Abstract
The present disclosure is about a lid assembly for a container, comprising a base portion adapted to couple to an opening of the container, a cover pivotably connected to the base portion and being switchable between a first position to cover a top surface of the base portion and a second position to be away from the top surface of the base portion; a spout removably mounted to the base portion, the spout comprising a deformable section wherein the lid assembly comprises a ventilation mechanism and the deformation of the deformable section causes the ventilation mechanism to switch between an open configuration which enables a fluidic communication between the interior of the container and the atmosphere and a closed configuration which disables the fluidic communication between the interior of the container and the atmosphere.
Claims
1. A lid assembly for a container, comprising: a base portion adapted to couple to an opening of the container, a cover pivotably connected to the base portion and being switchable between a first position to cover a top surface of the base portion and a second position to be away from the top surface of the base portion; a spout removably mounted to the base portion, the spout comprising a deformable section; wherein the lid assembly comprises a ventilation mechanism and the deformation of the deformable section causes the ventilation mechanism to switch between an open configuration which enables a fluidic communication between the interior of the container and the atmosphere and a closed configuration which disables the fluidic communication between the interior of the container and the atmosphere.
2. The lid assembly according to claim 1, wherein the ventilation mechanism comprising: an air hole, being arranged at the base portion, and a sealing portion, being defined by at least a portion of the spout, for sealing the air hole in the closed configuration.
3. The lid assembly according to claim 2, wherein the base portion being profiled to provide a receptacle; the air hole being arranged at the receptacle.
4. The lid assembly according to claim 3, the receptable being profiled to allow the spout being removably received in the receptacle, which defines an upper portion of the spout being fittingly and movably received in the receptacle, and a lower portion of the spout extending outwardly beyond the bottom of the receptacle.
5. The lid assembly according to claim 4, wherein the receptacle comprising a surrounding wall at which the air hole being arranged, the sealing portion being defined by at least a portion of the upper portion of the spout.
6. The lid assembly according to claim 5, wherein the surrounding wall comprising a peripheral wall and a bottom wall, the air hole being arranged at the peripheral wall and/or the bottom wall.
7. The lid assembly according to claim 6, wherein the upper portion of the spout comprising the deformable section.
8. The lid assembly according to claim 7, wherein the deformable section having a lateral profile in straight-shape, V-shape, C-shape, S-shape or W-shape.
9. The lid assembly according to claim 7, wherein at least the deformable section of the spout being made of elastic or resilient material.
10. The lid assembly according to claim 7, wherein the spout being integrally formed with elastic or resilient material.
11. The lid assembly according to claim 7, wherein the sealing portion being defined by at least a portion of the deformable section, while the air hole being arranged at the bottom wall.
12. The lid assembly according to claim 11, wherein the spout further comprising a shoulder portion between the deformable section and the lower portion, the shoulder portion positioned in the receptacle and having a through hole thereat, the position of the through hole coinciding with the position of the air hole.
13. The lid assembly according to claim 12, wherein the bottom wall comprising a through-hollow collar standing upright from the air hole and extending beyond the through hole of the shoulder portion, in which the positions of the through-hollow portion of the through-hollow collar, the air hole at the bottom wall, the through hole of the shoulder portion being coincided.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be explained, with reference to the accompanied drawings, in which:
[0033] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the container according to the first embodiment of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 2a shows a perspective view of the container in FIG. 1, with the lid assembly in the second position.
[0035] FIG. 2b shows a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly in FIG. 2a along line A-A.
[0036] FIG. 3a shows a perspective view of the container in FIG. 1, with the lid assembly in the first position.
[0037] FIG. 3b shows a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly in FIG. 3a along line A-A.
[0038] FIG. 4a shows a top view of the base portion according to the first embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 4b shows a bottom view of the base portion according to the first embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 5a shows a perspective view of the spout according to the first embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 5b shows a cross-sectional view of the spout in FIG. 5a along line A-A.
[0042] FIG. 6a shows a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly according to the second embodiment in its second position.
[0043] FIG. 6b shows a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly in FIG. 6a in its first position.
[0044] FIG. 7a shows a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly according to the third embodiment in its second position.
[0045] FIG. 7b shows a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly in FIG. 7a in its first position.
[0046] FIG. 8a shows a perspective top view of the base portion according to the third embodiment.
[0047] FIG. 8b shows a perspective bottom view of the base portion according to the third embodiment.
[0048] FIG. 9a shows a perspective view of the spout according to the third embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 9b shows a cross-sectional view of the spout in FIG. 9a along line B-B.
[0050] FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of the container according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.
[0051] FIG. 11a shows a cross-sectional and perspective view of the base portion according to the fourth embodiment.
[0052] FIG. 11b-11c show the base portion according to the fourth embodiment in different views.
[0053] FIG. 12a-12c show the spout according to the fourth embodiment in different views.
[0054] FIG. 13a-13c show the umbrella valve according to the fourth embodiment in different views.
[0055] FIG. 14a shows a top perspective view of the container according to the fourth embodiment.
[0056] FIG. 14b shows the cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. 14a along line B-B.
[0057] FIG. 14c the cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. 14a along line B-B.
[0058] FIG. 15a shows the cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. 14a along line B-B, with the spout in the open position.
[0059] FIG. 15b shows the cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. 14a along line B-B, with the spout in the closed position.
[0060] FIG. 16 shows an exploded view of the container according to the fifth embodiment.
[0061] FIG. 17a shows a perspective top view of the cover according to the fifth embodiment.
[0062] FIG. 17b shows a perspective bottom view of the cover according to the fifth embodiment.
[0063] FIG. 18a shows a perspective top view of the base portion according to the fifth embodiment.
[0064] FIG. 18b shows a perspective bottom view of the base portion according to the fifth embodiment.
[0065] FIG. 19a shows a perspective view of the container according to the fifth embodiment.
[0066] FIG. 19b shows a cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. 19a along line C-C, with the lid assembly in the second position.
[0067] FIG. 20a shows a cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. 19a along line C-C, with the lid assembly in the first position.
[0068] FIG. 20b shows an enlarged view of the lid assembly in FIG. 20a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0069] FIGS. 1-5b illustrate a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0070] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a container 10, comprising a lid assembly 20 coupled with the opening of the container 10. The lid assembly 20 comprises a base portion 21 and a cover 24 covering the top surface of the base portion 21, and a spout 30.
[0071] FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a container 10 in its assembled state, whereas FIG. 2b shows a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly in FIG. 2a along line A-A. The base portion 21 is dimensioned and profiled to provide a receptacle 211 in which a spout 30 is removably received. The receptacle 211, defined by a bottom wall 213 and a peripheral wall 50, is provided for receiving the spout 30, such that the upper portion of the spout 30 being fittingly and movably received in the receptacle 211 and the lower portion 35 of the spout 30 extending outwardly beyond the bottom of the receptacle. The upper portion comprises a top portion 33 and a deformable section 34. Moreover, the spout 30 comprises further a shoulder 37 protruding from the external wall of the spout 30 delimits the deformable section 34 and the lower portion 35 and sits on the bottom wall 213 when the spout 30 is assembled to the receptacle 211. In this embodiment, the air hole 212, which allows the interior of the container 10 to fluidically communicate with the atmosphere, is provided at the bottom wall 213. Moreover, a through-hollow collar 214 stands upright in the air hole 212 and extending beyond the shoulder 37. The opening and closing of the air hole 212 are controlled by the deformation of the spout 30, which will be discussed in detail hereinafter.
[0072] Now referring to FIGS. 3a and 3b, the profile of the top portion 33 substantially mates with the inner profile of the receptacle 211. The lower portion 35 extends downwards towards the bottom of the container 10. In another embodiment, the lower portion 35 connects to an extension straw (not shown) reaching to the bottom of the container 10. The spout 30 is configured to assume between an open position and a closed position. By the expression open position of the spout, it means there is no restriction for the fluid in the container to fluid flow through the spout 30. On the contrast, by the expression closed position of the spout, it means the fluid in the container flowing through the spout 30 is restricted or disabled. In this embodiment, the deformable section 34 has a V-shaped longitudinal cross-section. In other embodiments, the deformable section 34 can have an I-shaped, W-shaped, C-shaped or any other suitable longitudinal cross-section, which is not limited herein. The spirit of the deformable section 34 resides in that the deformable section 34 is adapted to assume a first configuration under stress and to assume a second configuration when the stress is disappeared. The deformable section 34 is configured to provide a repeatable operational deformation, wherein its external wall reliably abuts against the collar 214 and thus seal the air hole 212 when the spout 30 assumes its closed position. The deformable section 34 is preferably made of elastic and/or resilient materials thus it is deformable along its longitudinal direction, as illustrated in FIGS. 2b and 3b. In FIG. 2b, the deformation section 34 assumes an open position. In FIG. 3b, the deformation section 34 assumes a closed position. Advantageously, the spout 30 is made of elastic and/or resilient material, such as silicone, and is formed in one piece for facilitating its assembly to the lid assembly 20. The one-piece spout 30 also allows easier cleaning since its disassembly from the lid assembly 20 is facilitated. Advantageously, the base portion 21 is also formed in one piece for facilitating the assembly to the container. FIGS. 2b and 3b show the open position and the closed position of the spout 30 in cross-sectional view respectively.
[0073] FIGS. 4a and 4b show a top view and a bottom view of the base portion 20, respectively. As seen, the air hole 212 is provided on the bottom wall 213 of the receptacle 211.
[0074] As shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, a through hole 36 is arranged on the shoulder 37, the through hole 36 allows the collar 214 passing through it when the spout 30 is assembled to the receptacle 211. In other embodiments, a duckbill valve is provided at the through hole 36, preferably at the bottom thereof and its lip pointing downwards, for preventing liquid contained inside the container from leaking when the spout 30 is in its open position.
[0075] In operation, once the cover 24 engages the spout 30, in particular the cover 24 presses against the top portion 33 of the spout 30, the top portion 33 of the spout 30 can go downwards in the receptacle 211 since the deformable section 34 is deformed to be collapsed or compressed and thus arriving at the closed position. At the closed position, on one hand the internal side wall 342 (see FIG. 2b) of the deformable section 34 collapses or compresses thus blocking the fluidic communication of the liquid in the container, thereby restricting or disabling fluid flow through the deformable section 34; on the other hand, the external side wall 341 of the deformable section 34 seals the air hole 212 by abutting against the collar 214. The spout 30 in its closed position desirably prevents liquids from escaping through the spout 30. It shall be understood that the deformation of the deformable section 34 as explained above provides air sealing effect to the container and acts as a sealing portion, thus reducing the need to use a separate air valve.
[0076] It shall be understood that the air hole, being arranged at the base portion, and the sealing portion, being defined by at least a portion of the spout, together define a ventilation mechanism of the lid assembly. It shall also be understood that the deformation of the deformable section causes the ventilation mechanism to switch between an open configuration which enables a fluidic communication, i.e., air and/or liquid, between the interior of the container and the atmosphere and a closed configuration which disables the fluidic communication between the interior of the container and the atmosphere. The ventilation mechanism is switchable along with the deformation of the deformable section, which is particularly advantageous for providing a reliable fluidic control by simplifying the structure of the lid assembly.
[0077] Upon opening the cover 24, the cover 24 disengages the spout 30, in particular the top portion 33 of the spout 30. Due to the elastic and/or resilient characteristic of the deformable section 34, the deformable section 34 will then resume its original shape, i.e., standing upwards. Therefore, the external side wall 341 of the deformable section 34 no longer blocks the air hole 212.And thus at the open position, thanks to the opening of the air hole 212, a user can drink smoothly without generating bubbles in the liquid inside the container 10. In some embodiments, the position of the air hole 212 can vary and the sealing thereof can be achieved by other portions of the spout 30, which will be discussed in the following.
[0078] FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate a second embodiment of the lid assembly. For the sake of simplicity, only structures different from the first embodiment are illustrated. In particular, in this embodiment, the air hole 212 is arranged on the peripheral wall of the receptacle 211. In this case, the sealing of the air hole 212 is achieved by a portion of the side wall of the top portion 33 which acts as a sealing portion. In other embodiments, there can be more than one air hole arranged at the peripheral wall of the receptacle. It is also possible to combine the air hole 212 in the second embodiment with the air hole 212 in the first embodiment to achieve an optimal air regulation, which matches with their sealing portions as described in the first and second embodiments. It shall be understood that the spirit of the disclosure resides in the deformation of the spout, that can influence the liquid in the container passing through the spout and regulate the air pressure between the interior of the container and the atmosphere.
[0079] FIGS. 7a to 9b illustrate a third embodiment of the lid assembly.
[0080] As illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 7b, the receptacle 211 comprises a guiding protrusion 29 in the form of step inwardly protruding from the peripheral wall of the receptacle 211, with the air hole 212 arranged at the guiding protrusion 29. Preferably, the air hole 212 is oriented towards the top portion 33. Furthermore, the top portion 33 of the spout 30 has a notch part 39 having a shape complementary to the shape of the guiding protrusion 29 and facing the guiding protrusion 29 when the spout 30 is assembled to the receptacle 211. The complementary engagement between the guiding protrusion 29 and the notch part 39 enables the vertical displacement of the top portion 33 in the receptacle 211 and enables sufficient cavity for the deformable section 34 to assume its open and closed position. For achieving the sealing of the air hole 212, a stopper 331 pointing to the air hole 212 is arranged at the notch part 39. The guiding protrusion 29 comprises a horizontal wall and a vertical wall which is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal wall. And the air hole 212 is preferably arranged at the horizontal wall for a better engagement with the stopper 331 and thus a better sealing effect. The arrangement and configuration of the stopper 331 and the air hole 212 in FIGS. 7a-7b are advantageously preferred, since the engagement and sealing effect between these components are optimal. Based on the above description, it shall be understood that the embodiment in FIGS. 7a-7b can be configured to include either one or both of the ventilation mechanisms described in FIGS. 1-6b as well.
[0081] Now referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b which show the base portion 21 in this embodiment. In particular, FIG. 8b shows the bottom view of the base portion 21, wherein the guiding protrusion 29 is recessed into the receptacle 211. Accordingly, the bottom wall 213 of the receptacle is also adapted for the guiding protrusion 29, i.e. the bottom wall 213 has a cut-out in the form of V. In other embodiments, the shape of the guiding protrusion 29 can vary, which is not limited herein.
[0082] As shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b, the shoulder 37 comprises a cut-out part 38 for fitting the shape of the guiding protrusion 29. The cut-out part 38 shown in FIG. 9a is a straight cut-out, in other embodiments, the cut-out part 38 can be a in V-shape or any other shape complementary to the profile of the vertical wall of the guiding protrusion 29. The stopper 331 is substantially spherical in shape, however, in other embodiments, the stopper 331 can have truncated-cone shape or any other shape that allows the sealing of the air hole 212, which is not limited herein.
[0083] FIGS. 2a and 3a further illustrate a mechanism for holding the cover 24 on the base portion 21. In particular, the cover 24 pivots about a hinge of the hinge mechanism 25 so as to releasably cover the base portion 21. The covering manner of the cover 24 is not limited herein. In some embodiments, the cover 24 engages the base portion 21 as a screw-cap. The base portion 21 comprises further a first semi-flange 210 protruding from the external side wall of the base portion 21, and the cover 24 at the corresponding position comprises a second semi-flange 241 protruding from the external side wall of the cover 24. The first semi-flange 210 and the second semi-flange 241 together define a space for accommodating a snap button 23, which is movable between a free position and a locked position. Further, an elastic element, such as a spring (not shown), is provided between the snap button 23 and the base portion 21 for maintaining the locked position. The snap button 23 and corresponding structures of the first and second semi-flanges 210 and 241 are merely exemplary. It should be understood that any other suitable mechanisms for holding the cover 24 on the base portion 21 can be used in other embodiments. Advantageously, a latch ring 22 is provided at the lower part of the first semi-flange 210 and is connected pivotally with the first semi-flange 210. The latch ring 22 is dimensioned to surround both of the first semi-flange 210 and the second semi-flange 241 when the cover 24 is closed. In the locked position, the latch ring 22 pivots upwards until it surrounds both the first semi-flange 210 and the second semi-flange 241 for securing the locking and avoiding accidental opening of the cover 24. Preferably, the hinge mechanism 25 comprises a spring member which is configured to be biased when the cover 24 is engaged with the base portion 21 and to bounce when the cover 24 is disengaged with the base portion for facilitating the opening of the cover 24. It should be understood that the locking manner is not limited herein, any other suitable locking manners known in the art can be used.
[0084] Moreover, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3b, the orifice of the top portion 33 comes into contact tightly with the lower surface of the cover 24 in the closed position of the spout. Such configuration provides a tight sealing of the top portion 33. Therefore, the anti-leakage effect is even improved. In this embodiment, the top portion 33 has a flat shape and the cover 24 has a projecting surface 26 corresponding to the shape of the top portion 33. Such configuration allows to accommodate the top portion 33 in its closed position. It should be understood that this projecting surface 26 is optional and its shape can be changed to adapt the shape of the top portion 33.
[0085] FIGS. 10-15b illustrate a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the fourth embodiment, the components which are the same as those in the precedent embodiments are designated with the same reference numerals and thus will not be repeatedly described hereinafter.
[0086] FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of the container 10 according to the fourth embodiment. One of the differences between the precedent embodiments is that instead of an air hole 212 provided in the precedent embodiments, an umbrella valve 27 is provided in the fourth embodiment for allowing the interior of the container 10 to communicate with the atmosphere. Another difference between the precedent embodiments and the fourth embodiment lies in the structures of the spout 30 and of the receptacle 211.
[0087] In FIGS. 11a to 11c, the detailed structure of the base portion 21 is shown. Now refer to FIG. 11a which shows a cross-sectional view, the receptacle 211 is defined by its peripheral wall 50 from which a guiding protrusion 29 protrudes inwards into the interior volume 51 of the receptacle 211. Preferably, the longitudinal direction of the guiding protrusion 29 is substantially parallel to the axial direction of the receptacle 211. However, when observed from the outside, for example in FIGS. 11b and 11c which show bottom views of the base portion 21, a guiding concave 29a is formed on the peripheral wall 50 of the receptacle 211. The shape of the guiding protrusion 29 can vary, which is not limited herein. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 11b and 11c, a mounting hole 216, through which the umbrella valve 27 is mounted, is provided on the base portion. And a plurality of venting holes 215, preferably four, are distributed circumferentially and evenly around the mounting hole 216.
[0088] Referring to FIGS. 12a to 12c, which show the detailed structure of the spout 30, in this embodiment the shoulder 37 comprises a cut-out part 38, and on the same side of the cut-out part 38, the top portion 33 comprises a notch part 39. Both the cut-out part 38 and the notch part 39 cooperate with the guiding protrusion 29 for facilitating the mounting of the spout 30 into the receptacle 211 and for guiding the movement of the top portion 33 in the receptacle 211, which will be described further hereinafter. It is important to note that the guiding protrusion 29 and the notch part 39 are advantageously preferrable only but not essential features for practicing the present invention.
[0089] The umbrella valve 27, which is shown in details in FIGS. 13a to 13c, is a one-way valve for preventing backflow. The umbrella valve 27 comprises a central stem 271 which is threaded in the mounting hole 216 from the bottom side of the base portion 21 and a disk-like diaphragm 272 which is resilient. Preferably, the end of the central stem 271 has a bulge 273 which has a diameter greater that the diameter of the mounting hole 216 for engaging the mounting hole 216. Preferably, the umbrella valve 27 is a one-piece structure made of elastic materials, for example silicone. FIGS. 14a and 14b show the umbrella valve 27 after mounted on the base portion 21, wherein FIG. 14b is a cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. 14a along line B-B. It can be seen that the central stem 271 is threaded in the mounting hole 216 and maintained therein and the diaphragm 272 covers all the venting holes 215.
[0090] Similar to the precedent embodiments, the opening and closing of the cover 24 result in deformation of the deformable section 34 of the spout 30 so as to influence the liquid in the container passing through the spout. However, in the fourth embodiment, the air pressure regulation between the interior of the container 10 and the atmosphere is achieved in a one-way manner. When a user drinks the liquid contained inside the container, the reduction of pressure inside the container causes opening of the umbrella valve 27, i.e. deformation of the diaphragm 272 and uncovering of the venting holes 215, such that air enter into the container to create a pressure balance between the interior of the container and the atmosphere. When the umbrella valve 27 is closed, the plurality of venting holes 215 are covered fully by the diaphragm 272 to restrict fluidic communication through the venting holes 215. Thanks to its one-way restriction, the umbrella valve 27 can prevent liquid from leaking even when the cover 24 is open and the spout 30 is its open position, which is advantageous especially for children who might reverse the container during utilization.
[0091] The cooperation between the cut-out part 38 and the guiding protrusion 29 is shown in 14c, which is cross-sectional view along line B-B in figure14a, and such cooperation is performed in a following manner: upon mounting the spout 30 into the receptacle 211 from the top end of the receptacle 211, the cut-out part 38 faces the guiding protrusion 29. After the lower portion 35 of the spout 30 passes through the lower portion of the receptacle 211, the shoulder 37 seats on the bottom wall 213 and the cut-out part 38 fits with the guiding protrusion 29. The presence of the cut-out part 38 helps users to position the spout 30 in the receptacle 211, thereby facilitating the mounting of the spout 30.
[0092] Moreover, the cooperation between the notch part 39 and the guiding protrusion 29 is shown in FIGS. 15a and 15b and such cooperation is performed in the following manner: when the cover 24 is closed, the cover 24 engages the spout 30 and presses against the top portion 33 of the spout 30, the top portion 33 goes downwards in the receptacle 211, which brings the notch part 39 into engagement with the guiding protrusion 29, thus the top portion 33 moves along the longitudinal direction of the guiding protrusion 29, i.e. the axial direction of the receptacle 221. The cooperation between the notch part 39 and the guiding protrusion 29 guides the top portion 33 to move in a straight direction. It can be understood that when the cover 24 is reopen, the cooperation between the notch part 39 and the guiding protrusion 29 is performed in a reverse manner.
[0093] Taking into account the displacement in the horizontal direction of the deformable section 34 due to its deformation, such displacement is shown in FIGS. 15a and 15b, the cut-out part 38, the notch part 39 and the guiding protrusion 29 are advantageously provided on the opposite side to the bend of the deformable section 34, so as to leave enough space for the displacement of the deformable section 34.
[0094] Besides, other components of the lid assembly are shown in FIG. 16, for example, two torsional springs 252 provided between the cover 24 and the base portion 21 for facilitating the release of the cover 24. However these torsional springs 252 are optional and are for facilitating the release of the cover 24. It shall be understood that the release of the cover 24 can be solely realized by the deformation of the spout 30, especially by the resilience of the spout 30. Furthermore, the following components are shown: a hinge pin 251 for pivotally connecting the cover 24 and the base portion 21; a spring 221 provided between the snap button 23 and the first semi-flange 210; a pivotal pin 2101 connecting the snap button 23 and the first semi-flange 210; as well as an extensive straw 40 mounted at the lower portion 35 of the spout. These components can also be applicable to other embodiments. It should be understood that these components are known in the art and their structures, positions, numbers and materials should not be construed as limitation to the present disclosure. Moreover, the relationship between the components, the operation of the components are self-explanatory in these figures.
[0095] FIGS. 16 to 20b illustrate a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the components which are the same as those in the precedent embodiments are designated with the same reference numerals thus will not be repeatedly described hereinafter.
[0096] FIG. 16 shows an exploded view of the container 10 according to the fifth embodiment. One of the differences between the first to third embodiments and the fifth embodiment is that instead of air hole 212, a plug valve is provided for allowing the interior of the container 10 to communicate with the atmosphere. In this embodiment, the spout 30 and the receptacle 211 have the same structures as those described in the fourth embodiment, i.e. the cut-out part 38 and the notch part 39 cooperate with the guiding protrusion 29 respectively and their cooperations are not repletely described hereinafter.
[0097] Referring to FIGS. 17a and 17b, which show the perspective top view and the bottom view of the cover 24 in the fifth embodiment respectively, in this embodiment, a sealing plug 243 protrudes substantially perpendicularly from the bottom side of the cover 24. The sealing plug 243 is made of plastic material and is preferably integrally made with the cover 24. The sealing plug 243 has a cylindrical shape in this embodiment. FIGS. 18a and 18b show the perspective top view and the bottom view of the base portion 21 on which a perforation 217 is formed for receiving a tube member 28 (shown in FIG. 20b). A prominent ring 219 protrudes inwards from an inner wall of the perforation 217 for positioning the tube member 28.
[0098] More particular, referring to FIGS. 20a and 20b which are cross-sectional views along line C-C in FIG. 19a when the cover 24 is closed, with the plug valve comprising the sealing plug 243 and the tube member 28. The sealing plug 243 has a length long enough for abutting against the tube member 28 when the cover 24 is closed. Preferably, the external wall of the tube member 28 has a circumferential recess for engaging the prominent ring 219 so as to position the tube member 28 inside the perforation 217. The tube member 28 comprises two ends and at least the end destined to be contacted by the sealing plug 243 is made of elastic materials. Preferably, the whole tube member 28 is made of elastic materials. In this embodiment, the tube member 28 has a wall with a thickness and therefore it has an internal diameter and an external diameter. The sealing plug 243 has a diameter greater than the internal diameter of the tube member 28 but smaller than the external diameter of the tube member 28 such that the end of the sealing plug 243 abuts only against the elastic materials of the tube member 28 so as to perform a seamless sealing.
[0099] In the fifth embodiment, the air pressure regulation between the interior of the container 10 and the atmosphere is achieved by the plug valve. The opening and closing of the plug valve are controlled by the opening and closing of the cover 24. When the cover 24 is open, there is no block at the tube member 28 and the air pressure is substantially equal between the interior of the container and the atmosphere. When the cover 24 is closed, on one hand, the cover 24 presses against the spout 30 to cause deformation of the deformable section 34 of the spout 30 and thus restricting fluid flow through the deformable section 34; on the other hand, the end of the sealing plug 243 abuts against the top portion of the tube member 28 for blocking the fluidic communication between the interior of the container and the atmosphere.
[0100] Alternatively, in some embodiments, no tube member 28 is provided. Instead, the end of the sealing plug 243 is made of elastic materials and has a semispherical shape and a diameter greater that the diameter of the perforation 217 for performing sealing between the plug 243 and the perforation 217.
[0101] The above-described shall not be interpreted to be restricted by the examples or figures only. It is to be expressly understood, however, that such modifications and adaptations are within the scope of disclosure in this aspect. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover such modifications and variations and their equivalents. The material, shape, and size of the container and lid shall not be a limiting feature of the present disclosure.
