moving to the release position.

16. The lid assembly of claim 15, wherein accommodating the upper portion of the additive cartridge when the closure is in the closed position includes accommodating a cartridge base, a flavor adjuster, and a drinking spout assembly all extending outwardly from lid base wall.

17. The lid assembly of claim 15, wherein the closure includes a domed portion and a shoulder, wherein the handle wraps around domed portion and rests on the shoulder.

18. The lid assembly of claim 17, wherein an outer portion of the closure disposed beneath the shoulder protrudes outwardly.

19. The lid assembly of claim 17, wherein the handle has an inner surface flush with an outer surface of the domed portion in the closed position.

20. The lid assembly of claim 15, further comprising: a chamber-straw connector formed by an elongate body comprising: a longitudinal axis, a chamber-straw connector passage extending along the longitudinal axis, a chamber connection portion, and a straw connection portion opposite the chamber connection portion, wherein, when assembled, the chamber connection portion is disposed within the cartridge chamber and the straw connection portion is disposed outside the cartridge chamber; and a straw configured to be received within the chamber-straw connector passage such that a fluid pathway extends continuously through the straw and the cartridge chamber.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a top, front perspective view of a lid assembly in a closed position and attached to a container, according to an embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the lid assembly in the closed position and attached to the container, according to an embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the lid assembly in the closed position and attached to the container, according to an embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the lid assembly in the closed position and attached to the container, according to an embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a top, front perspective view of a lid assembly in an open position and attached to the container, according to an embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the lid assembly in the open position and attached to a container, according to an embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the lid assembly in the open position and attached to the container, according to an embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the lid assembly in the open position and attached to the container, according to an embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the lid assembly in the closed position and the container, according to an embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the lid assembly in the closed position and attached to the container, according to an embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the lid assembly in the open position and attached to the container, according to an embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 12 is a top, front perspective view of a lid assembly in an open position and held in a user's hand with the push button unpressed, according to an embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 13 is a top, front perspective view of a lid assembly in an open position and held in a user's hand with the push button pressed, according to an embodiment; and

[0026] FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the latch ring and handle in a locked position, according to an embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0027] This disclosure relates to a lid assembly for use with a drinking container including a vessel having an internal space to hold a base liquid and a drinking container opening to the internal space. FIG. 1 is a top, front perspective view of a lid assembly 100 in a closed position and attached to a container 102, according to an embodiment. FIGS. 1-4 and 9-10 show closure 104 in a closed position and FIGS. 5-8 and 11-13 show closure 104 in an open position. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view (taken along line 10 in FIG. 2) of the lid assembly in the closed position and attached to the container, according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view (taken along line 11 in FIG. 6) of the lid assembly in the open position and attached to the container, according to an embodiment. The lid assembly can generally include a lid base, a lid base opening, a cartridge chamber, a closure, a latching mechanism, and a handle. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1, 9, and 10, lid assembly 100 includes a lid base 108, a lid base opening 902, a cartridge chamber 908, a closure 104, a latching mechanism (e.g., a latch ring 928, a push plate 930 and a latch loop 936), and a handle 106. Lid base is configured to support or connect the individual components of lid assembly 100 together. Lid base 108 is also configured to attach to drinking container 102. For example, lid base 108 can have an engagement portion configured to engage with drinking container 102 at drinking container opening 902 to connect lid assembly 100 to drinking container 102. Closure 104 can be coupled to or supported on the lid base 108 to selectively cover drinking container opening 902 and to cover other components of lid assembly 100.

[0028] Lid base 108 can be configured to receive cartridge chamber 908 through lid base opening 902. In an assembled condition, cartridge chamber 908 can extend from the lid base opening 902 into internal space 900. Cartridge chamber 908 can define an additive cartridge receiving space. In some embodiments, the additive cartridge may include a treated or mixed liquid outlet 1022. Additive cartridge may have internal features such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,888,836 titled Adjustable Additive Cartridge Systems and Methods, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The additive cartridge and lid assembly 100 may be configured such that suction applied to the treated liquid outlet 1022 causes flow of the base liquid from internal space 900 to the treated liquid outlet 1022. The additive cartridge can be replaced by removing the additive cartridge from cartridge chamber 908 through the lid base opening 902 and inserting a new additive cartridge through the same lid base opening 902.

[0029] As previously mentioned, lid base 108 can have an engagement portion configured to engage with drinking container 102 at drinking container opening 902. For example, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, lid base 108 can include a lid base wall 970 and an engagement portion 112 extending from lid base wall 970 and configured to attach to drinking container 102. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, engagement portion 112 can include a collar having a substantially annular shape. The collar may be configured to attach to drinking container opening 902. For example, the collar can be formed with collar threads 1020 that attach to drinking container threads 924 disposed near drinking container opening 902 in a mating fashion. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, 1020 collar threads may be internal and drinking container threads 924 may be external. In other embodiments, the threads on the collar may be external and the drinking container threads 924 may be internal. Lid base wall 970 may lie in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of drinking container 102 in an assembled condition.

[0030] Lid assembly can include an umbrella valve 518 disposed within lid base wall 970 to allow one-way airflow into the container interior space 900 to prevent vacuum when contents are dispensed for drinking.

[0031] Lid base 108 may include a compartment 514 opposite engagement portion 112. Compartment 514 may include an enclosing wall 120 formed by a curved section having a substantially c-shape and a dimensioned section formed by a first post 110, a second post 310, and a base plate 322. When assembled with drinking container 102, engagement portion 112 faces drinking container 102, and compartment 514 faces away from drinking container 102.

[0032] Compartment 514 can comprise an annular channel formed by enclosing wall 120, an inner annular wall 906, and lid base wall 970. Lid base wall 970 forms a bottom of the annular channel and is situated between enclosing wall 120 and inner annular wall 906. Lid base wall 970 may have a top surface that, when assembled with drinking container 102, faces away from drinking container 102 and a bottom surface that, when assembled with drinking container 102, faces toward drinking container 102.

[0033] Base plate 322 may extend from the first post 110 to second post 310. Base plate 322 may have a consistent thickness throughout. Similarly, the curved section of enclosing wall that has a substantially c-shape may also have a consistent thickness throughout. First post 110 and second post 310 may have a thickened cross-section in comparison with base plate 322 and the section of enclosing wall that has a substantially c-shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, in some embodiments, first post 110 and second post 310 can have a substantially triangular cross-section. The thickened cross-section of first post 110 and second post 310 can provide reinforcement of lid base 108 and the hinge, such that lid base 108 and the hinge can withstand strain from repetitive pivoting movement of closure 104 and handle 106. Additionally, the thickened cross-section provides reinforcement to protect lid assembly 100 from damage if drinking container 102 is dropped. The height of enclosing wall 120 can graduate from a point opposite base plate 322 toward first post 110. The height of enclosing wall 120 can graduate from a point opposite base plate 322 toward second post 310. The height of enclosing wall 120 can be highest at both first post 110 and second post 310. The height of base plate 322 can extend to a point below closure 104 and the hinge in the assembled condition. In this way, enclosing wall 120, closure 104, and the hinge can fit together to enclose compartment 514 when closure 104 is in the closed position. The height of enclosing wall 120 can be lowest at a point opposite base plate 322, such that enclosing wall 120 allows access to lid base opening 902 when closure 104 is in the open position.

[0034] As shown by arrow B in FIGS. 8, 10, and 11, inner annular wall 906 can be configured to cause cartridge chamber 908 and/or the drinking spout assembly to tilt at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis A of drinking container 102 when in the assembled condition. In other words, when cartridge chamber 908 is placed in lid base opening 902 with cartridge chamber 908 rib resting on an edge of lid base opening 902, cartridge chamber 908 is positioned/tilted at an angle with respect to longitudinal axis A of the drinking container 102, and with respect to a similarly oriented axis of lid assembly 100. The tilted angle of inner annular wall 906/lid base opening 902 and cartridge chamber 908 alone, or in combination with the shape of wall 120, makes it easier for insertion and removal of additive cartridge and/or cartridge chamber 908 without interference of closure 104 or other components. Additionally, the tilted angle of the components extending outwardly from lid base 108 can expose drinking spout assembly 506 for drinking without interference of closure 104 or other components. For example, a nozzle 1004, spout, cartridge base 510, and an additive chamber 1008 can tilt at angle with respect to a longitudinal axis A of drinking container 102 when in the assembled condition. In this way, a user can easily insert and remove these components, as well as easily drink from the drinking spout assembly 506 without closure 104 contacting hitting the user's face (excluding lips contacting drinking spout assembly 506).

[0035] Base plate 322 may include a button opening 318 configured to receive a push button 320 therethrough. Push button 320 may be connected to the latching mechanism and may extend through base plate 322 exposing push button 320 such that push button 320 is accessible for pushing from outside base plate 322. The thickness (perpendicular to the width and height) of base plate 322 may be sufficiently thin to allow push button 320 to be accessible when moving from a resting position (FIG. 10) to a pushed position (FIG. 11). In the resting position, push button 320 does not apply pressure to push plate 930. In a pushed position, pressure has been applied to push button 320 causing push button to move toward push plate 930, thereby pressing latch ring 928 toward latching loop 936.

[0036] Cartridge chamber 908 can be configured to be received by the lid base opening 902 and to extend from the lid base opening 902 into internal space 900. Cartridge chamber 908 can be configured to store an additive cartridge. In some embodiments, cartridge chamber 908 can have an elongate shape extending between a cartridge chamber outlet 918 and a cartridge chamber inlet 916. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, cartridge chamber 908 may have a substantially tubular shape. Cartridge chamber 908 outlet may be sufficiently wide to receive an additive cartridge. For example, in some embodiments, cartridge chamber outlet 918 may be wider than the additive cartridge. The interior of cartridge chamber 908 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of additive cartridge such that additive cartridge can be snuggly received within cartridge chamber 908 to direct the base fluid from the inlet into the additive cartridge.

[0037] To retain an additive cartridge within cartridge chamber 908, the end of cartridge chamber 908 adjacent cartridge chamber inlet 916 may be narrower than the rest of cartridge chamber 908. For example, a diameter of cartridge chamber 908 may taper toward cartridge chamber inlet 916. Cartridge chamber inlet 916 may be narrower than cartridge chamber outlet 918 to promote suction of base fluid through cartridge chamber 908. Cartridge chamber 908 may include cartridge chamber threads 910 on an exterior surface near cartridge chamber outlet 918 to enable an additive cartridge to be attached to cartridge chamber 908 by corresponding cartridge base collar 516 disposed on the additive cartridge, as discussed below. Cartridge chamber 908 may further include a cartridge chamber rib 912 encircling cartridge chamber outlet 918. Cartridge chamber rib 912 can extend outwardly from an outer surface of cartridge chamber 908. Cartridge chamber rib 912 may be disposed adjacent to cartridge chamber threads 910. When cartridge chamber 908 is inserted into lid base opening 902 in an assembled condition, cartridge chamber rib 912 can rest upon lid base opening edge 904 such that cartridge chamber threads 910 are exposed above lid base opening 902.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, additive cartridge 1000 can include an additive chamber 1008 configured to hold an additive and to be received by cartridge chamber 908. For example, in some embodiments, additive chamber 1008 can include a pouch disposed within a cage having a tubular shape. Additive fluid can be disposed within additive chamber 1008. Cartridge can comprise upper components, including a cartridge base 510, a cartridge outlet tube 1002, nozzle 1004 including a treated liquid outlet 1022, a flavor adjuster 508, and a drinking spout assembly 506. Cartridge base 510 can connect additive chamber 1008 to cartridge outlet tube 1002 and nozzle 1004. Cartridge base 510 can also connect cartridge outlet tube 1002 and nozzle 1004 to flavor adjuster 508. Cartridge base 510 can include a cartridge base collar 516 having cartridge base threads 1006 that receive and mate with cartridge chamber threads 910. Flavor adjuster 508 can adjust the amount of additive that is mixed with base liquid. Drinking spout assembly 506 can have a valve and a valve retainer. Drinking spout assembly 506 can include a flip cap that can be configured to selectively cover drinking spout assembly 506. When assembled with lid assembly 100, drinking spout assembly 506, flavor adjuster 508, and cartridge base 510 protrude from lid base 108. Additive cartridge 1000 may additionally include a cartridge chamber inlet (not shown) through which the base liquid disposed within internal space 900 can be drawn into by suction.

[0039] Closure 104 is configured to move from a closed position (FIGS. 1-4 and 6) in which closure 104 covers the additive cartridge receiving space, and an open position (FIGS. 5-8 and 11-13) in which an additive cartridge receiving space 914 is not covered. To provide this action of closure 104, as well as a pivoting action of handle 106, lid assembly 100 can include a hinge formed by a hinge pin 920 and components of closure 104, lid base 108, and handle 106. For example, closure 104 can include the hinge component of a first knuckle 316 having a first pin slot 1016. Lid base 108 can include hinge components of first post 110 and second post 310. First post 110 and second post 310 can each provide a knuckle for housing pin. First post 110 can have a second knuckle 300 and second post 310 can have a third knuckle 302. Second knuckle 300 can have a second pin slot 304 and third knuckle 302 can have a third pin slot 306. Handle 106 can include hinge components of a fourth knuckle 312 having a fourth pin slot (not shown) and a fifth knuckle 314 having a fifth pin slot 926. In an assembled condition, the knuckles and pin slots can be aligned such that hinge pin 920 can extend through all of the pin slots enabling closure 104 and handle 106 to pivot about hinge pin 920. A hinge spring 922 can bias closure 104 to the open position. As shown in FIG. 5, handle 106 can include a first locking tab 502 extending from fifth knuckle 314 and a second locking tab 504 extending from fourth knuckle 312. Additionally, handle 106 can include a third locking tab 1400 and a fourth locking tab (not shown). FIG. 14 shows third locking tab 1400 on an interior surface of handle 106.

[0040] Closure 104 can be configured to accommodate an upper portion of the additive cartridge 1000 when closure 104 is in the closed position. Closure 104 can be configured to further accommodate a drinking spout assembly 506 connected to additive cartridge 1000 and extending outwardly away from lid base 108 and internal space 900. To make these accommodations, closure 104 may have a domed portion 116. Additionally, closure 104 may have a shorter side where first knuckle 316 is located and a longer side opposite first knuckle 316. First post 110 and second post 310 can extend away from lid base wall 970 to an elevation corresponding to the longer side of closure 104. Together, closure 104 and base enclose lid base opening 902 when closure 104 is in the closed position. The disparity in length between the shorter side and longer side of closure 104 enables the longer side of closure 104 to clear components extending outwardly from lid base wall 970. In other words, the longer side of closure 104 moves in an arcuate path that can clear components of cartridge chamber 908, as well as upper components of additive cartridge 1000. A low profile of lid base 108 adjacent the longer side of closure 104 (in a closed position) avoids obstructing access to lid base opening 902. Accordingly, additive cartridge 1000 can be easily inserted and removed when closure 104 is in the open position. Furthermore, a drinking spout assembly 506 can also be easily connected and disconnected when closure 104 is in the open position. Closure 104 can include a first tab slot 976 and a second tab slot 978. First tab slot 976 may be configured to receive third locking tab 1400 and second tab slot 978 may be configured to receive the fourth locking tab (not shown).

[0041] In addition to the disparity in length between the shorter side and the longer side of closure 104, the position of the hinge on an outermost edge of enclosing wall 120 helps optimize the available space within lid base 108 and closure 104 for cartridge chamber 908, additive cartridge 1000, and drinking spout assembly 506 to fit within lid base. The dimensions of lid base can be kept small enough for a user's hand to grip components of lid assembly 100 while still accommodating cartridge chamber 908, additive cartridge 1000, and drinking spout assembly 506 within lid base 108 and closure 104 when closure 104 is in the closed position.

[0042] Closure 104 can comprise a shoulder 114 disposed beneath domed portion 116. Shoulder 114 can protrude outwardly beneath domed portion 116. Domed portion 116 and shoulder 114 can be shaped such that handle 106 encircles domed portion 116 and rests on shoulder 114 in the closed position. In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, handle 106 can comprise a ring shape that encircles domed portion 116. In other embodiments, handle 106 may comprise a u-shape or c-shape wrapping partially around domed portion 116.

[0043] Closure can include a skirt 118 extending below both domed portion 116 and shoulder 114. An outer portion of skirt 118 can protrude outwardly from shoulder 114. A latch protrusion 500 can extend from an edge/rim of skirt 118 and is configured to be latched by the latching mechanism. The outer portion of skirt 118 tapers in height from latch protrusion 500 toward hinge. Handle 106 can have an inner surface flush with an outer surface of domed portion 116 in the closed position. Shoulder 114 can provide a support for resting handle 106 in a locked position, discussed in more detail below, in which handle 106 lies against shoulder 114. Additionally, in the locked position, first tab slot 976 can mate with third locking tab 1400 and second tab slot 978 can mate with the fourth locking tab (not shown) to hold handle 106 down onto closure 104. The contour of the interior surface of skirt 118 can provide more space inside closure 104 for drinking spout assembly 506 to fit within closure 104 in the closed position. In other words, the bulging shape of skirt 118 provides additional space within closure 104 near its latch protrusion 500.

[0044] The latching mechanism can be configured to retain latch protrusion 500 extending from skirt 118 of closure 104. The latching mechanism can include a latch ring 928, a push plate 930 and a latch loop 936. Latch ring 928 can be substantially annular. Latch ring 928 can have a size and shape corresponding to the annular channel formed within lid base 108. When assembled, latch ring 928 can nest within the annular channel. Latch ring 928 can include a substantially u-shaped body 960 having a first u-shaped body end and a second u-shaped body end. A first arm 942 can extend from the first u-shaped body end. A second arm 944 can extend from the second u-shaped body end. Latch ring 928 can include a push plate 930 connecting the first u-shaped body arm to the second u-shaped body arm. Push plate 930 can be substantially flat. Push plate 930 can be substantially square shaped. In some embodiments, push plate 930 may differently shaped. For example, push plate 930 may be rectangular. In some embodiments, push plate 930 can be substantially curved rather than substantially flat. Push plate 930 can have a top end 932 and a bottom end 934. Push plate 930 can have a folded extension 974 centered at top end 932.

[0045] Latch ring 928 can include latch loop 936. Latch loop 936 can latch closure 104 in the closed position. Latch loop 936 can include a substantially c-shaped strip 938 extending from a first strip end to a second strip end. U-shaped body 960 may include a substantially flat portion 940 at a bottom of the u-shaped body 960 halfway between the first u-shaped body end and the second u-shaped body end. The substantially flat portion 940 may extend from a first point to a second point. The first strip end can be integrally connected to u-shaped body 960 at the first point. The second strip end can be integrally connected to u-shaped body 960 at the second point. Together, c-shaped strip 938 and the substantially flat portion 940 can form a substantially oval shape. When in the closed position, and push button 320 is in a resting position, latch protrusion 500 latches onto c-shaped strip 938. First arm 942 can include a spring retainer 958 configured to hold a spring in place to bias latch ring 928 back toward base plate 322. Second arm 944 can also include a spring retainer configured to hold a spring in place to bias latch ring 928 back toward base plate 322.

[0046] FIGS. 12 and 13 show lid assembly 100 being held in a user's hand 1202. In FIG. 12, the user is not pressing push button 320. In FIG. 13, the user is pressing push button 320. Latching mechanism can be movable between the latched position (FIG. 12), in which the latching mechanism retains closure 104 in the closed position, and the release position (FIG. 13), in which closure 104 is free to move to the open position. As shown in FIG. 12, in the resting position, push button 320 allows c-shaped strip 938 to stay in a latched position where c-shaped strip 938 is closer toward base plate 322. As shown by circle 1200, in the resting position, push plate 930 is spaced from latch ring cover 512. As shown in FIG. 13, in the pushed position, push button 320 moves the latching mechanism to the release position where c-shaped strip 938 is closer toward the user's thumb (farther away from base plate 322). As shown by circle 1300, in the pushed position, push plate 930 abuts latch ring cover 512. Push button 320 can be biased in the resting position such that push button 320 does not apply pressure to push plate 930.

[0047] The shape, size, and arrangement of the latching mechanism, push button 320, and push plate 930 on the hinge side of lid base 108 frees space where the longer side meets lid base 108. In this way, the longer side of closure 104 has more room to clear cartridge chamber 908, additive cartridge 1000, and drinking spout assembly 506 when opening and closing.

[0048] The placement of push button 320 at the hinge side of lid assembly 100 advantageously prevents push button 320 and associated components from interfering with latching components and from interfering with the space used to insert and remove additive cartridge 1000. However, it is understood that in some embodiments the latching mechanism can be reconfigured, and push button 320 can be located on the side of base plate 322 opposite the hinge. The thickness (perpendicular to both the height and width) of base plate 322 and part of enclosing wall 120, excluding first post 110 and second post 310, are thinner than first post 110 and second post 310 such that space within enclosing wall 120 is optimized to provide room for additive cartridge 1000 and drinking spout assembly 506 components.

[0049] Handle 106 can be configured to selectively pivot between two positions: a locked position (FIGS. 1-4) and an unlocked position (FIGS. 5-8). In the locked position, handle 106 can wrap around domed portion 116 of closure 104 and can rest upon shoulder 114 when closure 104 is in the closed position. In the unlocked position, handle 106 can be pivoted about the hinge to an unlocked position in which handle 106 extends outwardly away from lid base 108. FIGS. 5-8 show closure 104 in the open position with handle 106 in the unlocked position. It is understood that handle 106 can independently move to the unlocked position while closure 104 is still in the closed position. In such a situation, handle 106 no longer wraps around domed portion 116 and the bottle can be carried by handle 106 and/or can be hung on a hook.

[0050] In the locked position, handle 106 can prevent the latching mechanism from moving to the release position. For example, FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view (taken along line 14 of FIG. 2) of latch ring 928 and handle 106 in the locked position, according to an embodiment. In this view, a lateral side of handle 106 and latch ring 928, as well as folded extension 974, are in flat view to show their relationship to other components. As shown in FIG. 14, in the locked position, second locking tab 504 abuts top end 932 of push plate 930. Though not shown, it is understood that first locking tab 502 similarly abuts top end 932 of push plate 930 in the locked position. Folded extension 974 can optionally help hold closure 104 in the open position.

[0051] When handle 106 is in the locked position and the locking tabs abut push plate 930, the locking tabs prevent push plate 930 from moving toward the locking tabs. Accordingly, if push button 320 is pressed when handle 106 is in the locked position, the locking tabs can block movement of push plate 930. When handle 106 is in the unlocked position, first locking tab 502 and second locking tab 504 are moved away from push plate 930 (see FIGS. 5, 12, and 13). In this unlocked position, pressure applied to push button 320 can move latch ring 928, via push plate 930, to the release position and closure 104 can move to the open position.

[0052] Lid assembly 100 can include a latch ring cover 512 having a size and shape corresponding to latch ring 928. Latch ring cover 512 can include a curved inner wall, a curved outer wall, and a flat top wall between the curved inner wall and the curved outer wall. Latch ring cover 512 can operate to guide and support latch ring 928 for movement and can protect latch ring 928 from debris and/or from external objects causing interference with the positioning of latch ring 928. When assembled, latch ring 928 can be sandwiched between lid base wall 970 and the latch ring cover 512, such that latch ring 928 can slide back and forth within an annular space or channel formed between the latch ring cover and lid base wall 970, for example. In particular, latch ring 928 can slide toward and away from base plate 322. Latch ring cover 512 can have a cover cutout 956 through which latch protrusion 500 can contact and latch onto c-shaped strip 938 when push button 320 is in the resting position.

[0053] A chamber-straw connector 954 can connect cartridge chamber 908 to a straw 948. For example, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the interior of cartridge chamber 908 has a tubular shape that tapers toward cartridge chamber inlet 916. Chamber-straw connector 954 can be formed by an elongate body comprising a longitudinal axis. Chamber-straw connector 954 can include a chamber-straw connector passage 1018 extending along its longitudinal axis. Chamber-straw connector 954 can include a chamber connection portion 1012 and a straw connection portion 1010 opposite chamber connection portion 1012. When assembled, chamber connection portion 1012 can be disposed within the cartridge chamber and straw connection portion 1010 can be disposed outside the cartridge chamber. Chamber connection portion 1012 may include an annular flange 1014 that retains chamber connection portion 1012 within cartridge chamber 908. In other words, annular flange 1014 can prevent chamber connection portion 1012 from slipping out of cartridge chamber 908.

[0054] Lid assembly can include a straw 948 configured to be received within chamber-straw connector passage 1018 such that a fluid pathway extends continuously through straw 948 and additive cartridge 1000. When suction is applied to lid base opening 902 (e.g., through drinking spout assembly), base liquid can be drawn through straw 948 into additive cartridge 1000 where the base fluid can mix with an additive and then the mixture of the base liquid and additive can flow out of lid base opening 902 (e.g., through drinking spout assembly). A straw boot 946 can fit on an end of straw 948 to provide a soft end on straw 948.

[0055] A pad 952 of soft non-slip material can be attached to the bottom end of drinking container 102. Pad 952 can prevent drinking container 102 from scratching surfaces on which drinking container 102 is set down. Pad 952 can also prevent drinking container 102 from slipping when set down.

[0056] In some embodiments, lid assembly 100 can include a gasket or O-ring seal 950 for creating a seal between lid base and drinking container 102 when lid base is connected to drinking container 102.

[0057] While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.