Reclosable Container Lid

Abstract

A reclosable lid (10) for a container holding a flowable substance has a cover (12) having an opening (28) and a moveable element (850) connected to the cover (12). The moveable element (850) is moveable between at least one open position, wherein the flowable substance may flow through the opening, and at least one closed position, wherein the opening is obstructed. In some embodiments, the lid (10) may include an overlay (250) moveable between at least one open position and at least one closed position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a Continuation application from application Ser. No. 10 / 954,827 (filed Sep. 30, 2004), which is a Continuation-in-Part (CIP) application from application Ser. No. 10 / 622,374 (filed on Jul. 18, 2003), which is a Continuation-in-Part (CIP) application from application Ser. No. 09 / 923,763, (filed on Aug. 6, 2001), issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,875 on May 11, 2004, which applications are incorporated by reference and made a part hereof.FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not applicable. TECHNICAL FIELD [0003] The present invention relates to a lid for a flowable substance container. More specifically, the present invention relates to a reclosable lid for use with a drink container. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] Lids for containers are well-known in the beverage container industry. In general terms, lids for single-use or disposable containers have three main components: a top wall or surface, a mounting portion, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The lid effectively seals the container, prevents spillage, and is easy to operate, allowing for repeated use and flexible positioning without compromising structural integrity or interfering with consumption.

Problems solved by technology

Existing lid designs suffer from a number of problems including untimely spillage through the opening due to the lack of a reliable means for sealing the opening.

The inability to effectively seal the opening can also result in a significant loss of heat from the container contents through the opening.

However, most existing movable covers lack structural integrity and as a result, do not effectively seal the opening.

Also, a number of movable covers are difficult to operate due to their complex design.

In addition, a vast majority of movable covers interfere with a user consuming the container contents through the opening.

Because the movement of the closing flap is controlled by a series of notches, grooves, tabs and handles located on the channel and the closing flap, the closing flap is difficult to operate and the effectiveness of the lid is compromised.

Due to its complex array of structures, the lid and cover are difficult to assemble and operate.

Furthermore, the array of structures can inhibit the alignment of the lid opening and the cover opening negatively affecting the formation of the drink passageway.

Images