Dispensing Lid

Abstract

A dispensing lid includes a gasket seat circumscribing a body aperture through a lid body. A body seal formed of a continuous material in common includes a gasket with a concave profile having an upper sloped surface, a lower sloped surface, and a neck joining the upper and lower sloped surfaces such that the upper and lower sloped surfaces decrease in diameter toward the neck. The gasket seat is complementary to the concave profile of the gasket. A drinking insert selectively engageable with and disengageable from the body seal includes a dispensing conduit passing through the drinking insert. The drinking insert seals with the body seal and, in turn, the body seal gasket seals with the gasket seat when the drinking insert is engaged with the body seal and, in turn, the body seal is engaged with the body.

Claims

1. A dispensing lid for use with a container, the dispensing lid comprising: a body including a body aperture through the body, the body having a gasket seat circumscribing at least a part of the body aperture; a body seal selectively engageable with and disengageable from the body, the body seal being formed of a continuous material in common amongst body seal components, which include a gasket with a concave profile having: an upper sloped surface; a lower sloped surface; and a neck joining the upper and lower sloped surfaces such that the upper and lower sloped surfaces decrease in diameter toward the neck, the gasket seat being complementary to the concave profile of the gasket; a drinking insert selectively engageable with and disengageable from the body seal, the drinking insert: including a dispensing conduit passing through the drinking insert; and allowing dispensing through the lid via the dispensing conduit, which passes within the neck of the concave profile when the drinking insert is engaged with the body seal, thus aligning the dispensing conduit with the body aperture; and the drinking insert sealing with the body seal and, in turn, the body seal gasket sealing with the gasket seat when the drinking insert is engaged with the body seal and, in turn, the body seal is engaged with the body.

2. The dispensing lid of claim 1, wherein: the body is formed of a first rigid material; the continuous material in common is a resilient material; and the drinking insert is formed of a second rigid material different from the first rigid material.

3. The dispensing lid of claim 2, wherein: the resilient material is silicone; and the second rigid material is ceramic or glass.

4. The dispensing lid of claim 1, wherein: the drinking insert has a concave profile, the gasket seat being complementary to, but spaced apart from, the concave profile of the drinking insert, providing a gap between the drinking insert and the gasket seat; and the gasket resides in the gap.

5. The dispensing lid of claim 4, wherein the gap has a consistent thickness.

6. The dispensing lid of claim 4, wherein the concave profile of the drinking insert comprises: an upper sloped surface; a lower sloped surface; and a neck joining the upper and lower sloped surfaces such that the upper and lower sloped surfaces decrease in diameter toward the neck.

7. The dispensing lid of claim 1, wherein the neck of the gasket is in tension when the body seal is engaged with the body, thus pulling the upper and lower sloped surfaces into contact with the gasket seat.

8. The dispensing lid of claim 1, wherein the smallest diameter of the upper and lower sloped surfaces occurs at the neck.

9. The dispensing lid of claim 1, wherein the neck comprises a fillet between the upper and lower sloped surfaces.

10. The dispensing lid of claim 1, wherein the upper and lower sloped surfaces continuously decrease in diameter toward the neck across any portions thereof that contact the gasket seat when the body seal is engaged with the body.

11. The dispensing lid of claim 10, wherein the continuous decrease in diameter toward the neck is linear.

12. The dispensing lid of claim 1: wherein the drinking insert extends through the body aperture when engaged with the body seal; and wherein the drinking insert forms an outside surface of the lid and an opposing inside surface of the lid, the inside surface facing inside the container as exposed through the body aperture when the dispensing lid is attached to the container.

13. The dispensing lid of claim 1, wherein the upper sloped surface and the lower sloped surface have the same height.

14. The dispensing lid of claim 1, wherein the upper sloped surface has a greater height than the lower sloped surface.

15. The dispensing lid of claim 1, further comprising a cap closing the dispensing conduit when retained in a closed position contacting the drinking insert and opening the dispensing conduit when released from the closed position.

16. The dispensing lid of claim 1, further comprising a cap closing the drinking insert when retained in a closed position contacting a rim of the drinking insert and opening the drinking insert when released from the closed position, wherein: the body further comprises a post; and the cap comprises a cap extension including a closure loop that fits over the post and an attachment loop that fits over the post below the closure loop, the closure loop engaging with the post to secure the cap in the closed position and the attachment loop engaging with the post to retain the cap to the body when the closure loop is not engaged with the post.

17. The dispensing lid of claim 1, further comprising a cap closing the drinking insert when retained in a closed position contacting a rim of the drinking insert and opening the drinking insert when released from the closed position, wherein: the cap comprises two posts, each projecting from a respective one of two opposing, outward facing surfaces of the cap; and the body further comprises two post channels, each formed in a respective one of two opposing, inward facing surfaces of the body and through which the two posts respectively slide and rotate when retaining the cap in the closed position and releasing the cap from the closed position.

18. A dispensing lid for use with a container, the dispensing lid comprising: a body formed of a first rigid material, the body including a body aperture passing through the first rigid material and the body having a gasket seat circumscribing at least a part of the body aperture; a body seal selectively engageable with and disengageable from the body, the body seal being formed of a resilient, continuous material in common amongst body seal components, which include a gasket with a concave profile having: an upper sloped surface; a lower sloped surface; and a neck joining the upper and lower sloped surfaces such that the upper and lower sloped surfaces decrease in diameter toward the neck, the gasket seat being complementary to the concave profile of the gasket; a drinking insert selectively engageable with and disengageable from the body seal, the drinking insert: being formed of a second rigid material different from the first rigid material and selected from ceramic or glass; including a dispensing conduit passing through the second rigid material; and allowing dispensing through the lid via the dispensing conduit, which passes within the neck of the concave profile when the drinking insert is engaged with the body seal, thus aligning the dispensing conduit with the body aperture; and the drinking insert sealing with body seal and, in turn, the body seal gasket sealing with the gasket seat when the drinking insert is engaged with the body seal and, in turn, the body seal is engaged with the body.

19. The dispensing lid of claim 18, wherein: the drinking insert has a concave profile, the gasket seat being complementary to, but spaced apart from, the concave profile of the drinking insert, providing a gap between the drinking insert and the gasket seat; and the gasket resides in the gap.

20. The dispensing lid of claim 18, wherein the neck of the gasket is in tension when the body seal is engaged with the body, thus pulling the upper and lower sloped surfaces into contact with the gasket seat.

21. The dispensing lid of claim 18, further comprising a cap closing the dispensing conduit when retained in a closed position contacting the drinking insert and opening the dispensing conduit when released from the closed position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Some embodiments are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

[0005] FIGS. 1 and 2 are exploded isometric views of a first example dispensing lid.

[0006] FIG. 3 is a partly exploded sectional view of the first example dispensing lid.

[0007] FIGS. 4 and 5 are isometric views of the first example dispensing lid with the cap in varied positions.

[0008] FIGS. 6 and 7 are exploded isometric views of a second example dispensing lid.

[0009] FIG. 8 is a partly exploded sectional view of the second example dispensing lid.

[0010] FIGS. 9 and 10 are isometric views of the second example dispensing lid with the cap in varied positions.

[0011] FIGS. 11 and 12 are exploded isometric views of a third example dispensing lid.

[0012] FIG. 13 is a partly exploded sectional view of the third example dispensing lid.

[0013] FIGS. 14 and 15 are isometric views of the third example dispensing lid with the cap in varied positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The example implementations described herein refer to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the various drawings may identify the same or similar features.

[0015] In some instances, ceramic is a desirable material for drinking surfaces of a dispensing lid that contact a user's mouth. Ceramic may be inert, heat resistant, non-absorptive, and easy to clean. However, it is often considered brittle and exhibits low fracture toughness. Its dimensions may change during firing and not maintain design tolerances.

[0016] Some examples described herein provide a gasket seat complementary to a concave profile of a body seal. A drinking insert seals with the body seal. Accordingly, a variety of materials may be used for the drinking insert different from other materials in the dispensing lid.

[0017] Therefore, some implementations described herein provide a dispensing lid structure amenable to incorporating ceramic and glass into dispensing lids as drinking surfaces.

[0018] As indicated above, FIGS. 1-15 are provided merely as examples. Other examples are possible and may differ from what is described with regard to FIGS. 1-15.

First Example Dispensing Lid

[0019] FIGS. 1-5 show several views of a dispensing lid 200 for use with a container. For simplicity, the container is not shown in the Figures. Dispensing lid 200 includes a body 202, with a body aperture 238 through body 202. Body 202 has a gasket seat 254 circumscribing at least a part of body aperture 238. Gasket seat 254 may circumscribe the entirety of body aperture 238. A body seal 206 is selectively engageable with and disengageable from body 202. Body seal 206 is formed of a continuous material in common amongst body seal components.

[0020] Body seal components include a gasket 252 with a concave profile 250 having an upper sloped surface 272, a lower sloped surface 274, and a neck 276 joining upper and lower sloped surfaces 272/274. Upper and lower sloped surfaces 272/274 decrease in diameter toward neck 276. Gasket seat 254 is complementary to concave profile 250 of gasket 252.

[0021] A drinking insert 208 is selectively engageable with and disengageable from body seal 206. Drinking insert 208 includes a dispensing conduit 210 passing through drinking insert 208 from an insert bottom inlet 266 to an insert top outlet 230. Drinking insert 208 allows dispensing through lid 200 via dispensing conduit 210.

[0022] Dispensing conduit 210 passes within neck 276 of concave profile 250 when drinking insert 208 is engaged with body seal 206, thus aligning dispensing conduit 210 with body aperture 238. Drinking insert 208 seals with body seal 206 when drinking insert 208 is engaged with body seal 206. Gasket 252 of body seal 206 seals with gasket seat 254 when body seal 206 is engaged with body 200.

[0023] By way of example, body 202 may be formed of a first rigid material. Drinking insert 208 may be formed of a second rigid material different from the first rigid material. The continuous material in common of body seal 206 may be a resilient material. The first rigid material may be one of various plastics, polymers, etc. known for use in dispensing containers and dispensing lids. The second rigid material may be selected from among ceramic or glass. Ceramic and glass are not known for use in drinking inserts of a dispensing lid due to the problems therewith discussed above. The resilient material may be silicone known for use in other components of dispensing lids. Even so, silicone is not known for use in a body seal of a dispensing lid between a drinking insert and a gasket seat, such as described herein.

[0024] Body seal 206 may be manufactured in a single molding process containing all of the continuous material in common sufficient to form the components included therewith. Other manufacturing processes are conceivable, such as subtractive manufacturing to remove portions from a block of the continuous material, etc. Silicone may be a suitable continuous material for many implementations with a hardness, such as a Shore A durometer value, sufficient to yield the physical and mechanical properties described herein.

[0025] In other implementations, body seal 206 formed of a continuous material in common could conceivably have material interfaces between components. For example, if components are formed of the continuous material, though at different times, then material interfaces could exist. Also, in additive manufacturing, such as 3-D printing and other methods, some techniques may leave macroscopic interfaces between successively formed layers of a continuous material in common unless measures are taken to reduce or eliminate such interfaces. Likewise, if components containing the continuous material are welded together in some manner without adding different material, then material interfaces would likely exist. Components joined using a different interface material, such as adhesive, would not include a continuous material in common among components.

[0026] Body seal 206 may be associated with an additional component (not shown) that is not formed of the continuous material in common amongst body seal components. The additional component could impart additional mechanical properties to the body seal. Despite the presence of the internal feature, body seal 206 may nonetheless be formed of a continuous material in common amongst gasket 252 with a concave profile 250 having an upper sloped surface 272, a lower sloped surface 274, and a neck 276 joining the upper and lower sloped surfaces 272/274.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of dispensing lid 200 making apparent the complementary nature of body seal 206 and gasket seat 254. Gasket seat 254 provides structures complementary to upper sloped surface 272, lower sloped surface 274, and neck 276. FIG. 3, as well as other figures, also make apparent that body seal 206 additionally includes a flange 280 in sealing association with body 202. Flange 280 of body seal 206 is not a part of gasket 252 because it is not included within upper sloped surface 272. Consequently, flange 280 is not complementary to gasket seat 254. Instead, body 202 provides a flange seat 282 in sealing association with flange 280.

[0028] Drinking insert 208 may have a concave profile 270. Gasket seat 254 may be complementary to, but spaced apart from, concave profile 270 of drinking insert 208. The spacing apart provides a gap between drinking insert 208 and gasket seat 254. Gasket 252 may reside in the gap.

[0029] FIG. 3, as well as other figures, show concave profile 270 of drinking insert 208 including an upper sloped surface, a lower sloped surface, and a neck joining the upper and lower sloped surfaces such that the upper and lower sloped surfaces decrease in diameter toward the neck. It is apparent that concave profile 270 is thus complementary to gasket seat 254.

[0030] Components in FIG. 3 are partially exploded in that drinking insert 270 is removed from contact with body seal 206. However, FIG. 3 shows that assembling drinking insert 208 into body aperture 238 would place concave profile 270 spaced apart from gasket seat 254. Gasket 252 of body seal 206 resides in the gap. FIG. 3 also shows that the gap has a consistent thickness by virtue of the consistent thickness of gasket 252.

[0031] Neck 276 of gasket 252 may be in tension when body seal 206 is engaged with body 202. Gasket 252 may be sized and configured to pull upper sloped surface 272 and lower sloped surface 274 into contact with gasket seat 254. Per FIG. 3 and other Figures, upper sloped surface 272 and lower sloped surface 274 have decreasing diameters toward neck 276. In the example of dispensing lid 200, the smallest diameter of upper and lower sloped surfaces 272/274 occurs at neck 276.

[0032] Neck 276 includes a fillet 278 between upper 272 and lower 274 sloped surfaces. A fillet is a concavely curved section at the angle formed by the junction of two surfaces, that is, a rounded inside corner. An alternative to fillet 278 could be a vertex (not shown) wherein concave profile 250 comes to a point, as in the point of a triangle. However, by avoiding sharp corners, fillet 278 and the complementary shape of gasket seat 254 create a sealing surface that more readily engages and seals in comparison to a vertex. Also, a vertex could be more susceptible to tearing stresses in comparison to a fillet when removing and replacing body seal 206.

[0033] As shown, upper and lower sloped surfaces 272/274 continuously decrease in diameter toward neck 276 across any portions thereof that contact gasket seat 254 when body seal 206 is engaged with body 202. The continuous decrease in diameter toward neck 276 may be linear, such as is shown.

[0034] In the example of dispensing lid 200, drinking insert 208 extends through body aperture 238 when engaged with body seal 206. Drinking insert 208 forms an outside surface 240 of lid 200 and an opposing inside surface 242 of lid 200. Inside surface 242 faces inside the container as exposed through body aperture 238 when dispensing lid 200 is attached to the container. As one example, upper sloped surface 272 and lower sloped surface 274 have the same height. In another example, upper sloped surface 272 has a greater height than lower sloped surface 274.

[0035] Dispensing lid 200 may further include a cap 204 closing dispensing conduit 210 when retained in a closed position contacting drinking insert 208. Cap 204 may open dispensing conduit 210 when released from the closed position. FIG. 4 shows cap 204 in a closed position. FIG. 5 shows cap 204 released from the closed position with dispensing conduit 210 open for dispensing.

[0036] Cap 204 includes two pivots 306, each projecting from a respective one of two opposing, outward facing surfaces 312 of cap 204. Body 202 includes two sockets 310, each formed in a respective one of two opposing, inward facing surfaces 314 of body 202. As the term is used herein, outward facing refers to facing outward in a direction oriented from the center of body 202 toward the perimeter of body 202. As the term is used herein, inward facing refers to facing inward in a direction oriented from the perimeter of body 202 toward the center of body 202.

[0037] Pivots 306 seat in sockets 310, allowing rotation of cap 204 about pivots 306 from the closed position. Cap 204 also includes two bosses 318 and body 202 includes two stops 320 that retain cap 204 in the closed position. Cap 204 further includes two bosses 328 and body 202 includes two stops 330 that retain cap 204 in an open position.

[0038] In the example of dispensing lid 200, stops 320 are recesses, but other known structures are conceivable. The pair of bosses 318 on cap 204 may register to the pair of stops 320 in body 202 when cap 204 is in a closed position, such as shown in FIG. 4. The pair of bosses 328 on cap 204 may register to the pair of stops 330 in body 202 when cap 204 is in an open, retained position, such as shown in FIG. 5.

[0039] Although the pairs of bosses 318/328 are on cap 204 and the pairs of stops 320/330 are on body 202, their locations may be swapped. One or both of the pairs of stops 320/330 could conceivably be located on cap 204 and one or both of the pairs of bosses 318/328 could conceivably be located on body 202. Also, the pair of bosses/stops could conceivable be only one boss and one stop, but the retention would be less secure and potentially shift cap 204 toward the opposite side from where the boss/stop is located.

[0040] When a user opens dispensing conduit 210 by moving cap 204 to an open position, the user generally inverts the dispensing container to pour liquid out of dispensing conduit 210. Consequently, if cap 204 is not somehow restrained, it could swing back toward the closed position of cap 204, potentially striking the user or unintentionally closing dispensing conduit 210. Provision of the boss/stop combination permits restraining cap 204 in an open, retained position when the pair of bosses 328 registers with the pair of stops 330.

[0041] The example of dispensing lid 200 includes several other structural features related to opening and closing cap 204 and dispensing contents of the container. Body seal 206 includes two recesses 268 in flange 280 sized and positioned to receive the edges of cap 204 when in the closed position. Due to the thickness of flange 280, recesses 268 accommodate the edges of cap 204, which extend far enough to entirely cover the front side of drinking insert 208.

[0042] Cap 204 includes a cap seal channel 236, a cap seal 232 seated in cap seal channel 236, and a pin 234 inserted into cap seal 232. Pin 234 provides a compression fit securing cap seal 232 to cap 204. When cap 204 is in a closed position, seal 232 contacts a periphery of dispensing conduit 210 at the insert top outlet 230 and prevents dispensing. Cap 204 might also contact an insert rim 228 of drinking insert 208 in the closed position, but such is not necessarily required in the example of dispensing lid 200. Cap seal 232 closes dispensing conduit 210.

[0043] Venting air may be useful in the example of dispensing lid 200. Accordingly, cap 204 includes a vent post 322 positioned to align with and close a vent plug (not shown) fitted in a vent orifice (not shown) extending through body 202. Such a vent may permit air exchange through body 202. Vent post 322 prevents air exchange when 204 is closed. The vent plug may be formed of a resilient material similar to body seal 206.

[0044] In addition to concave profile 270 of drinking insert 208 engaging with body seal 206, an insert ledge 216 of drinking insert 208 may engage with flange 280 of body seal 206. Such engagement may provide a sealing surface in addition to concave profile 270 of drinking insert 208 and concave profile 250 of body seal 206.

[0045] As a result, materials in the container may be dispensed from insert bottom inlet 266 through dispensing conduit 210 and out insert top outlet 230. Body seal 206 may be sufficiently thick and resilient to accommodate small changes in manufacturing tolerances of drinking insert 208. Such accommodation may be significant when drinking insert 208 is ceramic, glass, or another material susceptible to shrinkage during manufacturing. Drinking insert 208 has a concave profile 270, but body seal 206 may flex sufficiently for the lower sloped surface to squeeze through gasket seat 254 and engage fully with gasket 252.

Second Example Dispensing Lid

[0046] FIGS. 6-10 show several views of a dispensing lid 100 for use with a container. For simplicity, the container is not shown in the Figures. Dispensing lid 100 includes a body 102, with a body aperture 138 through body 102. Body 102 has a gasket seat 154 circumscribing at least a part of body aperture 138. Gasket seat 154 may circumscribe the entirety of body aperture 138. A variety of structures are possible for gasket seat 154. In the example of dispensing lid 100, gasket seat 154 is formed on an extension wall 164 of body 102. A body seal 106 is selectively engageable with and disengageable from body 102. Body seal 106 is formed of a continuous material in common amongst body seal components.

[0047] Body seal components include a gasket 152 with a concave profile 150 having an upper sloped surface 172, a lower sloped surface 174, and a neck 176 joining upper and lower sloped surfaces 172/174. Upper and lower sloped surfaces 172/174 decrease in diameter toward neck 176. Gasket seat 154 is complementary to concave profile 150 of gasket 152.

[0048] A drinking insert 108 is selectively engageable with and disengageable from body seal 106. Drinking insert 108 includes a dispensing conduit 110 passing through drinking insert 108 from an insert bottom inlet 166 to an insert top outlet 130. Drinking insert 108 allows dispensing through lid 100 via dispensing conduit 110.

[0049] Dispensing conduit 110 passes within neck 176 of concave profile 150 when drinking insert 108 is engaged with body seal 106, thus aligning dispensing conduit 110 with body aperture 138. Drinking insert 108 seals with body seal 106 when drinking insert 108 is engaged with body seal 106. Gasket 152 of body seal 106 seals with gasket seat 154 when body seal 106 is engaged with body 100.

[0050] By way of example, body 102, drinking insert 108, and body seal 106 may be formed of the same materials and formed by the same means as described above for body 202, drinking insert 208, and body seal 206.

[0051] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of dispensing lid 100 making apparent the complementary nature of body seal 106 and gasket seat 154. Gasket seat 154 provides structures complementary to upper sloped surface 172, lower sloped surface 174, and neck 176. FIG. 8, as well as other figures, also make apparent that body seal 106 additionally includes a flange 180 in sealing association with body 102. Flange 180 of body seal 106 is not a part of gasket 152 because it is not included within upper sloped surface 172. Consequently, flange 180 is not complementary to gasket seat 154. Instead, body 102 provides a flange seat 182 in sealing association with flange 180.

[0052] Drinking insert 108 may have a concave profile 170. Gasket seat 154 may be complementary to, but spaced apart from, concave profile 170 of drinking insert 108. The spacing apart provides a gap between drinking insert 108 and gasket seat 154. Gasket 152 may reside in the gap.

[0053] FIG. 8, as well as other figures, show concave profile 170 of drinking insert 108 including an upper sloped surface, a lower sloped surface, and a neck joining the upper and lower sloped surfaces such that the upper and lower sloped surfaces decrease in diameter toward the neck. It is apparent that concave profile 170 is thus complementary to gasket seat 154.

[0054] Components in FIG. 8 are partially exploded in that drinking insert 170 is removed from contact with body seal 106. However, FIG. 8 shows that assembling drinking insert 108 into body aperture 138 would place concave profile 170 spaced apart from gasket seat 154. Gasket 152 of body seal 106 resides in the gap. FIG. 8 also shows that the gap has a consistent thickness by virtue of the consistent thickness of gasket 152.

[0055] Neck 176 of gasket 152 may be in tension when body seal 106 is engaged with body 102. Gasket 152 may be sized and configured to pull upper sloped surface 172 and lower sloped surface 174 into contact with gasket seat 154. Per FIG. 8 and other Figures, upper sloped surface 172 and lower sloped surface 174 have decreasing diameters toward neck 176. In the example of dispensing lid 100, the smallest diameter of upper and lower sloped surfaces 172/174 occurs at neck 176.

[0056] Neck 176 includes a fillet 178 between upper 172 and lower 174 sloped surfaces. An alternative to fillet 178 could be a vertex (not shown) wherein concave profile 150 comes to a point, as in the point of a triangle. However, by avoiding sharp corners, fillet 178 and the complementary shape of gasket seat 154 create a sealing surface that more readily engages and seals in comparison to a vertex. Also, a vertex could be more susceptible to tearing stresses in comparison to a fillet when removing and replacing body seal 106.

[0057] As shown, upper and lower sloped surfaces 172/174 continuously decrease in diameter toward neck 176 across any portions thereof that contact gasket seat 154 when body seal 106 is engaged with body 102. The continuous decrease in diameter toward neck 176 may be linear, such as is shown.

[0058] In the example of dispensing lid 100, drinking insert 108 extends through body aperture 138 when engaged with body seal 106. Drinking insert 108 forms an outside surface 140 of lid 100 and an opposing inside surface 142 of lid 100. Inside surface 142 faces inside the container as exposed through body aperture 138 when dispensing lid 100 is attached to the container. As one example, upper sloped surface 172 and lower sloped surface 174 have the same height. In another example, upper sloped surface 172 has a greater height than lower sloped surface 174.

[0059] Dispensing lid 100 may further include a cap 104 closing drinking insert 108 when retained in a closed position contacting drinking insert 108. Cap 104 may open drinking insert 108 when released from the closed position. FIGS. 8 and 9 show cap 104 in a closed position. FIG. 10 shows cap 104 released from the closed position with drinking insert 108 open for dispensing.

[0060] Body 102 includes a post 112 with an upper groove 120 and a lower groove 122. Upper 120 and lower 122 grooves may circumscribe post 112, as is shown. Cap 104 includes a cap extension 126 including a closure loop 190 that fits over post 112. Cap extension 126 also includes an attachment loop 192 that fits over post 112 below closure loop 190. Closure loop 190 engages with post 112 to secure cap 104 in the closed position. Attachment loop 192 engages with post 112 to retain cap 104 to body 102 when closure loop 190 is not engaged with post 112. A cap hinge 168 connects closure loop 190 with attachment loop 192. Closure loop 190 may seat within upper groove 120. Attachment loop 192 may seat within lower groove 122.

[0061] Cap 104 includes a cap seal 136. When cap 104 is in a closed position, cap seal 136 contacts an insert rim 128 of drinking insert 108. Cap seal 136 closes drinking insert 108.

[0062] In addition to concave profile 170 of drinking insert 108 engaging with body seal 106, an insert ledge 116 of drinking insert 108 may engage with flange 180 of body seal 106. Such engagement may provide a sealing surface in addition to concave profile 170 of drinking insert 108 and concave profile 150 of body seal 106. Also, a cap lip 124 may engage an overhanging portion of insert ledge 116, restricting upward movement of cap 104 and reducing the likelihood of breaking the seal between cap 104 and insert rim 128. A finger tab 114 above cap lip 124 may be used to flex cap 104 outward away from drinking insert 108 and release cap lip 124 from under insert ledge 116. Releasing cap lip 124 allows cap 104 to be lifted further, disengaging closure loop 190 from post 112.

[0063] As a result, materials in the container may be dispensed from insert bottom inlet 166 through dispensing conduit 110 and out insert top outlet 130. Body seal 106 may be sufficiently thick and resilient to accommodate small changes in manufacturing tolerances of drinking insert 108. Such accommodation may be significant when drinking insert 108 is ceramic, glass, or another material susceptible to shrinkage during manufacturing. Drinking insert 108 has a concave profile 170, but body seal 106 may flex sufficiently for the lower sloped surface to squeeze through gasket seat 154 and engage fully with gasket 152.

Third Example Dispensing Lid

[0064] FIGS. 11-15 show several views of a dispensing lid 600 for use with a container. For simplicity, the container is not shown in the Figures. Dispensing lid 600 includes a body 602, with a body aperture 638 through body 602. Body 602 has a gasket seat 654 circumscribing at least a part of body aperture 638. Gasket seat 654 may circumscribe the entirety of body aperture 638. A variety of structures are possible for gasket seat 654. In the example of dispensing lid 600, gasket seat 654 is formed on an extension wall 664 of body 102. A body seal 606 is selectively engageable with and disengageable from body 602. Body seal 606 is formed of a continuous material in common amongst body seal components.

[0065] Body seal components include a gasket 652 with a concave profile 650 having an upper sloped surface 672, a lower sloped surface 674, and a neck 676 joining upper and lower sloped surfaces 672/674. Upper and lower sloped surfaces 672/674 decrease in diameter toward neck 676. Gasket seat 654 is complementary to concave profile 650 of gasket 652.

[0066] A drinking insert 608 is selectively engageable with and disengageable from body seal 606. Drinking insert 608 includes a dispensing conduit 610 passing through drinking insert 608 from an insert bottom inlet 666 to an insert top outlet 630. Drinking insert 608 allows dispensing through lid 600 via dispensing conduit 610.

[0067] Dispensing conduit 610 passes within neck 676 of concave profile 650 when drinking insert 608 is engaged with body seal 606, thus aligning dispensing conduit 610 with body aperture 638. Drinking insert 608 seals with body seal 606 when drinking insert 608 is engaged with body seal 606. Gasket 652 of body seal 606 seals with gasket seat 654 when body seal 606 is engaged with body 600.

[0068] By way of example, body 602, drinking insert 608, and body seal 606 may be formed of the same materials and formed by the same means as described above for body 202, drinking insert 208, and body seal 206.

[0069] FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of dispensing lid 600 making apparent the complementary nature of body seal 606 and gasket seat 654. Gasket seat 654 provides structures complementary to upper sloped surface 672, lower sloped surface 674, and neck 676. FIG. 13, as well as other figures, also make apparent that body seal 606 additionally includes a flange 680 in sealing association with body 602. Flange 680 of body seal 606 is not a part of gasket 652 because it is not included within upper sloped surface 672. Consequently, flange 680 is not complementary to gasket seat 654. Instead, body 602 provides a flange seat 682 in sealing association with flange 680.

[0070] Drinking insert 608 may have a concave profile 670. Gasket seat 654 may be complementary to, but spaced apart from, concave profile 670 of drinking insert 608. The spacing apart provides a gap between drinking insert 608 and gasket seat 654. Gasket 652 may reside in the gap.

[0071] FIG. 13, as well as other figures, show concave profile 670 of drinking insert 608 including an upper sloped surface, a lower sloped surface, and a neck joining the upper and lower sloped surfaces such that the upper and lower sloped surfaces decrease in diameter toward the neck. It is apparent that concave profile 670 is thus complementary to gasket seat 654.

[0072] Components in FIG. 13 are partially exploded in that drinking insert 670 is removed from contact with body seal 606. However, FIG. 13 shows that assembling drinking insert 608 into body aperture 638 would place concave profile 670 spaced apart from gasket seat 654. Gasket 652 of body seal 606 resides in the gap. FIG. 13 also shows that the gap has a consistent thickness by virtue of the consistent thickness of gasket 652.

[0073] Neck 676 of gasket 652 may be in tension when body seal 606 is engaged with body 602. Gasket 652 may be sized and configured to pull upper sloped surface 672 and lower sloped surface 674 into contact with gasket seat 654. Per FIG. 13 and other Figures, upper sloped surface 672 and lower sloped surface 674 have decreasing diameters toward neck 676. In the example of dispensing lid 600, the smallest diameter of upper and lower sloped surfaces 672/674 occurs at neck 676.

[0074] Neck 676 includes a fillet 678 between upper 672 and lower 674 sloped surfaces. An alternative to fillet 678 could be a vertex (not shown) wherein concave profile 650 comes to a point, as in the point of a triangle. However, by avoiding sharp corners, fillet 678 and the complementary shape of gasket seat 654 create a sealing surface that more readily engages and seals in comparison to a vertex. Also, a vertex could be more susceptible to tearing stresses in comparison to a fillet when removing and replacing body seal 606.

[0075] As shown, upper and lower sloped surfaces 672/674 continuously decrease in diameter toward neck 676 across any portions thereof that contact gasket seat 654 when body seal 606 is engaged with body 602. The continuous decrease in diameter toward neck 676 may be linear, such as is shown.

[0076] In the example of dispensing lid 600, drinking insert 608 extends through body aperture 638 when engaged with body seal 606. Drinking insert 608 forms an outside surface 640 of lid 600 and an opposing inside surface 642 of lid 600. Inside surface 642 faces inside the container as exposed through body aperture 638 when dispensing lid 600 is attached to the container. As one example, upper sloped surface 672 and lower sloped surface 674 have the same height. In another example, upper sloped surface 672 has a greater height than lower sloped surface 674.

[0077] Dispensing lid 600 may further include a cap 604 closing drinking insert 608 when retained in a closed position contacting drinking insert 608. Cap 604 may open drinking insert 608 when released from the closed position. FIG. 13 shows cap 604 in a closed position. FIG. 14 shows cap 604 partially open and pushed forward at finger tab 614 in the direction shown by arrow 612 from the closed position. FIG. 15 shows cap 604 released from the closed position with drinking insert 608 open for dispensing.

[0078] Cap 604 includes two posts 706, each projecting from a respective one of two opposing, outward facing surfaces 712 of cap 604. Body 602 includes two post channels 710, each formed in a respective one of two opposing, inward facing surfaces 714 of body 602. Posts 706 slide through and rotate in respective post channels 710 when retaining cap 204 in the closed position and releasing cap 204 from the closed position. Posts 706 seat in post channels 710, allowing rotation of cap 604 about posts 706 when posts 706 are at channel ends 716. Otherwise, when posts 706 are not at channel ends 716, cap 604 cannot rotate. Pushing cap 604 in the direction opposite arrow 614 seats cap 604 in the closed position.

[0079] FIGS. 11 and 12 show posts 706 as laterally elongated columns with opposing flat sides and rounded ends. The width of posts 706 at the flat sides is complementary to the width of post channels 710. Posts 706 may be formed in other shapes, such as a circular column, etc., though the shape shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 provides unique benefits further described below.

[0080] Cap 604 is selectively rotatable about posts 706, such as shown in FIG. 15, upon fully extending cap 604 so that posts 706 reach two respective ends 716 of post channels 710. Cap 604 is not selectively rotatable unless fully extended. This feature is enabled by the complementary size of post channels 710 and flat-sided posts 706. Since posts 706 are elongated and sized complementary to post channels 710, they cannot rotate within post channels 710 until extended to reach channel ends 716. Channel ends 716 are shaped and sized complementary to the rotational profile of posts 706. Accordingly, in dispensing lid 600, channel ends 716 are circular, receiving the rotational profile of posts 706.

[0081] Cap 604 includes a cap seal channel 636 sized and configured to received a cap seal (not shown) seated in cap seal channel 636. When cap 604 is in a closed position, the cap seal would contact an insert rim 628 of drinking insert 608 in the closed position. The cap seal in cap seal channel 636 would close drinking insert 608.

[0082] In addition to concave profile 670 of drinking insert 608 engaging with body seal 606, an insert ledge 616 of drinking insert 608 may engage with flange 680 of body seal 606. Such engagement may provide a sealing surface in addition to concave profile 670 of drinking insert 608 and concave profile 650 of body seal 606. Also, a cap lip 624 may engage an overhanging portion of insert ledge 616, restricting upward movement of cap 604 and reducing the likelihood of breaking the seal between cap 604 and insert rim 628.

[0083] As a result, materials in the container may be dispensed from insert bottom inlet 666 through dispensing conduit 610 and out insert top outlet 630. Body seal 606 may be sufficiently thick and resilient to accommodate small changes in manufacturing tolerances of drinking insert 608. Such accommodation may be significant when drinking insert 608 is ceramic, glass, or another material susceptible to shrinkage during manufacturing. Drinking insert 608 has a concave profile 670, but body seal 606 may flex sufficiently for the lower sloped surface to squeeze through gasket seat 654 and engage fully with gasket 652.

Devices and Methods

[0084] The discoveries described herein identify a number of solutions that may be implemented in devices and methods also described herein. Multiple solutions may be combined for implementation, enabling still further devices and methods. The inventors expressly contemplate that the various options described herein for individual devices and methods are not intended to be so limited except where incompatible with other devices and methods. The features and benefits of individual devices herein may also be used in combination with methods and other devices described herein even though not specifically indicated elsewhere. Similarly, the features and benefits of individual methods herein may also be used in combination with devices and other methods described herein even though not specifically indicated elsewhere.

[0085] According to one device, a dispensing lid for use with a container includes a body, a body seal, and a drinking insert. The body includes a body aperture through the body, the body having a gasket seat circumscribing at least a part of the body aperture. The body seal is selectively engageable with and disengageable from the body, the body seal being formed of a continuous material in common amongst body seal components. The body seal components include a gasket with a concave profile having an upper sloped surface, a lower sloped surface, and a neck joining the upper and lower sloped surfaces. The upper and lower sloped surfaces decrease in diameter toward the neck, the gasket seat being complementary to the concave profile of the gasket. The drinking insert is selectively engageable with and disengageable from the body seal. The drinking insert includes a dispensing conduit passing through the drinking insert and allows dispensing through the lid via the dispensing conduit. The dispensing conduit passes within the neck of the concave profile when the drinking insert is engaged with the body seal, thus aligning the dispensing conduit with the body aperture. The drinking insert seals with the body seal and, in turn, the body seal gasket seals with the gasket seat when the drinking insert is engaged with the body seal and, in turn, the body seal is engaged with the body.

[0086] Additional features may be implemented in the one device. By way of example, the body may be formed of a first rigid material. The continuous material in common may be a resilient material. The drinking insert may be formed of a second rigid material different from the first rigid material. The resilient material may be silicone. The second rigid material may be ceramic or glass.

[0087] The drinking insert may have a concave profile, the gasket seat being complementary to, but spaced apart from, the concave profile of the drinking insert, providing a gap between the drinking insert and the gasket seat. The gasket may reside in the gap. The gap may have a consistent thickness.

[0088] The concave profile of the drinking insert may include an upper sloped surface, a lower sloped surface, and a neck joining the upper and lower sloped surfaces such that the upper and lower sloped surfaces decrease in diameter toward the neck. The neck of the gasket may be in tension when the body seal is engaged with the body, thus pulling the upper and lower sloped surfaces into contact with the gasket seat.

[0089] The smallest diameter of the upper and lower sloped surfaces may occur at the neck. The neck may include a fillet between the upper and lower sloped surfaces. The upper and lower sloped surfaces may continuously decrease in diameter toward the neck across any portions thereof that contact the gasket seat when the body seal is engaged with the body. The continuous decrease in diameter toward the neck may be linear.

[0090] The drinking insert may extend through the body aperture when engaged with the body seal. The drinking insert may form an outside surface of the lid and an opposing inside surface of the lid, the inside surface facing inside the container as exposed through the body aperture when the dispensing lid is attached to the container.

[0091] The upper sloped surface and the lower sloped surface may have the same height. The upper sloped surface may have a greater height than the lower sloped surface.

[0092] The dispensing lid may further include a cap closing the dispensing conduit when retained in a closed position contacting the drinking insert and opening the dispensing conduit when released from the closed position.

[0093] The dispensing lid may further include a cap closing the drinking insert when retained in a closed position contacting a rim of the drinking insert and opening the drinking insert when released from the closed position. The body may further include a post and the cap may include a cap extension including a closure loop that fits over the post and an attachment loop that fits over the post below the closure loop. The closure loop may engage with the post to secure the cap in the closed position. The attachment loop may engage with the post to retain the cap to the body when the closure loop is not engaged with the post.

[0094] The dispensing lid may further include a cap closing the drinking insert when retained in a closed position contacting a rim of the drinking insert and opening the drinking insert when released from the closed position. The cap may include two posts, each projecting from a respective one of two opposing, outward facing surfaces of the cap. The body may further include two post channels, each formed in a respective one of two opposing, inward facing surfaces of the body. The two posts respectively slide through the two post channels and rotate when retaining the cap in the closed position and releasing the cap from the closed position.

[0095] The described additional features of the one device may also be implemented in other devices and methods herein.

[0096] In compliance with the statute, the embodiments have been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the embodiments are not limited to the specific features shown and described. The embodiments are, therefore, claimed in any of their forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE OF REFERENCE NUMERALS FOR FIGURES 100 dispensing lid 102 body 104 cap 106 body seal 108 drinking insert 110 dispensing conduit 112 post 114 finger tab 116 insert ledge 120 upper groove 122 lower groove 124 cap lip 126 cap extension 128 insert rim 130 insert top outlet 136 cap seal 138 body aperture 140 lid outside surface 142 lid inside surface 150 concave profile 152 gasket 154 gasket seat 164 extension wall 166 insert bottom inlet 168 cap hinge 170 concave profile 172 upper sloped surface 174 lower sloped surface 176 neck 178 fillet 180 flange 182 flange seat 190 closure loop 192 attachment loop 200 dispensing lid 202 body 204 cap 206 body seal 208 drinking insert 210 dispensing conduit 216 insert ledge 228 insert rim 230 insert top outlet 232 cap seal 234 pin 236 cap seal channel 238 body aperture 240 lid outside surface 242 lid inside surface 250 concave profile 252 gasket 254 gasket seat 266 insert bottom inlet 268 recess 270 concave profile 272 upper sloped surface 274 lower sloped surface 276 neck 278 fillet 280 flange 282 flange seat 306 pivot 310 socket 312 outward facing surface 314 inward facing surface 318 boss 320 stop 322 vent post 328 boss 330 stop 600 dispensing lid 602 body 604 cap 606 body seal 608 drinking insert 610 dispensing conduit 612 arrow 614 finger tab 616 insert ledge 624 cap lip 628 insert rim 630 insert top outlet 636 cap seal channel 638 body aperture 640 lid outside surface 642 lid inside surface 650 concave profile 652 gasket 654 gasket seat 664 extension wall 666 insert bottom inlet 670 concave profile 672 upper sloped surface 674 lower sloped surface 676 neck 678 fillet 680 flange 682 flange seat 706 post 710 post channel 712 outward facing surface 714 inward facing surface 716 channel end