Lid for a container

Abstract

A lid that enhances the olfactory experience of a user while providing safeguards against accidental spills and splashes is contemplated. The lid comprises a projection having at least one slit. The projection can extend above a valley of the lid in a first configuration, and extend below the valley in a second configuration. It is contemplated that at least one slit of the projection widens in the second configuration to create a larger opening for aroma to be received by the user.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 528,323, filed Jul. 3, 2017. All extrinsic materials identified herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The field of the invention is improved lids for containers.BACKGROUND[0003]The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.[0004]These and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.[0005]The olfactor...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems, and methods in which a lid for a container can enhance the olfactory experience of a user while providing safeguards against accidental spills and splashes. One contemplated lid comprises a ridge that at least partially surrounds a valley. A projection is disposed on the valley, and the projection comprises a first slit having endpoints disposed on the projection. Typically, the projection extends above the valley to prevent splashing or spilling of the beverage through first slit. Additionally, or alternatively, the first slit can form narrow opening when the projection extends above the valley, and can widen as two opposing surfaces of the first slit extend away from one another when the projection is depressed below the valley to form a wider opening to release the aroma of the substance (e.g., beverage, food, etc.) within the container.

[0011]It is contemplated that the projection can comprise a top surface that is flat. The flat top surface can be provided as an area for a user to push in order to depress the projection and cause two opposing surfaces of a first slit to extend away from one another to widen the slit. Typically, once depressed, the projection extends below valley and the first slit is widened to form a wider opening that releases the aroma of the beverage and allows additional air to enter the container.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, many consumers on the go are deprived of this olfactory experience because a majority of containers (e.g., beverage containers, soup containers, etc.) have lids that fail to provide an adequate means of smelling the aroma of the beverage.

Unfortunately, this approach appears to increase the risk of spilling by having a scent aperture.

Other problems with lid designs have led to additional lid designs.

Such motion causes a rupture of the material adjacent to corners of the protrusion.

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