Sealing mechanism of beverage container

Abstract

Some embodiments described herein relate to a beverage container comprising a drinking opening, a closure, and a seal. The closure is configured to selectively close the drinking opening. A seal is coupled with the closure and is configured to seal the drinking opening when the closure closes the drinking opening. The closure includes a shaft extending downwardly from an interior of the seal. A seal overlies the shaft, and a slit extends through a portion of the seal that overlies the shaft.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 367,175, filed on June 28, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to beverage containers. More specifically, some embodiments relate to seals and sealing mechanisms for beverage containers. Background Art

[0003] The beverage container may be sealed relative to the atmosphere outside the beverage container. A pressure difference may be generated between the interior of the beverage container and the atmosphere outside the beverage container. Summary of the invention

[0004] Some embodiments described herein relate to a beverage container including a drinking opening, a closure, and a seal. The closure is configured to selectively close the drinking opening. The seal is coupled to the closure and configured to seal the drinking opening when the closure closes the drinking opening. The closure includes a shaft extending downward from an interior of the seal. The seal covers the shaft, and a slit extends through a portion of the seal covering the shaft.

[0005] Some embodiments described herein relate to a seal for a beverage container, comprising a seal body and a flap coupled to the seal body. A lower surface of the flap is configured to seal a drinking opening of the beverage container. A gap is defined between the lower surface of the seal body and an upper surface of the flap. The gap is configured to be in fluid communication with an interior volume of the beverage container when the lower surface of the flap is sealingly pressed against the drinking opening of the beverage container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate the disclosure and, together with the description, further explain the principles of the disclosure and enable those skilled in the relevant art to make and use the disclosure.

[0007] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view from below of a portion of a beverage container is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 An exploded perspective view from above of a portion of a beverage container.

[0009] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A portion of a beverage container, along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along plane III of the embodiment of the present invention, with the closure in the open position.

[0010] Figure 4Shows Figure 1 A portion of a beverage container, along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along plane III of the embodiment of the present invention, with the closure member in the closed position.

[0011] Figure 5 An exploded perspective view from below of a portion of another beverage container is shown.

[0012] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 An exploded perspective view from above of a portion of a beverage container.

[0013] Figure 7 Shows Figure 5 A portion of a beverage container, along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along plane VII of the embodiment of the present invention, with the closure member in the closed position.

[0014] Figure 8 Shows Figure 5 The edge of a portion of a beverage container, Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along plane VIII of the embodiment of the present invention, with the closure member in the closed position. Detailed Description

[0015] In the following description, many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments including structures, systems and methods may be practiced without these specific details. The descriptions and representations herein are in accordance with the standards used by experienced or skilled personnel in the art to most effectively communicate the essence of their work to other technical personnel in the art. In some cases, well-known methods, procedures and components are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] References in the specification to "some embodiments" indicate that the embodiments may include certain features, structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the certain features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a certain feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it should be considered that it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to apply such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0017] The following examples are provided to illustrate but not to limit the present disclosure. Other suitable modifications and adjustments of the various conditions and parameters commonly encountered in the art will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] People use reusable containers to hold various beverages. When the user is not drinking a beverage, it is usually desired that the container is airtight so that the beverage held will not leak to the user or the user's items. The airtight container can be achieved by sealing the drinking opening of the container (for example, with a closure and a seal). But sometimes, over time, the pressure in the airtight container may decrease (for example, when the container is used to hold a cold drink). When the user wants to open the container to drink later, the user may find it difficult to remove the closure of the container, because the pressure difference between the inside of the container and the atmosphere outside the container may cause a suction effect to be generated between the container and the closure. At other times, pressure may accumulate inside the airtight container (for example, when the container is used to hold a hot drink). For example, the relatively high pressure inside the airtight container may cause the seal of the beverage container to be pushed away from the drinking opening and cause the beverage in the container to leak.

[0019] It may be desirable to alleviate low pressure within an airtight container by reducing or eliminating the pressure differential relative to the atmosphere outside the container, for example, to make it easier for a user to remove a closure. It may also be desirable for a beverage container to include a seal that maintains a seal even under high pressure. As used herein and elsewhere in this disclosure, "low pressure" means that the pressure within the container is lower than the atmospheric pressure outside the container. As used herein and elsewhere in this disclosure, "high pressure" means that the pressure within the container is higher than the atmospheric pressure outside the container.

[0020] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a kind of closure assembly that can alleviate the low pressure in airtight container.As will be described in more detail below, the exemplary closure assembly shown in this article comprises the shaft extending from the inside of closure, the seal covering the shaft, and the slit extending through the part of the seal covering the shaft.When the seal seals the beverage container and the pressure difference between the inside of the beverage container and the outside atmosphere of the beverage container is lower than the threshold pressure difference, the air from the atmosphere enters the inside of the beverage container through the slit to alleviate the low pressure inside the beverage container.

[0021] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a beverage container seal that maintains a seal under high pressure. As will be described in more detail below, the exemplary seal shown herein includes a seal body, a flap coupled to the seal body, and a gap between a lower surface of the seal body and an upper surface of the flap. When the seal seals the opening of the beverage container and there is high pressure in the beverage container, the air in the beverage container will press the flap against the drinking opening of the beverage container to more securely seal the drinking opening.

[0022] Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a closure assembly that can relieve low pressure inside a sealed container (as described above and described in more detail below), and a beverage container seal that maintains a seal under high pressure (as described above and described in more detail below). However, the closure assembly that can relieve low pressure inside a sealed container and the beverage container seal that maintains a seal under high pressure are each beneficial, and in addition to embodiments that include both, some embodiments may include one without the other.

[0023] These and other embodiments are discussed in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0024] Figure 1-Figure 2 An exploded view of a drinking container 10 is shown according to some embodiments. Figure 3-Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the relative positions of certain components of the drinking vessel 10 .

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the drinking vessel 10 may include a beverage container 100 and a closure assembly 200 attachable to the beverage container 100 .

[0026] The beverage container 100 may include a container body 102 and a container mouth 104. In some embodiments, the container mouth 104 is formed as a separate component from the container body 102. In other embodiments, the container mouth 104 may be integrally formed with the container body 102.

[0027] The beverage container 100 may define a drinking opening 106 (e.g., Figure 2 106 ), through which a user can drink the beverage contained in the beverage container 100. In some embodiments, the beverage container 100 may define more than one drinking opening 106, through which a user can drink the beverage contained in the beverage container 100. In embodiments where the beverage container 100 includes a container mouth, the container mouth 104 may define a drinking opening 106, through which a user can drink the beverage contained in the beverage container 100. In some embodiments, a user can drink the beverage contained in the beverage container 100 by tilting the beverage container 100 and pouring the beverage out of the beverage container 100 through the drinking opening 106 and into the user's mouth. In other embodiments, the drinking opening 106 may be in fluid communication with a straw, and a user can drink the beverage in the beverage container 100 by sucking the beverage through the drinking opening 106 and into the user's mouth through the straw.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the closure assembly 200 may include a closure member 300 and a sealing member 400. The closure member 300 may selectively close the drinking opening 106, and the sealing member 400 may seal the drinking opening 106 when the closure member 300 closes the drinking opening 106.

[0029] In some embodiments, closure 300 may include a shaft 302 extending downwardly from an interior 304 of closure 300 , and seal 400 may include a portion 404 configured to cover shaft 302 when closure 300 and seal 400 are assembled.

[0030] In some embodiments, the seal 400 can include a slit 402 extending through the seal 400. The slit 402 can be formed by cutting (eg, slicing) through the seal 400. When the slit 402 is cut, material may not be removed from the seal 400. Thus, the slit 402 does not form a gap.

[0031] In some embodiments, closure 300 can include shaft 302 extending downwardly from interior 304 of closure 300, and slit 402 can extend through portion 404 of seal 400. In some such embodiments, slit 402 can be positioned on shaft 302 when closure 300 and seal 400 are assembled.

[0032] In some embodiments, the slits 402 extend in a circumferential direction 40 relative to the axis 302. Figure 1-Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in , for example, the slit 402 extends only in the circumferential direction relative to the axis 302 (i.e., the slit 402 does not extend at a certain angle relative to the circumferential direction). However, in other embodiments, the slit 402 may extend only partially in the circumferential direction relative to the axis 302. For example, the slit 402 may extend at an angle between 0 and 45 degrees relative to the circumferential direction.

[0033] In some embodiments, the length of slit 402 can be about 0.5 mm to 4 mm. For example, slit 402 can be larger than 0.5 mm so as to be large enough to vent (as opposed to, for example, a pinhole), and smaller than 4 mm so as not to be large enough to leak at the expected pressure. In some embodiments, the length of slit 402 can be about 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

[0034] Figure 3-Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the relative positions of certain components of the drinking vessel 10. Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the drinking vessel 10 shows the closure assembly 200 assembled and the closure 300 removed from the beverage container 100 (ie, the closure 300 is in the open position). Figure 4 , the drinking vessel 10 is shown with the closure assembly 200 assembled and the closure 300 attached to the beverage container 100 (ie, the closure 300 is in a closed position).

[0035] like Figure 4As shown, the seal 400 can seal the drinking opening 106 when the closure 300 closes the drinking opening 106. When the drinking opening 106 is sealed, the pressure within the interior 108 of the beverage container 100 may decrease over time relative to the atmosphere 500 outside the beverage container 100 (e.g., when the beverage container 100 is used to hold cold beverages or when a user moves to a lower altitude with the beverage container 100 sealed).

[0036] When the pressure differential between the interior 108 of the beverage container 100 and the atmosphere 500 outside the beverage container 100 rises above a threshold pressure differential, air from the atmosphere 500 can enter the interior 108 of the beverage container 100 through the slit 402 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 20). For example, this can occur until the pressure differential between the interior 108 of the beverage container 100 and the atmosphere 500 outside the beverage container 100 is equal to or below the threshold pressure differential.

[0037] In some embodiments, air from the atmosphere 500 may enter the interior 108 of the beverage container 100 by entering the interior of the closure 300 , passing between the closure 300 and the seal 400 , and then passing through the slit 402 .

[0038] In some embodiments, shaft 302 may have a hollow interior and an open end covered by seal 400. In some such embodiments, air from atmosphere 500 may enter interior 108 of beverage container 100 by entering the interior of closure 300, entering the hollow interior of shaft 302, passing through the open end of shaft 302, passing between closure 300 and seal 400, and then passing through slit 402. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the hollow interior and open end of the shaft 302 are partially blocked by a screw. However, the partial blockage may still allow air to pass through the hollow interior and the open end. In other embodiments, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the hollow interior and the open ends may be unobstructed.

[0039] The configuration of the closure assembly 200 may not allow air or liquid to flow in the opposite direction. That is, when the closure 300 closes the drinking opening 106, air may not be able to pass from the interior 108 of the beverage container 100 to the atmosphere 500 through the slit 402, regardless of whether the pressure difference between the interior 108 of the beverage container 100 and the atmosphere 500 outside the beverage container 100 is above or below the threshold pressure difference.

[0040] Back to Figure 1, additional details on implementing some of the features described will be discussed. The specific structures and mechanisms shown and described (here and elsewhere in this document) may not be the only way to implement the described functionality, and each element may be implemented using other shapes, structures, and appearances than those specifically shown and described.

[0041] As described above, the beverage container 100 may include a container body 102 and a container mouth 104 .

[0042] The container body 102 can be any suitable type of container body. The container body 102 can be generally cylindrical in shape (e.g., Figure 2 ) or have other external or internal shapes. In some embodiments, the container body 102 can be double-walled to enhance the thermal insulation performance of the container body 102. In some embodiments, the area between the double walls of the beverage container body 102 can be airtightly sealed and at least a partial vacuum can be formed. In some embodiments, the container body 102 can be formed of stainless steel. In some embodiments, the container body 102 can be formed of another food-grade material, such as a food-grade plastic (e.g., polypropylene, copolyester, copolymer sold as Eastman Tritan, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)), glass, or another metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, copper, or titanium).

[0043] As described above, the container mouth 104 can be formed as a separate component from the container body 102, or can be formed integrally with the container body 102. In embodiments where the container mouth 104 is formed as a separate component from the container body 102, the container mouth 104 can be attached to the container body 102. For example, the container mouth 104 can include an attachment mechanism 110 located on a lower sidewall of the container mouth 104, and the container body 102 can include a corresponding attachment mechanism 112 located near an upper edge of the container body 102. The attachment mechanism 110 can be configured to engage with the attachment mechanism 112 to removably attach the container mouth 104 to the container body 102. The attachment mechanisms 110 and 112 can be threaded connectors (e.g., Figure 2 ), friction fit connections, snap connections, or any other suitable releasable attachment mechanism. The attachment of the container mouth 104 to the container body 102 is not limited to the arrangement shown in the figure. For example, in some embodiments, the container mouth 104 can be attached above the container body 102 instead of inside the container body 102.

[0044] The type of attachment mechanism used to attach the container mouth 104 to the container body 102 may be the same as or different than the type of attachment mechanism used to attach the closure assembly 200 to the beverage container 100 .

[0045] The container mouth 104 can be made of food grade plastic (e.g., polypropylene, copolyester, copolymer sold as Eastman Tritan, high density polyethylene (HDPE)), polyoxymethylene (POM) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), glass or metal (e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper or titanium).

[0046] As described above, the drinking vessel 10 may include the closure assembly 200 to selectively close the drinking opening 106. The closure assembly 200 may include a closure member 300 and a seal member 400.

[0047] The closure 300 can be any suitable type of closure. For example, the closure 300 can be a cap-type closure that can be attached to the beverage container 100 to close the drinking opening 106 (e.g., such as Figure 1-Figure 4 As another example, the closure 300 may be a flip-top closure that pivots open and closed (e.g., Figure 5-Figure 8 shown).

[0048] like Figure 3-Figure 4 As shown, the closure 300 can include a top 306 and a sidewall 308 defining an interior 304. When the closure 300 closes the drinking opening 106, the sidewall 308 can at least partially surround the container mouth 104, such that the sidewall 308 inhibits dirt or debris from contacting the upper surface of the container mouth 104, which a user may contact when drinking from the drinking container 10. In some embodiments, the sidewall 308 can extend around the axis 302. For example, this can help to shield the axis 302 from the user's view.

[0049] In some embodiments, the closure 300 may include an attachment mechanism 310, and the beverage container 100 may include a corresponding attachment mechanism 114, to removably attach the closure 300 to the beverage container 100. In some embodiments, for example, the attachment mechanism may be or include threads (e.g., on an outer surface of the container mouth 104 and an inner surface of the closure 300), a friction fit connection, a snap fit connection, a magnetic connection, or any other suitable releasable attachment mechanism.

[0050] When the closure 300 closes the drinking opening 106, the closure assembly 200 can seal the drinking opening 106, but may not completely seal the interior 304 of the closure 300 from the atmosphere 500 outside the beverage container 100. For example, the closure assembly 200 can leave areas outside the container mouth 104 open to the atmosphere 500. For example, this can allow air from the atmosphere 500 to flow into the interior 304 of the closure 300 between the container mouth 104 and the closure sidewall 308, such as Figure 4 shown.

[0051] As described above, the closure 300 can include a shaft 302 extending downwardly from the interior 304 of the closure 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 302 is integrally formed as a part of the closure 300. However, in some embodiments, the shaft 302 is a separate component from the closure 300. Figure 1-Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the shaft 302 extends perpendicularly from the top 306 of the closure 300 . However, in other embodiments, the shaft 302 may extend at an angle relative to the top 306 of the closure 300 .

[0052] exist Figure 1-Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in , the shaft 302 has a frustoconical shape. For example, this can make it easier to position the portion 404 of the seal 400 on the shaft 302. However, in other embodiments, the shaft 302 can have other suitable shapes (e.g., cylindrical or dome-shaped).

[0053] exist Figure 1-Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in , the shaft 302 has a circular cross-section. For example, this can allow the portion 404 to be positioned on the shaft 302 in a variety of orientations. However, the cross-sectional shape of the shaft 302 is not limited to the shape shown. The shaft 302 can have any suitable cross-sectional shape, including, for example, a square, an oval, or a stadium shape, or can have a cross-sectional shape that varies over the length of the shaft 302.

[0054] The shaft 302 and / or the closure 300 can be made of food grade plastic (e.g., polypropylene, copolyester, copolymer sold as Eastman Tritan, high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)), glass, or metal (e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or titanium). The shaft 302 can be formed of the same or different material as the rest of the closure 300.

[0055] The seal 400 can be attached to the closure 300 and is configured to seal the drinking opening 106 when the closure 300 closes the drinking opening 106. The seal 400 can include a sealing portion 408 configured to seal the drinking opening 106 and a portion 404 configured to cover the shaft 302 when the closure 300 and the seal 400 are assembled.

[0056] exist Figure 1-Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in FIG, when the closure 300 seals the drinking opening 106, the sealing portion 408 contacts the upper surface of the container mouth 104 around the drinking opening 106 to seal the drinking opening 106. Figure 3-Figure 4As shown, the sealing portion 408 is elastically deflected and deformed so that the sealing portion 408 is pressed against the upper surface of the container mouth 104, thereby forming a seal between the sealing portion 408 and the upper surface of the container mouth 104. In other embodiments, the sealing portion 408 may be elastically deformed without deflection, or the container mouth 104 may be elastically deflected to form a seal between the sealing portion 408 and the upper surface of the container mouth 104. In other embodiments, the sealing portion 408 may instead extend downward into the container mouth 104 and press against the inner surface of the container mouth 104 to form a seal.

[0057] exist Figure 1-Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , the sealing portion 404 has an annular shape. However, the shape of the sealing portion 404 is not limited to the shape shown in the figure. Instead, the sealing portion 404 can have any shape sufficient to seal the drinking opening 106 when the closure 300 seals the drinking opening 106. For example, in FIG. Figure 5-Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the container mouth 104a has an upper surface that curves from the rear of the container mouth 104a to the front of the container mouth 104a, and the sealing portion 404a has a shape corresponding to the upper surface of the container mouth 104a (i.e., the lower surface of the sealing portion 404a curves from the rear of the sealing portion 404a to the front of the sealing portion 404a).

[0058] As described above, seal 400 can include portion 404 that covers shaft 302 when closure assembly 200 is assembled. Portion 404 can have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 2 mm at slit 402. For example, a thickness within this range can provide sufficient thickness to keep slit 402 closed (i.e., sealed) when air flow into interior 108 is not required.

[0059] exist Figure 1-Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , portion 404 has a circular cross-section. For example, this can allow portion 404 to be positioned on shaft 302 in a variety of orientations. However, the cross-sectional shape of portion 404 is not limited to the shape shown. Portion 404 can have any suitable cross-sectional shape, including, for example, a square, an oval, or a stadium shape, or can have a cross-sectional shape that varies over the length of portion 404.

[0060] exist Figure 1-Figure 4In the embodiment shown in , the seal 400 completely covers the shaft 302 below the slit 402 and completely covers the shaft 302 above the slit 402. For example, when it is not necessary to allow air to flow into the interior 108, this can help keep the slit 402 closed (i.e., sealed) and / or limit openings through which liquid or air within the interior 108 of the beverage container 100 may leak. In some embodiments, the seal 400 completely covers the shaft 302 above the slit 402, but leaves the bottom of the shaft 302 at least partially open. In some embodiments, the seal 400 completely covers the shaft 302 below the slit 402, but leaves the top of the shaft 302 at least partially open.

[0061] In some embodiments, the slit 402 may be the only opening through the seal 400. For example, this may help prevent leakage of liquid or air within the interior 108 of the beverage container 100. In some embodiments, more than one slit 402 may be provided, and the slit 402 may be the only opening through the seal 400.

[0062] In some embodiments, portion 404 can be less rigid than shaft 302. For example, shaft 302 can be formed from polypropylene, while portion 404 can be formed from silicone. This difference in rigidity can, for example, allow slit 402 to elastically open when it is desired to allow air to flow into interior 108, while providing sufficient structure to allow slit 402 to remain closed (i.e., sealed) when it is not desired to allow air to flow into interior 108.

[0063] The portion 404 can be configured to fit tightly around the axis 302 when assembled. For example, in some embodiments, when the closure assembly 200 is assembled and the interior 304 of the closure 300 is open to the atmosphere, the inner surface of the portion 404 can be positioned against the axis 302. As another example, in some embodiments, when the closure assembly 200 is assembled and the interior 304 of the closure 300 is open to the atmosphere, the portion 404 can be pressed inwardly against the axis 302 (e.g., an interference fit). Having the portion 404 fit tightly around the axis 302 when the closure assembly 200 is assembled can help the slit 402 remain closed (i.e., sealed), for example, when the slit 402 is not needed to allow air from the atmosphere 500 to enter the interior 108 of the beverage container 100 to relieve low pressure.

[0064] In some embodiments, when the closure assembly 200 is assembled, the seal 400 can be positioned against the inner surface of the closure assembly 300 (e.g., along the inner surface of the top 306 and / or the sidewall 308). In some embodiments, the seal 400 can be less rigid than the inner surface of the closure 300. For example, the inner surface of the closure 300 can be formed from polypropylene, while the seal 400 can be formed from silicone. This difference in rigidity can, for example, allow the seal 400 to be pushed away from the inner surface of the closure 300 (e.g., due to low pressure within the interior 108 of the beverage container 100) to allow air from the atmosphere 500 to flow between the closure 300 and the seal 400, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 shown.

[0065] The sealing portion 408 of the seal 400 can be formed of a food grade material suitable for sealing the drinking opening 106. The portion 404 of the seal 400 can be formed of a food grade material suitable for sealing at a gap. The sealing portion 408 and the portion 404 can be formed of the same material or can be formed of different materials.

[0066] Some of the embodiments discussed above are used to relieve low pressure within an airtight container. However, in some cases, pressure may build up inside the drinking container 10 (e.g., when the drinking container 10 is sealed and used to hold a hot beverage). Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a beverage container seal that maintains a seal under high pressure. These and other embodiments will be discussed in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] As mentioned above, Figure 1-Figure 4 As shown, the drinking vessel 10 may include a beverage container 100 having a drinking opening 106 , and a closure assembly 200 having a seal 400 configured to seal the drinking opening 106 when the closure assembly 200 closes the drinking opening 106 .

[0068] from Figure 3 As can be seen in FIG. 4 , for example, the seal 400 can include a seal body 410 and a flap 412 coupled to the seal body 410. In some embodiments, the flap 412 can be angled radially inward and downward relative to the seal body 410. Thus, a lower surface 414 of the seal body 410 and an upper surface 416 of the flap 412 can define a gap 418 therebetween. In some embodiments, the flap 412 and the seal body 410 are integrally formed (e.g., molded as a single component).

[0069] As mentioned above, Figure 4As shown, the closure 300 can be configured to close the drinking opening 106 (e.g., by being attached to the beverage container 100). When the closure 300 closes the drinking opening 106, the lower surface 420 of the flap 412 can contact the upper surface of the container mouth 104 around the drinking opening 106 to seal the drinking opening 106. Figure 4 As shown, for example, the flap 412 can be deflected upward toward the seal body 410, and the flap 412 and / or the container mouth 104 can be elastically deformed so that the flap 412 is pressed against the upper surface of the container mouth 104, thereby forming a seal between the lower surface 420 of the flap 412 and the upper surface of the container mouth 104. However, even when the flap 412 is deflected upward, a gap 418 still remains between the lower surface 414 of the seal body 410 and the upper surface 416 of the flap 412.

[0070] When the closure 300 closes the drinking opening 106, the gap 418 can be in fluid communication with the interior 108 of the beverage container 100. Thus, air within the interior 108 of the beverage container 100 can extend into the gap 418 and press against the flap 412 (eg, Figure 4 Thus, when there is a high pressure within the interior 108 of the beverage container 100 relative to the atmosphere 500 outside the beverage container 100, the pressure on the flap 412 can push the flap 412 downward toward the upper surface of the container mouth 104, thereby more forcefully sealing the lower surface 420 of the flap 412 against the upper surface of the container mouth 104 around the drinking opening 106.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, when the closure 300 closes the drinking opening 106, the free end of the flap 412 extends radially inward beyond the upper perimeter of the drinking opening 106. For example, this can help cover the flap 412 over the upper portion of the container mouth 104 (rather than the exterior of the container mouth 104) when the closure 300 is closed.

[0072] In some embodiments, the seal 400 can include a flange 422. The flange 422 can extend downwardly along the perimeter of the seal 400. During use, when the closure 300 closes the drinking opening 106, the flange 422 can extend downwardly to the exterior of the container mouth 104. For example, this can provide additional stability to the seal 400 and / or inhibit the seal 400 from collapsing into the drinking opening 106 when a low pressure is generated within the interior 108 of the beverage container 100.

[0073] Figure 5-Figure 8 A drinking vessel 10a according to another embodiment is shown. Figure 5-Figure 6 An exploded view of a drinking vessel 10a is shown according to some embodiments. Figure 7 – Figure 8is a cross-sectional view showing the relative positions of certain components of the drinking vessel 10a.

[0074] The drinking vessel 10a may include some or all of the features, structures, or characteristics discussed above with respect to the drinking vessel 10. For example, the drinking vessel 10a may include a beverage container 100a, a container body 102a, a container spout 104a, a drinking opening 106a, an interior 108a, an attachment mechanism 110a, a closure assembly 200a, a closure 300a, an axis 302a, an interior 304a, a top 306a, a sidewall 308a, a seal 400a, a slit 402a, a portion 404a, a sealing portion 408a, a seal body 410a, a flap 412a, a lower surface 414a of the seal body 410a, an upper surface 416a of the flap 412a, a gap 418a, and a lower surface 414a of the flap 412a. 4. The surfaces 420a may include some or all of the features, structures, or characteristics discussed above with respect to the beverage container 100, the container body 102, the container mouth 104, the drinking opening 106, the interior 108, the attachment mechanism 110, the closure assembly 200, the closure 300, the shaft 302, the interior 304, the top 306, the sidewall 308, the seal 400, the slit 402, the portion 404, the sealing portion 408, the seal body 410, the flap 412, the lower surface 414 of the seal body 410, the upper surface 416 of the flap 412, the gap 418, and the lower surface 420 of the flap 412.

[0075] exist Figure 5-Figure 8 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the beverage container 100a includes a first drinking opening 106a and a second drinking opening 107a (e.g., Figure 6 104a). The second drinking opening 107a is in fluid communication with the straw 116a, so that the user can drink the beverage contained in the beverage container 100a by tilting the beverage container 100a and pouring the beverage from the beverage container 100a through the drinking opening 106a and into the user's mouth, or by sucking the beverage through the drinking opening 107a and into the user's mouth through the straw 116a. In some embodiments, the second drinking opening 107a can be offset from the first drinking opening 106a to the front of the container mouth 104a. For example, this can facilitate the user to drink comfortably from the first drinking opening 106a and / or the second drinking opening 107a.

[0076] exist Figure 5-Figure 8 In the embodiment shown in , the closure 300a is a flip-top closure that pivots from an open position to a closed position to seal the first drinking opening 106a and the second drinking opening 107a. Figure 7-Figure 8As shown, when the closure 300a closes the first drinking opening 106a and the second drinking opening 107a, the seal 400a can seal the first drinking opening 106a and the second drinking opening 107a. When the first drinking opening 106a and the second drinking opening 107a are sealed, the pressure within the interior 108a of the beverage container 100a may decrease over time relative to the atmosphere 500 outside the beverage container 100a (for example, when the beverage container 100a is used to hold cold beverages or when the user moves to a lower altitude with the beverage container 100a sealed).

[0077] When the pressure differential between the interior 108a of the beverage container 100a and the atmosphere 500 outside the beverage container 100a rises above a threshold pressure differential, air from the atmosphere 500 may enter the interior 108a of the beverage container 100a (eg, Figure 7-Figure 8 For example, this may occur until the pressure difference between the interior 108a of the beverage container 100a and the atmosphere 500 outside the beverage container 100a is equal to or below a threshold pressure difference.

[0078] In some embodiments, for example, Figure 5-Figure 8 , the closure 300a and the seal 400a can define a channel 312a. The channel 312a can at least partially define a fluid path and can make it easier for air to enter the interior 108a of the beverage container 100a from the atmosphere 500 outside the beverage container 100a. For example, when the pressure difference between the interior 108a of the beverage container 100a and the atmosphere 500 outside the beverage container 100a rises to exceed a threshold pressure difference, air from the atmosphere 500 can enter the interior 108a of the beverage container 100a by entering the interior of the closure 300a, passing through the channel 312a, passing between the closure 300a and the seal 400a, and then passing through the slit 402a. Figure 7-Figure 8 20a in FIG. 1 ).

[0079] As mentioned above, in Figure 5-Figure 8 In the embodiment shown in , the beverage container 100a may include a first drinking opening 106a and a second drinking opening 107a, through which a user can drink the beverage stored in the beverage container 100a. Figure 7-Figure 8 As shown, when the closure member 300a closes the first drinking opening 106a and the second drinking opening 107a, the lower surface 420a of the flap 412a may contact the upper surface of the container mouth 104a around the drinking opening 106a and / or the drinking opening 107a to seal the drinking opening 106a and / or the drinking opening 107a. Figure 7-Figure 8As shown, for example, the flap 412a can be deflected upward toward the seal body 410a, and the flap 412a and / or the container mouth 104a can be elastically deformed so that the flap 412a is pressed against the upper surface of the container mouth 104a, thereby forming a seal between the lower surface 420a of the flap 412a and the upper surface of the container mouth 104a.

[0080] In some embodiments where the beverage container 100a includes a first drinking opening 106a and a second drinking opening 107a, the flap 412a of the seal 400a can seal the first drinking opening 106a and the second drinking opening together (i.e., such that the first drinking opening 106a is not sealed independently of the second drinking opening 107a). For example, this can allow pressure equalization between the interior volume 108a of the beverage container 100a and the interior volume of the straw 116a. This avoids or reduces the possibility of pressure buildup being released through the straw 116a, which could force liquid out through the second drinking opening 107a before the user is ready to drink, thereby potentially causing trouble.

[0081] like Figure 7-Figure 8 As shown, when the closure 300a closes the first drinking opening 106a and the second drinking opening 107a, the gap 418a can be in fluid communication with the interior 108a of the beverage container 100a. Therefore, air within the interior 108a of the beverage container 100a can extend into the gap 418a and press against the flap 412a (e.g., Figure 7-Figure 8 Thus, when there is a high pressure within the interior 108a of the beverage container 100a relative to the atmosphere 500 outside the beverage container 100a, the pressure on the flap 412a can push the flap 412a toward the upper surface of the container mouth 104a, thereby more securely sealing the lower surface 420a of the flap 412a to the drinking opening 106a.

[0082] like Figure 7-Figure 8 As shown, the sealing portion 408a may have Figure 1-Figure 4 The sealing portion 408 shown in FIG. Figure 1-Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , the sealing portion 408 is generally located in a horizontal plane. Figure 5-Figure 8 In the embodiment shown in , the container mouth 104a has an upper surface that curves from the rear of the container mouth 104a to the front of the container mouth 104a, and the sealing portion 404a has a corresponding shape (i.e., the lower surface of the sealing portion 404a curves from the rear of the sealing portion 404a to the front of the sealing portion 404a).

[0083] like Figure 7-Figure 8 As shown, the seal 400a does not include a flange on the periphery (eg Figure 1-Figure 4As mentioned above, the flange is not necessary to achieve some of the functions described.

[0084] It should be understood that the detailed description section (rather than the summary and abstract sections) is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The summary and abstract sections may set forth one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention contemplated by the inventors but not all exemplary embodiments, and therefore, are not intended to limit the invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0085] The description of the above specific embodiments will fully reveal the general nature of the present invention, and others can easily modify and / or adjust these specific embodiments for various applications by applying the technical knowledge in the field without excessive experimentation and without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, based on the teachings and guidance proposed herein, these changes and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology herein is for the purpose of description, not for limitation, so that those skilled in the art can interpret the terms or wording in this specification according to the teachings and guidance.

[0086] The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A beverage container, comprising: Drinking opening; a closure configured to selectively close the drinking opening; as well as a sealing member coupled to the closure member and configured to seal the drinking opening when the closure member closes the drinking opening, wherein the closure member includes a shaft extending downwardly from an interior of the closure member, wherein the seal covers the shaft, and Therein, the slit extends through a portion of a seal covering the shaft.

2. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein: The slit extends circumferentially relative to the shaft.

3. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein: The seal completely covers the shaft below the slit.

4. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein: The seal completely covers the shaft above the slit.

5. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein: The slit is the only opening through the seal.

6. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein: The shaft is harder than the portion of the seal covering the shaft.

7. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein: When the interior of the closure is open to the atmosphere, the seal is pressed inwardly against the shaft.

8. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein: When the closure closes the drinking opening and the pressure differential between the interior of the beverage container and the atmosphere outside the beverage container rises above a threshold pressure differential, air from the atmosphere enters the interior of the beverage container through the slit.

9. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein: When the closure closes the drinking opening and the pressure differential between the interior of the beverage container and the atmosphere outside the beverage container rises above a threshold pressure differential, air from the atmosphere enters the interior of the beverage container through the slit until the pressure differential is equal to or below the threshold pressure differential.

10. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein: When the closure closes the drinking opening, air does not enter from the interior of the beverage container to the atmosphere outside the beverage container through the slit, regardless of whether the pressure difference between the interior of the beverage container and the atmosphere outside the beverage container is above or below a threshold pressure difference.

11. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein: When the closure closes the drinking opening and the pressure differential between the interior of the beverage container and the atmosphere outside the beverage container rises above a threshold pressure differential, air from the atmosphere enters the interior of the beverage container by passing through the hollow interior of the shaft, through the open end of the shaft, and through the slit.

12. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein: The shaft has a frustoconical shape.

13. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein: The slits are formed by cutting.

14. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the slit does not form a gap.

15. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the portion of the seal covering the shaft has a thickness of 0.5 mm to 2 mm at the slit.

16. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the length of the slit is less than 4 mm.

17. A sealing member for a beverage container, the sealing member comprising: a seal body; as well as a flap connected to the sealing body, wherein the lower surface of the flap is configured to seal the drinking opening of the beverage container, A gap is defined between the lower surface of the sealing body and the upper surface of the flap, and Wherein, the gap is configured to be in fluid communication with the interior volume of the beverage container when the lower surface of the flap is sealingly pressed against the drinking opening of the beverage container.

18. The seal according to claim 17, wherein: The flap and the sealing element body are formed integrally.

19. The seal of claim 17, wherein: The flap is angled radially inwardly and downwardly relative to the seal body.

20. A beverage container, comprising: Drinking opening; a closure configured to selectively close the drinking opening; as well as The seal according to claim 17, Wherein the sealing member is configured to seal the drinking opening when the closure member closes the drinking opening.

21. The beverage container of claim 20, wherein: When the closure member closes the drinking opening, the free end of the flap extends radially inwardly beyond the upper periphery of the drinking opening.

22. The beverage container of claim 20, wherein: When the closure member closes the drinking opening: The flap is deflected upward, and A gap is left between the lower surface of the sealing element body and the upper surface of the flap.

23. A beverage container comprising: a container mouth defining a drinking opening; a closure configured to selectively close the drinking opening; as well as The seal according to claim 17, wherein the sealing member is configured to seal the drinking opening when the closure member closes the drinking opening, wherein the seal comprises a flange coupled to a seal body, and Wherein, when the closure member closes the drinking opening, the flange extends downward to the outside of the container mouth.

24. A beverage container comprising: Drinking opening; a closure configured to selectively close the drinking opening, the closure including a shaft extending downwardly from an interior of the closure; as well as A sealing member coupled to the closure member, the sealing member comprising: a seal body; a portion coupled to the seal body and covering the shaft; a slit extending through the portion of the seal covering the shaft; and a flap connected to the sealing body, wherein the lower surface of the flap is configured to seal the drinking opening of the beverage container when the closure member closes the drinking opening, A gap is defined between the lower surface of the sealing body and the upper surface of the flap, and Wherein, the gap is configured to be in fluid communication with the inner volume of the beverage container when the lower surface of the flap is sealingly pressed against the drinking opening of the beverage container.

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