Cap assembly for a beverage container

Abstract

A leak-proof lid assembly for a beverage container is disclosed, wherein the lid assembly has a straw or similar device for a user to drink liquid. The lid assembly can include a base, a straw extending through the base, a gasket, and a grommet. The base can have a primary opening to house the straw and a secondary opening at the top of the base, wherein the secondary opening acts as a vent to prevent a vacuum from occurring when drinking with the straw. The grommet can have a spiral ring that can help form a flow path for air from the inside of the beverage container to the outside environment.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Patent Applications

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 135,378, filed January 8, 2021, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference for any and all purposes. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates broadly to lids for drinkware, and more particularly to leak-resistant lids for drinkware containers that provide means for drinking. BACKGROUND

[0004] Drink containers can be filled with hot or cold drinkable liquids, such as water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, or alcoholic beverages, such as beer. These drink containers can be made of various materials, such as stainless steel, glass, plastic, paperboard, or paper materials. Lids can be provided on the drink containers to provide means for drinking the contents of the drink containers while also being leak resistant when spilled. SUMMARY

[0005] The following presents a simplified summary of some general concepts relating to the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of the disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the present disclosure.

[0006] Aspects of the disclosure herein can relate to a lid assembly for a beverage container, where the lid assembly includes a base including: (a) a cover member; (b) a lip extending upwardly from the cover member; the lip positioned about a perimeter of the cover member; (c) a skirt member extending downwardly from the cover member; (d) a retaining wall spaced inwardly from the skirt member forming a grommet recess therebetween; (e) a primary opening in the cover member; and (f) a secondary opening spaced apart from the primary opening. The lid assembly further includes a straw extending through the primary opening; and a grommet disposed in the grommet recess. The grommet can include a primary body member and a helical ring extending outwardly from an outer surface of the primary body member, where the helical ring forms an airflow path from beneath the lid assembly to the secondary opening. The helical ring can contact an inner side surface of the skirt member, where an outer edge of the helical ring presses against the inner side surface of the skirt member. The primary opening can be larger than the secondary opening. The lid assembly can also include a gasket disposed in a gasket recess in the skirt member, where the gasket includes a body member and an annular ring extending outwardly from an outer surface of the body member, and where the annular ring contacts an inner surface of the beverage container. The grommet can also include a secondary body member extending inwardly from the primary body member and a straw opening in the secondary body member, where the straw extends through the straw opening. The grommet can further include a connecting member extending from the primary body member to the secondary body member, where the connecting member extends about a lower end of the retaining wall. Moreover, the grommet can be formed as a one-piece member. In some examples, the helical ring can extend at least 180 degrees about a perimeter of the primary body member, while in other examples, the helical ring can extend at least 540 degrees about a perimeter of the primary body member. Also, the grommet can further include a pull tab to allow for easy removal and cleaning.

[0007] Other aspects of the disclosure can relate to a lid assembly for a beverage container, where the lid assembly includes a base including: (a) a cover member; (b) a lip extending upwardly from the cover member; the lip positioned about a perimeter of the cover member; (c) a skirt member extending downwardly from the cover member; and (d) an opening in the cover member. The lid assembly can also include a straw extending through the opening; and a gasket disposed in a gasket recess in the skirt member. The gasket can include a body member and a helical ring extending outwardly from an outer surface of the body member, where the helical ring forms an airflow path from beneath the lid assembly to an exterior of the lid assembly. An outer edge of the helical ring can be configured to contact an inner surface of the beverage container. In some examples, the helical ring can extend at least 180 degrees about a perimeter of the body member, while in other examples, the helical ring can extend at least 540 degrees about a perimeter of the body member. The lid assembly can further include a grommet disposed in the opening of the cover member, where the grommet includes a straw opening to receive the straw.

[0008] Additional aspects of the present disclosure can relate to a lid assembly for a beverage container, where the lid assembly includes a base including: (a) a cover member; (b) a lip extending upwardly from the cover member; the lip positioned about a perimeter of the cover member; (c) a skirt member extending downwardly from the cover member; and (d) an opening in the cover member. The lid assembly can further include a straw extending through the opening; and a grommet disposed in a grommet recess in the skirt member. The grommet can include a body member and a plurality of annular rings extending outwardly from an outer surface of the body member, where each of the plurality of annular rings can have a gap, where the plurality of annular rings form an airflow path from below the lid assembly to an exterior of the lid assembly. A first gap on a first annular ring can be located at a different position on a first perimeter of the first annular ring than a second gap located on a second perimeter of a second annular ring. A grommet can be disposed in the opening of the cover member, where the grommet includes a straw opening that receives the straw.

[0009] Still further aspects of the present disclosure can relate to a lid assembly for a beverage container, where the lid assembly includes a base including: (a) a cover member; (b) a lip extending upwardly from the cover member; the lip positioned about a perimeter of the cover member; (c) a skirt member extending downwardly from the cover member; (d) a retaining wall spaced inwardly from the skirt member forming a grommet recess between the skirt member and the retaining wall; (e) a primary opening in the cover member; and (f) a secondary opening spaced apart from the primary opening. The lid assembly can further include a straw extending through the primary opening; and a grommet disposed in the grommet recess. The grommet can include a primary body member, a plurality of annular rings extending outwardly from an outer surface of the primary body member, where each of the plurality of annular rings has a gap, such that the plurality of annular rings form an airflow path from below the lid assembly to the secondary opening. A first gap on a first annular ring is located at a different position on a first perimeter of the first annular ring than a second gap located on a second perimeter of a second annular ring. The grommet can include a secondary body member extending inwardly from the primary body member and a straw opening in the secondary body member, where the straw extends through the straw opening. The lid assembly can further include a grommet disposed in a grommet recess in the skirt member, where the grommet includes a body member and an annular ring extending outwardly from an outer surface of the body member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the application, can be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. In the drawings, like elements have been designated with the same or similar numbers throughout the various figures.

[0011] Figure 1 A perspective view of a lid assembly configured to be removably coupled to a beverage container is shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein;

[0012] Figure 2 A perspective view of a lid assembly configured to be removably coupled to a beverage container is shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein; Figure 1

[0013] Figure 3 A perspective view of a lid assembly configured to be removably coupled to a beverage container is shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein; Figure 1

[0014] Figure 4 A partial side cross-sectional view of a lid assembly is shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein; Figure 1

[0015] Figure 5 A perspective view of a grommet gas path through a lid assembly is shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein; Figure 1

[0016] A perspective view of a grommet of a lid assembly is shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein; Figure 6 Figure 1 A perspective view of an alternative lid assembly configured to be removably coupled to a beverage container is shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein;

[0017] Figure 7 A perspective view of a lid assembly configured to be removably coupled to a beverage container is shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein;

[0018] Figure 8 Figure 7 A partial side cross-sectional view of a lid assembly is shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein;

[0019] Figure 9 A perspective view of an alternative lid assembly configured to be removably coupled to a beverage container is shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein; Figure 7

[0020] A partial perspective view of an alternative lid assembly configured to be removably coupled to a beverage container is shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein; Figure 10

[0021] A perspective cross-sectional view of a lid assembly is shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein; Figure 11 Figure 10 A perspective view of a grommet of a lid assembly is shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein;

[0022] Figure 12 A perspective view of a grommet of a lid assembly is shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein; Figure 10

[0023] ​​​​​​​Figure 13 a cross-sectional view of an alternative grommet of the lid assembly of Figure 10 a cross-sectional view of an alternative grommet of the lid assembly of

[0024] Figure 14 a cross-sectional view of an alternative grommet of the lid assembly of Figure 1 or Figure 7 a cross-sectional view of an alternative grommet of the lid assembly of DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In the following description of various examples and components of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures and environments in which aspects of the disclosure can be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures and environments can be utilized and that structural and functional modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] Additionally, while in this specification, terms such as "front," "top," "base," "bottom," "side," and "back" can be used to describe various example features and elements of the structures and methods, these terms are used in this specification for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the term "plurality" as used herein means any number greater than one, up to and including an infinite number, as necessary. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a particular three-dimensional orientation of a structure or spatial orientation of a structure in order to fall within the scope of the claims.

[0027] Generally, the present disclosure can relate to leak resistant lid assemblies with a straw or similar device, where a user can drink liquid from a lid having an opening in the top. When drinking with a straw, air must enter the container to prevent a vacuum from occurring. This requires a secondary opening in the lid that is separate from the straw or straw opening. Additionally, when installing a press-fit type lid assembly, air must be able to escape to prevent liquid in the container from traveling up the straw, which can cause spillage or leakage. The secondary opening in the lid can help solve the problem of a vacuum forming or liquid traveling up the straw, but the secondary opening provides an additional leakage path that needs to be addressed.

[0028] Figure 1 A lid assembly 100 for a beverage container is shown that enables a user to drink from a straw 150 while allowing air to escape through a secondary opening 118 in the cover member 112 and also blocking a potential leakage path of liquid flow through the secondary opening 118. The lid assembly 100 can have a top 102, a bottom 104, a front 106, and a back 108. Figure 2A perspective view is depicted of a lid assembly 100 removably coupled to a beverage container 10. Container 10 is an exemplary container, and the lid assembly 100 is configured to be removably coupled thereto. Thus, container 10 may be configured to contain a volume of liquid, and the lid assembly 100 may be configured to be releasably inserted into an opening of container 10.

[0029] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the cap assembly 100 may include a base 110, a straw 150, a washer 160 extending around the base 110, and a grommets 170 connected to the base 110. The base 110 may include a cover member 112; a lip 114 extending upward from the cover member 112; a skirt member 120 extending downward from the cover member 112; a retaining wall 130 spaced inwardly from the skirt member 120 to form a grommets groove 138 between the skirt member 120 and the retaining wall 130; a main opening 116 in the cover member 112; and a secondary opening 118 spaced apart from the main opening 116 on the cover member 112. As shown in the example, the grommets groove 138 may open toward the bottom 104 of the cap assembly 100, while in other examples, the grommets groove 138 may open toward the top 102 of the cap assembly 100. The straw 150 may extend through the main opening 116 in the cover member 112. The main opening 116 may be larger than the secondary opening 118. The main opening 116 may accommodate the straw 150 and a portion of the grommets 170, while the secondary opening 118 primarily serves as a vent to allow air to travel between the external environment and the interior of the container 10.

[0030] To form a seal between the base 110 and the container 10, a gasket 160 may be disposed in a gasket recess 122 in the skirt member 120, wherein the gasket 160 includes a body member 162 and an annular ring 164 extending outward from the outer surface 166 of the body member 162. The annular ring 164 may be a protrusion extending outward from the periphery of the body member 162 at the same vertical position of the gasket 160. The gasket recess 122 may be located below a shelf 128 of the base 110, which is formed opposite to the top surface of a lip 114 adjacent to the outer surface 124 of the skirt member 120. The outer edge 168 of the annular ring 164 may contact and press against the inner surface of the container 10 to form an effective seal to prevent both liquid and air from escaping between the container 10 and the cap assembly 100 at the point where the gasket 160 contacts the container 10. As illustrated in the example, gasket 160 may include a plurality of annular rings 164 to ensure that no liquid or air escapes from the seal. Alternatively, gasket 160 may not have annular rings and may only have a compressible main body member 162, such as an O-ring.

[0031] The grommet 170 can include a primary body member 172, which can also be referred to as a main body member, having a helical ring 174 extending outwardly from an outer surface 176 of the primary body member 172. The primary body member 172 can be housed in the grommet recess 138 of the base 110 with the grommet 170 mounted from the bottom 104 of the lid assembly 100, as shown. Figure 4 Alternatively, in instances where the grommet recess 138 is open on the top 102, the grommet 170 can be mounted from the top 102 of the lid assembly 100.

[0032] The helical ring 174 of the grommet 170 can include a tapered cross-section and can extend around a portion of the outer surface 176. The helical ring 174 can have a first end 184 on a lower portion of the primary body member 172 and move gradually upward along the primary body member 172 as the helical ring 174 moves around the primary body member 172. The helical ring 174 can be a continuous member that extends at least 180 degrees around the main body member 172, or in other words, the helical ring 174 rotates at least half a turn around the main body member 172. In some instances, the helical ring 174 can be a continuous member that extends at least 360 degrees around the main body member 172, or in other words, the helical ring 174 rotates at least one full turn around the main body member 172. In other instances, the helical ring can extend at least 540 degrees around the main body member 172, at least 720 degrees around the main body member 172, or at least 900 degrees around the main body member 172. An outer lateral edge 180 of the helical ring 174 can contact and press against the inner lateral surface 125 of the skirt member 120, thereby forming a seal between the helical ring 174 and the inner lateral surface 125 to create a helical flow path 182 in the lid assembly 100, as shown. Figure 5 The flow path 182 begins at the first end 184 of the helical ring 174, which is open to the interior of the container 10, and ends at the secondary opening 118 of the cover member 112. The flow path 182 allows air to freely move into and out of the container 10. However, the helical airflow path 182 blocks liquid from leaking through the secondary opening 118 by creating a tortuous or difficult path for the liquid to follow to escape through the secondary opening 118. For example, to cause liquid to leak from the container 10 having the lid assembly 100 with the grommet 170 having a helical ring 174 that extends at least 540 degrees, the container 10 would need to be tilted at least 90 degrees and also need to be rolled 1.5 times for the liquid to leak from the secondary opening 118. Thus, the grommet 170 helps to block liquid from leaking while providing an adequate flow path for air to move into and out of the container 10 through the lid assembly 100.

[0033] The grommet 170 can also assist in forming a seal between the primary opening 116 and the straw 150. The grommet 170 can include a secondary body member 186 extending inwardly from a primary body member 172 and a straw opening 188 in the secondary body member 186. The secondary body member 186 can be releasably secured within the primary opening 116 with the straw opening 188 substantially aligned with the primary opening 116. The straw 150 can extend through the straw opening 188 where the secondary body member 186 is compressed to form a seal between the straw 150 and the grommet 170 to prevent any leakage of liquid from the container 10 between the straw 150 and the grommet 170. The grommet 170 can also include a connecting member 190 extending from the primary body member 172 to the secondary body member 186. The connecting member 190 can extend around the lower end 132 of the retaining wall 130. As shown in the illustrated example, the grommet 170 can be a unitary member including both the primary body member 172 and the secondary body member 186. Alternatively, the grommet 170 can be formed as separate members with a primary grommet providing the helical flow path 182 and a secondary grommet fitting within the primary opening 116 to provide a seal between the straw 150 and the cover member 112. As another feature, the grommet 170 can include a pull tab 192 that allows a user to easily grasp the grommet 170 and remove it from the lid assembly 100 for periodic cleaning.

[0034] Referring back to Figures 1 to 3 The base 110 of the lid assembly 100 can have features to assist in the operation of the lid assembly 100. As discussed above, the base 110 includes the primary opening 116 to accommodate the secondary body member 186 of the grommet 170 and the straw 150 while also having the secondary opening 118 to provide a vent. As such, the primary opening 116 can be larger than the secondary opening 118. The openings 116, 118 can be aligned along a central plane and spaced apart from each other with the primary opening 116 closer to the front 106 of the lid assembly 100 and the secondary opening 118 closer to the rear 108 of the lid assembly 100. In some examples, the primary opening 116 can be centered on the cover member 112. While the secondary opening 118 is shown on the cover member 112 of the base 110, the secondary opening 118 can be located anywhere on the base 110 that is in fluid communication with the airflow path 182. The secondary opening 118 can have a substantially rectangular shape as shown. In other examples, the secondary opening 118 can have a circular shape, an oval shape, or other geometric shape. The lip 114 can extend around the perimeter of the base 110 and can include a tapered surface extending from a top surface of the lip 114 to a top surface of the cover member 112.

[0035] The base 110 of the lid assembly 100 can include features that facilitate attachment to the container 10. For example, the lid assembly 100 can include an outer thread 126 disposed on the outer side surface 124 of the skirt member 120 to engage an inner thread disposed on an inner surface of the container 10. The lip 114 can include ridges 115 disposed on opposite sides of the lip 114 to allow a user to easily grip and turn the lid assembly 100 to allow the outer thread 126 to engage the inner thread of the container 10. When the lid assembly 100 is attached to the container 10, the shelf 128 can act as a stop for the lid assembly 100 when the shelf 128 contacts an upper surface of the container 10.

[0036] The base 110, straw 150, gasket 160, and grommet 170 can each be formed using a molding process, such as injection molding. In some examples, the straw 150 can be extruded, with the stop 152 being formed by overmolding it onto the extruded portion using injection molding. Further, in some examples, the gasket 160 and grommet 170 can be compression molded. The base 110 and straw 150 can be molded from a clear or transparent polymer material, such as Tritan TM or other food-safe polymer. In some examples, the retaining wall 130 can be formed using a two-shot injection molding process from an opaque, food-safe polymer material. The two-shot injection molding process can help improve the aesthetics of the base 110 and mask the appearance of the grommet 170 by providing different color options. As another option, the gasket 160 and / or grommet 170 can be overmolded onto the base 110. The gasket 160 and grommet 170 can be formed from a compressible elastomeric material, such as a silicone-based material, neoprene, nitrile, EPDM, or a rubber-based material. However, additional or alternative polymer materials can be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0037] Figures 7 to 9 A lid assembly 200 is shown. Features of the lid assembly 200 are denoted using similar reference numbers under the “2xx” series reference numbers, rather than the “lxx” used in the example lid assembly 100 of Figures 1 to 6 . Accordingly, certain features of the lid assembly 200 that have been described above with respect to the lid assembly 100 of Figures 1 to 6 may be described more generally, or not at all. The lid assembly 200 can be similar to the lid assembly 100, except that the lid assembly 200 can have a press-fit connection to attach the lid assembly 200 with the container 20, rather than the threaded connection used to attach the lid assembly 100 with the container 10.

[0038] As Figure 7As shown, the lid assembly 200 can be releasably coupled to the container 20. The lid assembly 200 may include a base 210, a straw 250, a gasket 260 extending around a skirt member 220, and a grommets 270 connected to the base 210. The base 210 may include a cover member 212; a lip 214 extending upward from the cover member 212; a skirt member 220 extending downward from the cover member 212; a retaining wall 230 spaced inwardly from the skirt member 220 to form a grommets groove 238 between the skirt member 220 and the retaining wall 230; a main opening 216 in the cover member 212; and a secondary opening 218 in the cover member 212. The straw 250 may extend through the main opening in the cover member 212. The main opening 216 may be larger than the secondary opening 218, wherein the main opening 216 accommodates the straw 250 and a portion of the grommets 270, and the secondary opening 218 primarily serves as a vent to allow air to travel between the external environment and the interior of the beverage container 20.

[0039] To facilitate a press-fit engagement between the lid assembly 200 and the container 20, the base 210 of the lid assembly 200 may include features that aid in attachment to the container 20. For example, the skirt member 220 may include a tapered end member 221 to help guide the base 210 into the container 20. Furthermore, the lip 214 may include a lid tab 227 that extends outward at the rear 208 of the lid assembly 200 to provide a position for easy gripping, removal, or installation of the lid assembly 200 by a user. When the lid assembly 200 is attached to the container 20, the shelf 228 may act as a stop for the lid assembly 200 when it contacts the upper surface of the container 20.

[0040] Similar to cap assembly 100, a gasket 260, possibly similar to gasket 160, helps form a seal between cap assembly 200 and container 20 to prevent any liquid leakage from container 20. Furthermore, contact between annular ring 264 and the interior of container 20 helps secure cap assembly 200 to container 20. In the illustrated example, gasket 260 may be located in gasket recess 222, which is spaced apart from shelf 228. Gasket recess 222 may be located below shelf 228 of base 210, which is formed opposite the top surface of lip 214 adjacent to the outer surface 224 of skirt member 220.

[0041] The grommet 270 can be similar to the grommet 170 of the lid assembly 100. The grommet 270 can include a primary body member 272, which can also be referred to as a main body member, having a helical ring 274 extending outwardly from an outer surface 276 of the primary body member 272. The primary body member 272 can be received in the grommet recess 238 of the base 210. An outer lateral edge 280 of the helical ring 274 can contact and press against the inner lateral surface 225 of the skirt member 220, thereby forming a seal between the helical ring 274 and the inner lateral surface 225 to form a helical flow path in the lid assembly 200. The grommet 270 can include a secondary body member 286 extending inwardly from the primary body member 272, and a straw opening 288 in the secondary body member 286. The straw 250 can extend through the straw opening 288, at which the secondary body member 286 is compressed to form a seal between the straw 250 and the grommet 270 to prevent any liquid from leaking from the container 20 between the straw 250 and the grommet 270.

[0042] Figures 10 to 11 An alternative lid assembly 300 is shown in which a grommet provides an airflow path instead of a grommet as discussed with respect to the lid assemblies 100 and 200. The lid assembly 300 is similarly configured to the lid assemblies 100 and 200 to include a base 310; a grommet 360 attached to the base 310; a straw 350; and a grommet 380 connected to an opening 316 of the base 310 to form a seal between the straw 350 and the base 310. The lid assembly 300 can be releasably attached to a beverage container. The base 310 can include a cover member 312; a lip 314 extending upwardly from the cover member 312; a skirt member 320 extending downwardly from the cover member 312; and an opening 316 in the cover member 312. The straw 350, similar to the straw 150, can extend through the opening 316 in the cover member 312. The opening 316 can receive the grommet 380 having a straw opening, with the straw 350 extending through the straw opening of the grommet 380 to form a seal between the straw 350 and the grommet 380 to prevent liquid from leaking through the opening 316.

[0043] The grommet 360 can provide an airflow path from the interior of the container to the outside environment while also blocking liquid from the inside of the container from leaking from the container. The grommet 360 can be disposed in a grommet recess 322 in the skirt member 320. As best shown in Figure 12 The grommet 360 can include a primary body member 362, which can also be referred to as a main body member, having a helical ring 364 extending outwardly from an outer surface 366 of the primary body member 362. The primary body member 362 can be received in the grommet recess 322 of the skirt member 320, as best shown in Figures 10 to 11The spiral ring 364 can have a tapered cross-section and can extend around a portion of the outer surface 366. The spiral ring 364 has a first end 374 on a lower portion of the main body member 362 and moves gradually upward along the main body member 362 as the spiral ring 364 moves around the main body member 362. The spiral ring 364 can be a continuous member that extends at least 180 degrees around the main body member 362, or in other words, the spiral ring 364 rotates at least half a turn around the main body member 362. In some examples, the spiral ring 364 can be a continuous member that extends at least 360 degrees around the main body member 362, or in other words, the spiral ring 364 rotates at least one full turn around the main body member 362. In some examples, the spiral ring 364 can extend at least 540 degrees around the main body member 362, at least 720 degrees around the main body member 362, or at least 900 degrees around the main body member 362. The outer edge 370 of the spiral ring 364 can contact and press against the inner surface of the container, thereby forming a seal between the spiral ring 364 and the inner surface of the container to form a spiral airflow path in the lid assembly 300. The airflow path can begin at the first end 374 of the spiral ring 364 that is open to the interior of the container and end at the upper end 375 that is in fluid communication with the exterior of the container. A gap or hole can be formed between the skirt member 320 and the container near the upper end 375 of the spiral ring 364 to allow air to flow into and out of the container. As another option, a gap or hole can be formed in the lip 314 of the base 310 or the shelf 328 to allow air to escape from the interior of the container. The airflow path allows air to freely pass into and out of the container. However, similar to the airflow paths 182 and 282 discussed above, the spiral flow path blocks liquid from leaking directly through the gap and out of the container. For example, to leak liquid from a container having the lid assembly 300 with the gasket 360 having a spiral ring 364 that extends at least 540 degrees, the container would need to be tilted at least 90 degrees and also rolled 1.5 times for liquid to leak through the gap. Thus, the gasket 360 helps to block liquid from leaking while providing an adequate flow path for air to move into and out of the container through the lid assembly 300.

[0044] The grommet 380 can seal between the opening 316 and the straw 350. The grommet 380 can include a body member having a straw opening. The straw can extend through the straw opening at which the body member compresses to form a seal between the straw 350 and the grommet 380 to prevent any liquid from leaking from the container between the straw and the grommet 380.

[0045] Referring back to Figures 10 to 11The base 310 of the lid assembly 300 can have features to assist in the operation of the lid assembly 300. As discussed above, the base 310 includes the opening 316 to accommodate the grommet 380 and the straw 350. The lip 314 can extend around the perimeter of the base 310 and can include a tapered surface that extends from the top surface of the lip 314 to the top surface of the cover member 312.

[0046] The base 310 of the lid assembly 300 can include features to assist in attachment to a container. Figures 10 to 11 The illustrated example of the lid assembly 300 in FIG. 3 has a base 310 to assist in a press-fit engagement between the lid assembly 300 and a container similar to the base 210. For example, the skirt member 320 can include a tapered end member 321 to help guide the base 310 into a container. In addition, the lip 314 can include a lid tab 327 that extends outward at the back 308 of the lid assembly 300 to provide a location for a user to easily grasp and remove or install the lid assembly 300. When the lid assembly 300 is attached to a container, the ledge 328 can act as a stop for the lid assembly 300 when the ledge 328 contacts the upper surface of the container. Alternatively, the lid assembly 300 can be configured to releasably connect to a container with a threaded connection similar to the lid assembly 100. In these examples, the lid assembly 300 can include external threads disposed on the outer side surface 324 of the skirt member 320 to engage internal threads disposed on an inner surface of a container. The lip 314 can include ridges disposed on opposite sides of the lip 314 to allow a user to easily hold and turn the lid assembly 300 to engage the external threads with the internal threads of the container.

[0047] Similar to the examples for the lid assemblies 100 and 200, the base 310, the straw 350, the gasket 360, and the grommet 380 can each be formed using a molding process, such as injection molding. The base 310 and the straw can be molded from a clear or transparent polymer material, such as Tritan TM or other food-safe polymer. The gasket 360 and the grommet can be formed from a compressible elastomeric material, such as a silicone-based material. However, additional or alternative polymer materials can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 13Another optional example of an alternative grommet 460 that can replace the grommet 360 of the lid assembly 300 is shown. The grommet 460 includes a plurality of annular rings 464 extending outwardly from a primary body member 462, which can also be referred to as a main body member. Each annular ring 464 can have a gap to form an airflow path beginning at a lower gap 466A in a lower annular ring 464A to allow air below the lid assembly 300 to flow through the lower gap 466A and over the annular ring 464A. The air can then flow through an upper gap 466B in an upper annular ring 464B through the aperture or gap between the lid assembly 300 and the container to exit the container. Each gap can be staggered so that they are positioned at different locations around the perimeter of the annular ring 464. For example, the lower gap 466A and the upper gap 466B can be positioned approximately 180 degrees apart from each other. Although Figure 13 The illustrated example of the grommet 460 shows only two annular rings 464, but the number of annular rings 464 can be greater than two annular rings 464, such as three annular rings 464, four annular rings 464, or more. Each annular ring 464 will have a gap that is offset from the gap on the annular ring 464 above or below it. These offset gaps 466A, 466B form a flow path that allows air to easily travel, but blocks liquid from flowing directly out of the container through the gaps due to their staggered arrangement.

[0049] Figure 14 An alternative grommet 570 that can replace the grommet 170, 270 of the lid assemblies 100 and 200 is shown. The grommet 570 includes a plurality of annular rings 574 extending outwardly from a primary body member 572, which can also be referred to as a main body member. Each annular ring 574 can have a gap to form an airflow path beginning at a lower gap 576A in a lower annular ring 574A to allow air below the lid assembly 100 or 200 to flow through the lower gap 576A and over the lower annular ring 574A. The air can then flow through an upper gap 576B in an upper annular ring 574B through the secondary opening 118 or 218 to exit the container. Each gap can be staggered so that they are positioned at different locations around the perimeter of the annular ring 574. For example, the lower gap 576A and the upper gap 576B can be positioned approximately 180 degrees apart from each other. These offset gaps 576A, 576B form a flow path that allows air to easily travel, but blocks liquid from flowing directly out of the container through the gaps due to their staggered arrangement. Although Figure 14The illustrated example of FIG. 5 shows only two annular rings 574, but the number of annular rings 574 can be greater than two annular rings 574, such as three annular rings 574, four annular rings 574, or more. Each annular ring 574 will have a gap that is offset from the gap on the annular ring 574 above or below it. Additionally, the illustrated grommet 570 of FIG. 5 does not include a secondary body member 186 or 286, but the grommet 570 can include a secondary body member 186 or 286 as described above. Figure 14 The illustrated grommet 570 of FIG. 5 does not include a secondary body member 186 or 286, but the grommet 570 can include a secondary body member 186 or 286 as described above.

[0050] The present application is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of examples. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the present application, not to limit the scope of the disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications can be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A lid assembly for a beverage container, the lid assembly comprising: Base, the base comprising: Covering components; A lip edge extends upward from the covering member; the lip edge is positioned around the periphery of the covering member; A skirt member that extends downward from the cover member; A retaining wall is inwardly spaced from the skirt member, thereby forming a cord loop groove between the skirt member and the retaining wall; A main opening, which is located within the covering member; The secondary opening is spaced apart from the main opening; A straw, the straw extending through the main opening; and A sling, the sling being disposed in a sling groove, the sling comprising a main body component and a helical ring extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body component; and The spiral ring forms an airflow path from below the cover assembly to the secondary opening.

2. The cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the spiral ring contacts the inner surface of the skirt member.

3. The cover assembly of claim 2, wherein the outer edge of the spiral ring presses against the inner surface of the skirt member.

4. The cover assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: A gasket disposed in a gasket groove in the skirt member, wherein the gasket includes a body member and an annular ring extending outward from the outer surface of the body member, and wherein the annular ring contacts the inner surface of the beverage container.

5. The cap assembly of claim 1, wherein the loop further comprises a secondary body member extending inwardly from the primary body member and a straw opening in the secondary body member; and The straw extends through the straw opening.

6. The cover assembly of claim 5, wherein the cable loop further comprises a connecting member extending from the main body member to the secondary body member; and The connecting member extends around the lower end of the retaining wall.

7. The cover assembly of claim 6, wherein the cable ring is an integral component.

8. The cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the main opening is larger than the secondary opening.

9. The cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the spiral ring extends at least 180 degrees around the periphery of the main body member.

10. The cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the spiral ring extends at least 540 degrees around the periphery of the main body member.

11. The cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the loop further comprises a pull tab to allow for easy removal and cleaning.

12. A lid assembly for a beverage container, the lid assembly comprising: Base, the base comprising: Covering components; A lip edge extends upward from the covering member; the lip edge is positioned around the periphery of the covering member; A skirt member that extends downward from the cover member; An opening, said opening being in the covering member; A straw, the straw extending through the opening; and A washer disposed in a washer groove in the skirt member; the washer includes a body member and a helical ring extending outward from the outer surface of the body member; and The spiral ring forms an airflow path from below the cover assembly to the outside of the cover assembly.

13. The cap assembly of claim 12, wherein the outer edge of the spiral ring is configured to contact the inner surface of the beverage container.

14. The cover assembly of claim 12, wherein the spiral ring extends at least 180 degrees around the periphery of the body member.

15. The cover assembly of claim 12, wherein the spiral ring extends at least 540 degrees around the periphery of the body member.

16. The cover assembly of claim 12, further comprising a loop disposed in the opening of the cover member, wherein the loop includes a straw opening for receiving the straw.

17. A lid assembly for a beverage container, the lid assembly comprising: Base, the base comprising: Covering components; A lip edge extends upward from the covering member; the lip edge is positioned around the periphery of the covering member; A skirt member that extends downward from the cover member; An opening, said opening being in the covering member; A straw, the straw extending through the opening; and A washer, the washer being disposed in a washer groove in the skirt member; the washer comprising a body member and a plurality of annular rings extending outwardly from the outer surface of the body member, each of the plurality of annular rings having a gap; and The plurality of annular rings form an airflow path from below the cover assembly to the outside of the cover assembly.

18. The cover assembly of claim 17, wherein the first gap on the first annular ring is located at a different position on the first periphery of the first annular ring than the second gap located on the second periphery of the second annular ring.

19. The cover assembly of claim 17, further comprising a loop disposed in the opening of the cover member, wherein the loop includes a straw opening for receiving the straw.

20. A lid assembly for a beverage container, the lid assembly comprising: Base, the base comprising: Covering components; A lip edge extends upward from the covering member; the lip edge is positioned around the periphery of the covering member; A skirt member that extends downward from the cover member; A retaining wall is inwardly spaced from the skirt member, thereby forming a cord loop groove between the skirt member and the retaining wall; A main opening, which is located within the covering member; The secondary opening is spaced apart from the main opening; A straw, the straw extending through the main opening; and A grommets, the grommets being arranged in the grommets groove, the grommets comprising a main body component and a plurality of annular rings extending outward from the outer surface of the main body component; and Each of the plurality of annular rings has a gap, and the plurality of annular rings form an airflow path from below the cover assembly to the secondary opening.

21. The cover assembly of claim 20, wherein the first gap on the first annular ring is located at a different position on the first periphery of the first annular ring than the second gap located on the second periphery of the second annular ring.

22. The cover assembly of claim 20, further comprising: A washer, the washer being disposed in a washer groove in the skirt member; The gasket includes a body component and an annular ring extending outward from the outer surface of the body component.

23. The cap assembly of claim 20, wherein the loop includes a secondary body member extending inwardly from the primary body member and a straw opening in the secondary body member; and The straw extends through the straw opening.

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