Lid assembly for a container

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lid assembly for a container, comprising a lid, and a chamber having a drinking conduit on an upper surface of the lid. The chamber is adapted to mix external air with a beverage stored in the container, when a suction pressure is generated through the drinking conduit, to cool the beverage passing through the drinking conduit. The lid assembly also includes a valve assembly configured to regulate mass flow rate of the external air entering the chamber to control a cooling rate of the beverage passing through the drinking conduit, and a pipe having a first end connected to the chamber and a second end extending into the container when the lid is coupled to the container, the pipe connected to the drinking conduit.

Description

LID ASSEMBLY FOR A CONTAINERFIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a lid assembly for outfitting a container. More particularly, the present invention relates to a lid assembly for outfitting a container capable of immediately cooling hot beverages discharged from the container.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. However, 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 explicitly or implicitly referenced publication is prior art.

[0003] There are a variety of types and sizes of containers used for storing a beverage. Some containers may be used for individual use, such as teacups, travel mugs, water bottles, and the like. Other containers may be configured to store a larger amount of a beverage. Examples of these types of containers are carafes, coffee or tea urns. Beverage containers may often include a lid that allows a user to add or remove the beverage from the container. One type of lid is a solid unitary lid that does not include any openings or apertures through which the contents of the beverage container may exit the container. Another type of lid includes one or more unobstructed apertures through which the contents may exit the container. Yet another type of lid includes one or more apertures through which the contents may exit the container and means for selectively opening and closing the apertures. This last type of lid allows a user to selectively open the aperture to removed its contents (e.g., by drinking or pouring) from the beverage container, and to selectively close the aperture to maintain the contents inside the container and potentially insulate the contents from the environment outside the container.

[0004] A lid assembly that covers an upper side of a beverage cup is generally applied to the beverage cup containing hot liquid such as coffee or tea sold in coffeeshops or the like, which prevents the beverage from overflowing and pouring, allowing the container to move safely, and allowing a user to drink the beverage through a discharge opening thereof.

[0005] Beverages may be consumed and enjoyed by users at a variety of temperatures, often depending on the type of a particular beverage. For example, coffee may be enjoyed at temperatures within a range of, for example, approximately 155 Fahrenheit (68.3 Celsius) to 125 Fahrenheit (51.7 °C). If the temperature of coffee is outside of this range, it may be dangerously hot or undesirably cool. Studies have shown that even a brief sip of liquids at such temperatures can scald the tongue. As another example, milk or other dairy products may be prone to spoilage if they are maintained above certain temperatures (e.g., above 40 degrees). It is therefore pertinent to prevent consumers from drinking a beverage that may be spoiled or may cause illness if consumed.

[0006] The existing available hot beverage cup lids in the market do not address the above deficiencies. Such cup lids cause serious tongue, lips, and mouth severe bums if the user drinks from the lid while the drink is still scalding hot. Moreover, these lids provide little protection from spills or sloshing while holding or moving.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to develop a lid assembly for outfitting a container to address the deficiencies.OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a lid assembly for outfitting a container.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a lid assembly for outfitting a container capable of cooling hot beverages discharged from the container immediately.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a lid assembly for a container that decreases the chances of scald burn hazards to users.

[0011] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide a lid assembly capable of being retrofitted to containers of various shapes and sizes.

[0012] Nevertheless, another object of the present invention is to provide a lid assembly for a container that decreases spilling or leakage of the beverage from a drinking hole of the lid assembly.

[0013] These and other objects of the invention will be better understood by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiment which follows. Note that the objects referred to above are statements of what motivated the invention rather than promises. Not all of the objects are necessarily met by all embodiments of the invention described below or by the invention defined by each of the claims.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An aspect of the present invention relates to a lid assembly for a container. The lid assembly includes a lid, and a chamber having a drinking conduit on an upper surface of the lid. The chamber is adapted to mix external air with a beverage stored in the container, when a suction pressure is generated through the drinking conduit, to cool the beverage passing through the drinking conduit. The lid assembly includes a valve assembly configured to regulate mass flow rate of the external air entering the chamber to control a cooling rate of the beverage passing through the drinking conduit, and a pipe having a first end connected to the chamber and a second end extending into the container when the lid is coupled to the container, the pipe connected to the drinking conduit.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the drinking conduit may include a piping member to allow consumption of the beverage after the valve assembly regulates the cooling rate of the beverage.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the piping member may include a valve for sealing and adjusting flow rate of the beverage through the drinking conduit.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the chamber may include a heat exchange member to increase a heat transfer rate of the beverage passing through the chamber. The heat exchange member has a coiled shape or a helical shape. The heat exchange member may include a plurality of fins and a plurality of bent portions to increase a heat transfer area between the beverage and the external air entering the chamber.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lid assembly may include a connecting member connecting the pipe to the heat exchange member to enable flow of the beverage stored in the container towards the drinking conduit.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lid assembly may include a hole or tunnel member for smoothing the entry of the external air from the valve assembly into the chamber.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lid may include a circulation member to enable circulation of the external air within the lid and regulate pressure of the beverage stored in the container.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lid assembly may include a secondary drinking conduit on the upper surface of the lid to enable the user to directly consume the beverage stored in the container.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the valve assembly may include a flow regulating member to regulate the flow of the external air flowing into the chamber.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the flow regulating member may include a plurality of slots of variable diameters.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the chamber may include a plurality of apertures to control flow of the beverage discharged from the container to flow towards the drinking conduit.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the chamber is integrated with the lid.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the chamber may include one or more compartments, at least one of the compartments receiving the external air from the valve assembly.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the Overflow hole may have an inverted helmet shape with a concave structure extending outwards from a bottom surface of the lid.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the Overflow member has a plurality of apertures spaced apart from one another to enable a controlled release of steam from the beverage present within the container.

[0029] The foregoing was intended as a summary only and of only some of the aspects of the invention. It was not intended to define the limits or requirements of the invention. Other aspects of the invention will be appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiments. Moreover, this summary should be read as though the claims were incorporated herein for completeness.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0030] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0031] In the figures, similar components and / or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0032] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of a lid assembly for outfitting a container in the form of a beverage cup, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of the lid assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] Figs. 3A and 3B illustrate exemplary representations of a mixing chamber of the lid assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary close-up view of the mixing chamber of the lid assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] Fig. 5 illustrate an exemplary perspective view of a straw connected to a heat exchange member of the mixing chamber, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate various exemplary views of a valve assembly of the lid assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] Fig. 8 illustrates a side view of the lid assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Referring now to the drawings in which like parts are designated by like reference characters throughout the several views, Fig. 1 illustrate a lid assembly 100 coupled to a container 150 adapted to store a beverage. The lid assembly 100 is selectively removable from the container 150. The lid assembly 100 may be used with various types of cups or containers 150, including plastic cups, wooden cups, glass cups, or other vessels. The lid assembly 100 is designed to accommodate a liquid beverage, such as tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or any other suitable beverage.

[0040] Referring now to Figs. 2, 3A and 3B, the lid assembly 100 includes a lid 202 with an upper surface and a mixing chamber 302 (also referred to as “chamber 302” hereinafter), as shown in in Figs. 3 A and 3B, that includes a drinking conduit 204 located on the upper surface of the lid 202. In some embodiments, the chamber 302 may be positioned on the bottom surface of the lid 202 beneath the drinking conduit 204. In other embodiments, the chamber 302 may be located on the upper surface of the lid 202. The lid 202 can be made from various materials, including but not limited to Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), High- density polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Low-density polyethylene(LDPE), plastic, metal, rubber, glass, or wood. The chamber 302 can be integrated with the lid 202, or may be either a built-in part of the lid 202 or a separate chamber that is attached to the lid 202. The chamber 302 can have various sizes and shapes, including but not limited to cylindrical, rectangular, regular or non-regular geometrical shapes, or even non-geometric shapes. For example, the chamber 302 may be a straight tube, or a tube formed in a spiral, cylinder-like configuration. The design of the chamber 302 allows for versatility in achieving desired cooling and mixing effects. The lid 202 is designed to fit on top of the container 150, such as a beverage cup. The lid 202 includes a central opening or the drinking conduit 204 through which a user can directly consume the beverage.

[0041] The chamber 302 serves to control and regulate the amount of liquid beverage passing through the drinking conduit 204 and entering a mouth of a drinker / user. Additionally, the chamber 302 functions as an area for mixing and exchanging heat between the liquid / beverage and external air. The chamber 302 is adapted to mix the external air with the beverage stored in the container 150, when a suction pressure is generated through the drinking conduit 204, to cool the beverage passing through the drinking conduit 204. The lid assembly 100 may include a secondary drinking conduit 206 on the upper surface of the lid 202 to enable the user to directly consume the beverage stored in the container 150 without cooling. The secondary drinking conduit 206 can be designed to accommodate a straw or allow direct sipping, providing flexibility in drinking options. The secondary drinking conduit 206 can be incorporated into the lid assembly 100 to provide an alternative drinking option. This secondary drinking conduit 206 can be designed and positioned based on ergonomic considerations and user preferences. The secondary drinking conduit 206 allows the user to directly consume the beverage from the container 150 without any cooling of the beverage, thereby offering a different drinking experience without any cooling effect. The addition of the secondary drinking conduit 206 provides flexibility to the lid assembly 100, enabling the user to choose between using the discharge opening 204 or the secondary drinking conduit 206 based on their preference or specific requirements. The secondary drinking conduit 206 can be circular, resembling a traditionaldrinking spout. This shape is commonly used in conventional cup lids and is familiar to users. It allows for comfortable sipping and controlled beverage flow. Alternatively, the secondary drinking conduit 206 may be a slit-shaped drinking hole. This design offers a narrow opening with a longer length, enabling a controlled flow and minimizing the risk of spills. The shape can be elongated and positioned strategically for optimal drinking experience. Depending on the lid's overall design, a customized shape for the secondary drinking conduit 206 can be considered. Such customization may include shapes such as polygons, hearts, stars, or any other geometric or artistic form that aligns with the lid's aesthetic appeal.

[0042] Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary close-up view of the mixing chamber 302. The lid assembly 100 also includes a pipe 304 having a first end 304-1 connected to the chamber 302 and a second end 304-2 extending into the container 150 when the lid 202 is coupled to the container 150. The pipe 304 may be in the form of a straw. The pipe 304 is operably connected to the drinking conduit 204 through the mixing chamber 302. One end of the straw (308) is integrated into the fluid control flow chamber, allowing the flow of liquid from the chamber through the straw (308). The other end of the straw (308) extends outward from the lid assembly, providing a convenient means for the user to sip the beverage without removing the lid.

[0043] The pipe 304 serves a crucial role in facilitating the flow of hot beverages from the container 150 into the mixing chamber 302. The pipe 304 may be designed to reduce the impact of hot vapour on the cooling process and increase volume flow rate of the beverage. Additionally, incorporating an internal zigzag shape within the pipe 304 can enhance turbulence and promote atomization for improved cooling efficiency. The pipe 304 may be selected as a tubular component to create a pathway for the hot beverage to enter the mixing chamber 302. The pipe 304 may be made from a durable and food-safe material that withstands the temperature of the hot beverage. To reduce the impact of hot vapour on the cooling process, the pipe 304 may feature certain design elements. One approach is incorporating insulating materials or layers within walls of the pipe 304 to minimize heat transfer from the hot vapour to the surrounding environment. This insulationhelps maintain the cooling efficiency by reducing heat loss along the pipe 304. The pipe 304 can also be designed with an internal zigzag pattern to increase turbulence and promote atomization of the hot beverage. The zigzag shape introduces obstacles and redirects the flow, causing the liquid to mix with air more vigorously. This enhanced turbulence enhances the heat exchange between the beverage and the outside air within the mixing chamber 302, thereby improving cooling efficiency. The zigzag shape may have multiple bends or angular segments within the pipe's length. These bends can vary in size, angle, and frequency, depending on the desired level of turbulence and atomization. Additionally, the spacing between the zigzag segments can be adjusted to optimize flow dynamics and cooling effectiveness further.

[0044] The chamber 302 may include a heat exchange member 306, as clearly shown in Fig. 5, to increase a heat transfer rate of the beverage passing through the chamber 302. The heat exchange member 306 may have a coiled shape or a helical shape, as clearly shown in Fig. 5. The heat exchange member 306 may include a plurality of fins and a plurality of bent portions to increase a heat transfer area between the beverage and the external air entering the chamber 302. The lid assembly 100 may include a connecting member 308 connecting the pipe 304 to the heat exchange member 306 to enable flow of the beverage stored in the container 150 towards the drinking conduit 204. The heat exchange member 306 may be placed within the chamber 302 to enhance heat transfer and cooling efficiency of the beverage. The heat exchange member 306 increases heat transfer area between the hot beverage stored in the container 150 and the outside air to promote effective heat exchange and cooling of the beverage. The heat exchange member 306 may include fins and paths along its length to further enhance heat transfer and promote turbulence for improved atomization. The heat exchange member 306 may be connected to the mixing chamber 302 through a tube, allowing the hot beverage to enter the mixing chamber 302 for cooling. The tube is designed to facilitate the transfer of the hot beverage from the container 150 into the chamber 302, where it can mix with the outside air for temperature adjustment. The tube ensures a controlled flow of the beverage for effective cooling. The heat exchange member306 may include a spiral shaft having a cylindrical structure placed inside the mixing chamber 302. The heat exchange member 306 may be typically made from a durable and thermally conductive material that can withstand temperatures of the hot beverage. The heat exchange member 306 is designed with a spiral pattern that extends along its length, resembling a coiled or helical shape. The spiral shape of the heat exchange member 306 increases surface area available for heat transfer between the hot beverage and the outside air. The fins and paths on the heat exchange member 306 further enhance the heat exchange process. The fins create additional surface area and disrupt the flow, promoting turbulence and better mixing of the hot beverage and the surrounding air. This turbulence aids in more efficient heat transfer, thereby facilitating the cooling of the beverage.

[0045] To increase atomization and further enhance cooling efficiency, the heat exchange member 306 can incorporate specific design features. One approach is to introduce microstructures or tiny perforations along the surface of the heat exchange member 306. These microstructures may be designed to disrupt the flow of the beverage and create smaller droplets or particles, increasing the surface area and promoting rapid evaporation and cooling. Another option is to vary the pitch or spacing of the spiral turns of the heat exchange member 306 to create a non-uniform distribution of the fins and paths. This variation in the shape and spacing along the heat exchange member 306 can introduce different levels of turbulence and flow disruption, leading to enhanced atomization and cooling performance. Factors such as the material properties, flow dynamics, and desired cooling effectiveness may be specifically configured to maximize heat transfer and atomization while maintaining practicality and ease of manufacturing.

[0046] The chamber 302 may include a plurality of apertures or holes to control flow of the beverage discharged from the container 150 to flow towards the drinking conduit 204. The chamber 302 may be integrated with the bottom surface of the lid 202. The chamber 302 may include one or more compartments, at least one of the compartments receiving the external air from the valve assembly 310. The mixing chamber 302 may include an air tunnel 310 that is in the form of a tube, which allows the outside air to enter and mix with the hot beverage for cooling purposes.The air tunnel 310 may facilitate heat exchange between the beverage and the ambient air, aiding in the cooling process. The air tunnel 310 may have specific features such as fins or turbulence-inducing structures to enhance heat transfer and mixing.

[0047] It should be noted that the specific design, size, and positioning of the straw and second drinking hole can vary based on the particular embodiment and desired functionality. The embodiments described above provide examples and are not exhaustive, as numerous modifications and variations within the scope of the invention are possible. The patent encompasses such modifications and variations as defined by the claims.

[0048] Referring now to Figs. 6 and 7, the lid assembly 100 also includes a valve assembly 602 configured to regulate mass flow rate of the external air entering the chamber 302 to control a cooling rate of the beverage passing through the drinking conduit 204. The valve assembly 602 is configured to ensure precise control of mass flow rate of the external air entering the chamber 302. The valve assembly 602 is strategically positioned along an air pathway and can adjust opening of passages of the air pathways for controlling the mass flow rate of the external air entering the chamber 302. The valve assembly 602 enables the user to regulate the amount of cooling by controlling the airflow. The valve assembly 602 may include a rotating multi-hole design or a sliding mechanism with variable diameter settings to allow for incremental adjustments and customization of the cooling process. In the rotating multi-hole design, these holes may be arranged in a circular or linear pattern, and the user can rotate an operating member of the valve assembly 602 to align different holes with the air pathway. Each hole may correspond to a specific diameter, to allow for incremental control of the airflow and the cooling rate of the beverage. In the sliding mechanism, a plurality of sliding rings or panels with different- sized openings may be provided along the air pathway. The user can position the sliding rings or panels to cover or expose the desired holes, effectively controlling the airflow and customization of the cooling process. The valve can be designed with distinct steps or settings, each corresponding to a specific hole diameter. The user can rotate or slide the operatingmember of the valve assembly 602 to align with the desired setting, providing incremental control over the airflow and the amount of cooling.

[0049] A cam-based mechanism may be provided in the valve assembly 602, which involves a rotating or sliding element with a specially shaped profile that interacts with the air holes. As the user rotates or slides the cam mechanism, the shape of the profile controls the opening or closing of the air holes, regulating the airflow and cooling accordingly. The valve assembly 602 can be designed with interchangeable inserts that feature different hole diameters. These interchangeable inserts can be easily swapped or rotated within the valve assembly 602 to adjust the airflow. Each insert can have a specific set of holes with varying diameters to provide flexibility in controlling the mass flow rate of the external air to be supplied into the chamber 302. Alternatively, the valve assembly 602 may incorporate a membrane-based valve, where a flexible membrane covers the air holes. The user can apply pressure or suction to the membrane to adjust the opening size to control the airflow. This design allows for dynamic and real-time control over the airflow. The valve assembly 602 can include a pivoting flap that covers or exposes the air holes. The flap can be hinged or connected to a rotatable axis to allow the user to adjust the angle and control the airflow. This design provides a visual indication of the valve position and allows for precise airflow adjustments. The valve assembly 602 may incorporate an iris diaphragm mechanism, similar to a camera aperture. The diaphragm may include overlapping blades that can expand or contract, adjusting the size of the central opening and regulating the airflow. This design allows for smooth and continuous control of the airflow. Alternatively, the valve assembly 602 may be designed as a bi-stable mechanism that locks into two stable positions. Each position may correspond to a different hole diameter, providing discrete airflow settings. The user can switch between these positions to control the airflow and achieve the desired cooling effect.

[0050] The lid assembly 100 may include an Overflow hole member 208, as shown in Fig. 2, for smoothing entry of the external air from the valve assembly 310 into the mixing chamber 302. The Overflow hole member 208 may be in the form of a hole or a slot located on any surface of the lid 202. The Overflow holemember 208 may have different shapes, such as circles, lines, triangles, or nozzlelike configurations that facilitate smooth entry of the external air into the chamber 302. The Overflow hole member 208 may be in the form of an overflow hole having an inverted helmet shape with a concave structure extending outwards from a bottom surface of the lid 202. The Overflow hole member 208 may include a plurality of apertures spaced apart from one another to enable a controlled release of steam from the beverage present within the container 150. The Overflow hole member 208 can be located on any surface of the lid 202 and can have different shapes, such as circles, lines, triangles, or nozzle-like configurations that facilitate the controlled release of steam from the hot beverage stored in the container 150. Placement and design of the Overflow hole member 208 may be carefully calibrated to balance the requirements of pressure management and prevention of spillage or splashing. The arrangement of small holes promotes even distribution of steam release, while minimizing risk of abrupt pressure release that could lead to unintended spillage. Moreover, the inverted helmet shape of the Overflow hole member 208 also serves as a shield against potential liquid splashes, further enhancing user safety.

[0051] The lid 202 may include a valve assembly 602 to control the amount of outside air entering the lid 202 and regulate the pressure of the beverage stored in the container 150. The rotating disk may be in the form of a hole located on any surface of the lid 202, and it may have different shapes, such as circles, lines, triangles, or a crater-like formation.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 7, the drinking conduit 204 may include a Straw lid member 702 to allow consumption of the beverage after the valve assembly 602 regulates the cooling rate of the beverage. The Straw lid member 702 may be in the form of a lid straw extending outwards from the drinking conduit 204 to enable the user to easily and conveniently consume the beverage cooled to a predetermined degree by the valve assembly 602. The Straw lid member 702 may include a valve for sealing and adjusting flow rate of the beverage passing through the drinking conduit 204. The piping member 702 combines the functionality of a drinking straw and a valve to control the drinking process. The Straw lid member 702 provides aconvenient and controlled way of consuming the beverage . The Straw lid member 702 may be made from a food-grade material and may be connected to the lid 202. The Straw lid member 702 may incorporate a valve mechanism that allows for sealing when not in use to ensure controlled opening of the drinking conduit 204. The Straw lid member 702 helps prevent spills and splashes while offering adjustable flow rates for a personalized drinking experience. The Straw lid member 702 may have a tubular structure to allow for easy access to the beverage. Alternatively, the Straw lid member 702 can have a telescopic structure consisting of multiple sections that slide into one another. This design allows for length adjustment, accommodating different cup sizes and personal preferences. The valve mechanism can be integrated at the base or along the length of the Straw lid member 702. The valve mechanism can be implemented as a sliding element within the Straw lid member 702. The valve mechanism may include a small panel or disc that can be moved to cover or expose openings along the Straw lid member 702 to regulate the flow of the beverage. The sliding valve can be positioned at the top or bottom of the Straw lid member 702 for user convenience. The Straw lid member 702 can include a hinged segment that can be opened or closed to control the flow of the beverage. The hinged segment may allow for easy access to the beverage and provides a secure seal when not in use. The Straw lid member 702 can incorporate a rotating valve that adjusts the opening size for controlled drinking. The valve can be positioned at the top or bottom of the Straw lid member 702, and the user can rotate it to increase or decrease the opening size to regulate the flow of the beverage according to their preference.

[0053] When a drinker uses the discharge opening 204 of the chamber 302 to consume a beverage from the container 150, the suction generated at the discharge opening 204 creates a negative pressure within the chamber 302. This negative pressure causes a certain amount of the beverage in the container 150 to flow into the chamber 302 through the piping member 304. Simultaneously, the suction draws external air into the valve assembly 310 into the chamber 302. The merging and mixing of the beverage and the external air within the chamber 302, combined with the pressure difference, result in the beverage transforming into a plurality ofdroplets or a spray form. The increased surface area of the liquid exposed to the external air leads to an immediate decrease in the beverage's temperature before it enters the drinker's mouth.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mixing chamber 302 mixes the external air with the beverage discharged from the container 150 to reduce the liquid's temperature discharged from the container 150. The combined action of the mixing chamber 302, valve assembly 602, pipe 304, primary drinking conduit 204 and secondary drinking conduit 206 ensures an enjoyable and safe drinking experience with a properly cooled beverage. Fig. 8 illustrates a side view of the lid assembly 100. As illustrated, the lid assembly 100 may be removably coupled to the container 150 through a threaded region 802 adapted to engage internal threaded provided in the container 150. Additionally or alternatively, the lid 202 of the lid assembly 100 may be coupled to the container 150 by snap fitting.

[0055] The lid assembly 100 of the present invention offers a practical and versatile solution for drinking beverage stored in beverage cups, while allowing users to enjoy their drinks conveniently and flexibly. The combination of the pipe 304 and the secondary drinking conduit 206 expands the options for consuming the beverage while maintaining the desired fluid control and flow characteristics provided by the lid assembly 100. The lid assembly 100 with the incorporated pipe 304 and the secondary drinking conduit 206 can be manufactured using various materials and manufacturing techniques known in the field. The design and configuration of the lid assembly 100 can be adapted to suit different sizes and types of containers, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of beverage cups.

[0056] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this invention. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is solely defined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in theappended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.).

[0057] It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the

[0058] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. However, the scope of the invention should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 19 June 2025 (19.06.2025)

1. A lid assembly for a container, comprising a lid; a chamber having a drinking conduit on an upper surface of the lid, the chamber adapted to mix external air with a beverage stored in the container, when a suction pressure is generated through the drinking conduit, to cool the beverage passing through the drinking conduit; a valve assembly configured to regulate mass flow rate of the external air entering the chamber to control a cooling rate of the beverage passing through the drinking conduit wherein a valve assembly member controls the amount of external air which enter to the lid and regulates pressure of the beverage stored in the container; and a pipe having a first end connected to the chamber and a second end extending into the container when the lid is coupled to the container, the pipe connected to the chamber.

2. The lid assembly of claim 1 , wherein the drinking conduit comprises a piping member to allow consumption of the beverage after the valve assembly regulates the cooling rate of the beverage.

3. The lid assembly of claim 2, wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve for sealing and adjusting flow rate of the external air through an air hole.

4. The lid assembly of claim 1 , the chamber comprises a heat exchange member to increase a heat transfer rate of the beverage passing through the chamber.

5. The lid assembly of claim 4, wherein the heat exchange member has a coiled shape or a helical shape.

6. The lid assembly of claim 4, wherein the heat exchange member comprises a plurality of fins and a plurality of bent portions to increase a heat transfer area between the beverage and the external air entering the chamber.

7. The lid assembly of claim 4, further comprising a connecting member connecting the pipe to the heat exchange member to enable flow of the beverage stored in the container towards the drinking conduit.

8. The lid assembly of claim 1 , further comprising an Overflow hole member to facilitate the escape of steam from the container to an outside environment.

9. The lid assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a secondary drinking conduit on the upper surface of the lid to enable the user to directly consume the beverage stored in the container without cooling.

10. The lid assembly of claim 1 , wherein the valve assembly comprises a flow regulating member to regulate the flow of the external air flowing into the chamber.

11. The lid assembly of claim 11 , wherein the flow regulating member comprises a plurality of slots of variable diameters.

12. The lid assembly of claim 1 , wherein the chamber comprises a Straw lid to control flow of the beverage discharged from the container to flow towards the drinking conduit.

13. The lid assembly of claim 1 , wherein the chamber is integrated with the lid.

14. The lid assembly of claim 1 , wherein the chamber comprises one or more compartments, at least one of the compartments receiving the external air from the valve assembly.

15. The lid assembly of claim 8, wherein the overflow hole member has a concave structure extending below the bottom surface of the lid.

16. The lid assembly of claim 8, wherein the Overflow hole member facilitates the escape of steam from the container into the outside environment.