Drinking vessel with magnetic closure mechanism and latch closure mechanism

Abstract

A drinking vessel comprising: a beverage container defining a drinking opening therethrough; and a closure attachable to the beverage container to close the drinking opening. A first set of magnet units is coupled with the beverage container, and a second set of magnet units is coupled with the closure. When the closure is in the closed position, a magnetic attraction force between at least one magnet unit of the first set of magnet units and at least one magnet unit of the second set of magnet units holds the closure in position relative to the beverage container, thereby closing the drinking opening. A magnetic repulsive force between at least one magnet unit of the first set of magnet units and at least one magnet unit of the second set of magnet units urges the closure away from the beverage container when the closure is rotated away from the closed position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 402,266, filed on August 30, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to drinking vessels. More specifically, some embodiments relate to closure assemblies for drinking vessels. Background Art

[0003] When a user is not drinking from the beverage container, it may be desirable to close and / or seal a drinking opening provided in the beverage container. Summary of the invention

[0004] Some embodiments described herein are directed to a drinking vessel, the drinking vessel comprising a beverage container and a closure, the beverage container defining a drinking opening therethrough, the closure being attachable to the beverage container to close the drinking opening. A first group of magnet units is coupled to the beverage container, and a second group of magnet units is coupled to the closure. When the closure is in a closed position, a magnetic attraction force between at least one magnet unit in the first group of magnet units and at least one magnet unit in the second group of magnet units holds the closure in position relative to the beverage container, thereby closing the drinking opening. When the closure is rotated away from the closed position, a magnetic repulsion force between at least one magnet unit in the first group of magnet units and at least one magnet unit in the second group of magnet units pushes the closure away from the beverage container, thereby opening the drinking opening.

[0005] Some embodiments described herein are directed to a drinking vessel comprising a beverage container and a closure, wherein the beverage container defines a drinking opening therethrough, and the closure can be attached to the beverage container to close the drinking opening. The closure comprises a latch member movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. The beverage container comprises a latch stop configured to engage with the latch member of the closure. When the closure is in the closed position and the latch member is in the latched position, the closure remains in the closed position. In response to the closure rotating away from the closed position, the latch member moves toward the unlatched position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0007] Figure 1 Shown is an upper perspective view of a portion of a drinking vessel with its closure removed.

[0008] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A lower perspective view of this portion of the drinking vessel.

[0009] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 An upper perspective view of the portion of the drinking vessel with its closure attached.

[0010] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 Exploded upper perspective view of a drinking vessel.

[0011] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 Exploded lower perspective view of a drinking vessel.

[0012] Fig. 6A Shows Figure 6B Along Figure 6A-6A Line intercept Figure 6B Cross-sectional view of a drinking container.

[0013] Figure 6B Shows Figure 1 Top view of a drinking vessel.

[0014] Figure 7 Shows Figure 1 A top view of a drinking vessel having its closure rotated relative to its beverage container.

[0015] Figure 8 Shows Figure 1 A perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of a drinking vessel with its closure in a closed position, its locking member in an unlocked position, and its latching member in a latched position.

[0016] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 1 A perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of a drinking vessel with its closure in a closed position, its locking member in an unlocked position, and its latching member in an unlatched position.

[0017] Fig.10 Shows Figure 1 A perspective sectional view of a portion of a drinking vessel with its closure in a closed position and its locking member in a locked position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In the following description, many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be 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, processes, and components are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] References in the specification to "some embodiments" indicate that the embodiments may include certain features, structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment may include these certain features, structures, or characteristics. In addition, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when specific features, structures, or characteristics are described in conjunction with an embodiment, it should be understood that these features, structures, or characteristics may be applied in conjunction with other embodiments within the knowledge of those skilled in the art, whether or not explicitly described.

[0020] The following examples are provided to illustrate but not to limit the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other suitable modifications and adjustments of the various conditions and parameters normally encountered in the art are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] People use reusable drinking vessels to carry a variety of beverages. Sometimes it is desirable for a drinking vessel to have a closure to close and / or seal one or more drinking openings of the drinking vessel when the user is not drinking from it. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a closure that can be used to easily and reliably close and open a drinking opening of a drinking vessel and / or seal and unseal a drinking opening of a drinking container.

[0022] Some embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a drinking vessel with a magnetic closure mechanism, which can be used to easily and reliably close and open the drinking opening of the drinking vessel and / or seal and unseal the drinking opening of the drinking vessel. The drinking vessel may include a beverage container having a first group of magnet units and a closure having a second group of magnet units. In some embodiments, when the closure is in a closed position, the magnetic attraction between the first group of magnet units and the second group of magnet units holds the closure in a proper position relative to the beverage container. In some embodiments, when the closure is rotated away from the closed position, the magnetic repulsion between the first group of magnet units and the second group of magnet units pushes the closure away from the beverage container, thereby opening the closure. In some embodiments, when the closure is open, the user can move the closure toward the drinking opening, and the magnetic interaction between the first group of magnet units and the second group of magnet units tends to rotate the closure to the closed position.

[0023] Some embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a latch closure mechanism, which can be used to easily and reliably close and open the drinking opening of a drinking vessel and / or seal and unseal the drinking opening of a drinking vessel. The drinking vessel may include a beverage container with a latch stop and a closure with a latch member. In some embodiments, when the closure is in a closed position and the latch member is in its latched position, the latch member and the latch stop hold the closure in the closed position. In some embodiments, the user can rotate the closure (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction) to leave the closed position so that the latch member moves to the unlatched position. Once the latch member is in its unlatched position, the user can remove the closure from the beverage container.

[0024] As described above and in more detail below, some embodiments of the present disclosure include a beverage container having a first set of magnet units and a closure having a second set of magnet units, the first set of magnet units and the second set of magnet units interacting to hold the closure relative to the beverage container, close the drinking opening of the beverage container, and / or remove the closure. As described above and in more detail below, some embodiments of the present disclosure include a beverage container having a latch stop and a closure having a latch member, the latch stop and the latch member engaging to hold the closure relative to the beverage container. The magnetic closure mechanism and the latch mechanism are beneficial when used alone, and are also beneficial when used together, and in addition to embodiments that include both, some embodiments may include one without the other.

[0025] These and other embodiments are discussed in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0026] Figures 1 to 3 A drinking vessel 10 is shown according to some embodiments. The drinking vessel 10 may include a beverage container 100 and a closure 500 attachable to the beverage container 100. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In FIG, a drinking vessel 10 is shown with the closure 500 removed from the beverage container 100. Figure 3 , a drinking vessel 10 is shown with a closure 500 attached to the beverage container 100 .

[0027] For example, Figure 1 As shown, the beverage container 100 may include a drinking opening 302 (e.g., in the container mouth) through which a user can drink the beverage contained in the beverage container 100. The closure 500 may be attached to the beverage container 100 to close the drinking opening 302. In some embodiments, when the closure 500 is in the closed position, the seal 800 (e.g., Figure 2The seal 800 of the closure 500 does not seal the drinking opening 302 when the closure 500 is in the open position.

[0028] In some embodiments, the beverage container 100 may include a magnet unit 400, and the closure 500 may include a magnet unit 700. The magnet unit 400 and the magnet unit 700 may interact to hold the closure 500 relative to the beverage container 100, close the drinking opening 302, and / or remove the closure 500. Each of the magnet unit 400 and the magnet unit 700 may be formed by a single magnet, or by a group of single magnets that act together or approach the action of a single magnet. When the magnet unit is formed by a group of single magnets, the individual magnets in the magnet unit may be positioned close to each other and oriented to have the same polarity so that they exhibit the characteristics of a single magnet together. For example, in the magnet unit, two rectangular magnets may be placed adjacent to each other so that the south pole of one magnet faces the north pole of the other magnet.

[0029] In some embodiments, the magnetic attraction between the magnet unit 400 and the magnet unit 700 holds the closure 500 in place relative to the beverage container 100. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, when the closure 500 is in the closed position (e.g., Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , each magnet unit 400 is located opposite to a magnet unit 700 having opposite polarity. The magnetic attraction between each magnet unit 400 and the corresponding magnet unit 700 holds the closure 500 in place relative to the beverage container 100.

[0030] In some embodiments, the user can rotate the closure 500 (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction) away from the closed position to remove the closure 500 from the beverage container 100. In some embodiments, when the closure 500 is rotated away from the closed position, the magnetic repulsion force between the magnet unit 400 and the magnet unit 700 pushes the closure 500 away from the beverage container 100, thereby opening the closure 500. For example, when the closure 500 is rotated away from the closed position, the magnet unit 400 is no longer positioned opposite the magnet unit 700 having the opposite polarity. Instead, the interaction between the magnet unit 400 and the magnet unit 700 having the same polarity may become stronger. The magnetic repulsion force between each magnet unit 400 and the interacting magnet unit 700 of the same polarity pushes the closure 500 away from the beverage container 100.

[0031] In some embodiments, when the closure 500 is open, the user can move the closure 500 toward the drinking opening 302 to attach the closure 500 to the beverage container 100. In some such embodiments, when the closure 500 is moved toward the drinking opening 302 of the beverage container 100, the magnetic repulsion force and the magnetic attraction force between the first group of magnet units 400 and the second group of magnet units 700 generate a force that tends to rotate the closure 500 toward the closed position. For example, when the user brings the closure 500 close to the beverage container 100 and intends to use the closure 500 to close the drinking opening 302 of the beverage container 100, if the magnets with the same polarity are more aligned than the magnets with the opposite polarity, the user will feel a rotational force away from the magnets with the same polarity (due to their magnetic repulsion force) and toward the magnets with the opposite polarity (due to their magnetic attraction force), and the magnets with the opposite polarity attract each other and pull the closure 500 to the closed position.

[0032] In some embodiments, the closure 500 may include a latch member 900 and the beverage container 100 may include a latch stop 350. Figure 3 As shown, the latch member 900 can engage the latch stop 350 to hold the closure 500 in the closed position. In some embodiments, the closure 500 includes more than one latch member 900 and / or the beverage container 100 includes more than one latch stop 350. Unless otherwise specified, the features described herein with respect to the latch member 900 and / or the latch stop 350 can be applied to a single latch member 900 and / or a single latch stop 350, all latch members 900 and / or all latch stops 350 of the drinking vessel 10, or a portion of the latch members 900 and / or a portion of the latch stops of the drinking vessel 10.

[0033] In some embodiments, the latch member 900 is movable (e.g., pivotable) between a latched position and an unlatched position. Figure 3 As shown), the latch member 900 and the latch stop 350 hold the closure 500 in the closed position. Figure 3 It will be appreciated that if the closure 500 moves away from the drinking opening 302 (ie, in the direction of arrow 40 ), the latch member 900 and the top surface 352 of the latch stop 350 will interfere, thereby preventing the closure 500 from moving further away from the drinking opening 302 in the direction 40 .

[0034] In some embodiments, the user can rotate the closure 500 (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction) away from the closed position to unlatch and remove the closure 500 from the beverage container 100. In some embodiments, in response to the closure 500 being rotated away from the closed position, the latch member 900 moves toward the unlatched position. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the side surface 354 of the latch stop 350 is inclined so that when the side surface 940 of the latch member 900 engages the side surface 354 of the latch stop 350 (while rotating the closure 500), the surfaces slide against each other, causing the latch member 900 to pivot away from the interior 505 of the closure 500 and toward its unlatched position. Once the latch member 900 is in its unlatched position, the closure 500 can be removed from the beverage container 100.

[0035] In some embodiments, the closure 500 includes a locking member 1100 (eg, Fig.10 100) so that, for example, a user does not inadvertently remove the closure 500 from the beverage container 100. As will be discussed, in some embodiments, the locking member 1100 mechanically prevents the latch member 900 from moving from its latched position, thereby preventing the closure 500 from rotating out of the closed position or moving away from the drinking opening 302 when the locking member 1100 is in the locked position.

[0036] Figures 4 to 10 Detailed views of embodiments for implementing some of the features described are shown. The specific structures and mechanisms shown and described (here and anywhere else in this document) may not be the only way to implement the functions described, and each element may be implemented using other shapes, structures, and appearances than those specifically shown and described.

[0037] Figure 4 and Figure 5 An exploded view of a drinking vessel 10 is shown according to some embodiments. As shown, the drinking vessel 10 includes a beverage container 100 and a closure 500.

[0038] The beverage container 100 may include a container body 200 , a container mouth 300 , and a magnet unit 400 .

[0039] The container body 200 can be any type of container body. The container body 200 can be substantially cylindrical in shape (e.g., Figure 4 and Figure 5In some embodiments, the container body 200 may be formed of a food grade material such as a food grade plastic (e.g., polypropylene, copolyester, copolymer sold under the name Eastman Tritan, high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)), glass, or another metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, copper, or titanium).

[0040] The container mouth 300 may be formed as a separate component from the container body 200, or may be integrally formed with the container body 200. In embodiments where the container mouth 300 is formed as a separate component from the container body 200, the container mouth 300 may be attached to the container body 200. For example, the container mouth 300 may include an attachment mechanism (e.g., a threaded connector, a friction fit connector, a snap connector, or any other suitable releasable attachment mechanism), and the container body 200 may include a corresponding attachment mechanism configured to engage with the attachment mechanism of the container mouth 300 to removably attach the container mouth 300 to the container body 200.

[0041] The container mouth 300 may include a drinking opening 302 through which a user may drink a beverage contained in the beverage container 100. In some embodiments, the drinking opening 302 may be aligned with the central axis 20 of the container mouth 300 (that is, the central axis 20 may extend through the drinking opening 302). In other embodiments, the drinking opening 302 may be offset from the central axis 20.

[0042] In some embodiments, the container mouth 300 may include multiple drinking openings 302. For example, in some embodiments, the container mouth 300 may include a first drinking opening in fluid communication with an upper portion of the interior of the container body 200, and a second drinking opening in fluid communication with a straw extending to a lower portion of the interior of the container body 200.

[0043] The container mouth 300 can be made of food-grade plastic (e.g., polypropylene, copolyester, copolymers sold under the name 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).

[0044] As described above, the closure 500 may be attached to the beverage container 100 to close the drinking opening 302. The closure 500 may include a plurality of components including a closure body 600, a magnet unit 700, a seal 800, a latch member 900, a biasing member 1000, and a locking member 1100.

[0045] The closure body 600 can be formed of multiple pieces (e.g., an inner shell 610 and an outer shell 620), or can be formed as a single piece. In some embodiments, the closure body 600 defines an interior space 505 to accommodate the container mouth 300 of the beverage container 100 when the closure 500 is closed. In some embodiments, the closure body 600 includes a top surface 630 and a sidewall 640. When the closure 500 is attached to the beverage container 100, the sidewall 640 of the closure body 600 can at least partially surround the container mouth 300, so that the sidewall 640 prevents dirt or debris from contacting the upper surface of the container mouth 300, which the user may contact when drinking from the drinking vessel 10.

[0046] The closure body 600 can be formed from one or more materials including food-grade plastics (e.g., polypropylene, copolyesters, copolymers sold under the name Eastman Tritan, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)), glass, or metals (e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or titanium).

[0047] The closure 500 may include a seal 800 to seal the drinking opening 302. The term "seal" as used herein and elsewhere herein does not necessarily require a completely airtight seal; rather, a seal that is capable of preventing the passage of liquid fluid is sufficient. In some embodiments, the seal 800 is positioned so that when the closure 500 is in the closed position, the seal 800 is pressed against the drinking opening 302 to seal the drinking opening 302. The seal 800 may have any shape sufficient to seal the drinking opening 302 when the closure 500 is in the closed position. The seal 800 may be formed of a food grade material suitable for forming a seal around the first drinking opening 310.

[0048] As described above, in some embodiments, the beverage container 100 includes the magnet unit 400 and the closure 500 includes the magnet unit 700 to detachably attach the closure 500 to the beverage container 100 .

[0049] In some embodiments, when the closure 500 is in the closed position, the magnetic attraction between at least one magnet unit 400 and at least one magnet unit 700 holds the closure 500 in position relative to the beverage container 100. For example, when the closure 500 is in the closed position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6 ), each magnet unit 400 is positioned opposite a magnet unit 700 having opposite polarity. The magnetic attraction between each magnet unit 400 and the corresponding magnet unit 700 holds the closure 500 in position relative to the beverage container 100. The magnetic attraction between the magnet unit 400 and the magnet unit 700 may be strong enough to hold the closure 500 in position when the drinking container 10 is subjected to typical forces applied during normal use of the drinking vessel 10 (e.g., when the drinking container 10 is carried in a bag), but not strong enough to prevent a user from intentionally rotating the closure 500 out of the closed position, as will be discussed in more detail. For example, when the closure 500 is in the closed position, the magnetic force between the magnet unit 400 and the magnet unit 700 may be at least 1 lb, at least 2 lb, or at least 4 lb.

[0050] In some embodiments, the magnet unit 400 may be positioned at or near a surface of the beverage container 100 that mates with a surface of the closure 500 when the closure 500 is in the closed position. Similarly, in some embodiments, the magnet unit 700 may be positioned at or near a surface of the closure 500 that mates with a surface of the beverage container 100 when the closure 500 is in the closed position. For example, Figure 4 As shown, the closure 500 may include a downward facing rim 650 that is configured to be located above the upward facing platform 340 of the beverage container 100 when the closure 500 is in the closed position. The magnet unit 400 may be located at or below the top surface of the platform 340, and the magnet unit 700 may be located at or above the rim 650. Positioning the magnet unit 400 and / or the magnet unit 700 at or near the mating surfaces of the beverage container 100 and the closure 500 may, for example, position the magnet unit 400 proximate to the magnet unit 700 when the closure 500 is in the closed position or when the closure 500 is in the process of closing. In this way, the magnetic field generated by the magnet unit 400 will be relatively strong at the magnet unit 700 compared to the magnetic field generated by the magnet unit 400 if the magnet unit 400 is located further below the top surface of the container mouth 300. Similarly, the magnetic field generated by the magnet unit 700 is relatively stronger at the magnet unit 400 , compared to the magnetic field generated by the magnet unit 700 if the magnet unit 700 is located further below the top surface of the container mouth 300 .

[0051] As described above, in some embodiments, the user can rotate the closure 500 (e.g., in a counterclockwise or clockwise direction) to move it out of the closed position to remove the closure 500 from the beverage container 100. In some embodiments, when the closure 500 is rotated out of the closed position, the magnetic repulsion force between the magnet unit 400 and the magnet unit 700 pushes the closure 500 away from the beverage container 100, thereby opening the closure 500. For example, when the closure 500 is rotated out of the closed position, the magnet unit 400 may no longer be positioned opposite the magnet unit 700 having the opposite polarity (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 7 ). On the contrary, the interaction between the magnet unit 400 and the magnet unit 700 having the same polarity may become stronger. The magnetic repulsive force between each magnet unit 400 and the interacting magnet unit 700 of the same polarity pushes the closure 500 away from the beverage container 100.

[0052] In some embodiments, the container mouth 300 may include one or more magnet covers 345 located above each magnet unit 400. The magnet cover 345 may be a low friction surface or include a low friction surface. For example, the magnet cover 345 may be formed of a material having a lower static friction coefficient than the material forming the portion of the platform 340 that is not positioned above the magnet unit 400. In this way, when in a closed position, the closure 500 can be rotated more easily to separate the closure 500 from the beverage container 100. In some embodiments, the magnet cover 345 is integrally formed with the container mouth 300 (for example, the container mouth 300 can be molded in a first molding operation, and the magnet cover 345 can be formed in a second molding operation after the magnet unit 400 is engaged with the container mouth 300). In some embodiments, the magnet cover 345 is alternatively or additionally disposed on the closure 500 below each magnet unit 700.

[0053] In some embodiments, the magnet unit 400 is mechanically (e.g., press fit) and / or chemically (e.g., by welding, adhesive, molding, or potting) coupled to the beverage container 100. In some embodiments, the magnet unit 700 is mechanically (e.g., press fit) and / or chemically (e.g., by welding, adhesive, molding, or potting) coupled to the closure 500.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the beverage container 100 includes four magnet units 400. However, the beverage container 100 may include fewer or more magnets (e.g., two magnets, three magnets, five magnets, six magnets, seven magnets, or eight magnets). In the illustrated embodiment, the closure 500 includes four magnet units 700. However, the beverage container 100 may include fewer or more magnets (e.g., two magnets, three magnets, five magnets, six magnets, seven magnets, or eight magnets).

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the number of magnet units 400 is equal to the number of magnet units 700. However, the number of magnet units 400 may be greater or less than the number of magnet units 700. In some embodiments, the number of magnet units 400 is twice the number of magnet units 700. For example, in some embodiments, the beverage container 100 includes four magnet units 400, and the closure 500 includes two magnet units 700. In some embodiments, the number of magnet units 400 is half the number of magnet units 700. For example, in some embodiments, the beverage container 100 includes two magnet units 400, and the closure 500 includes four magnet units 700.

[0056] In some embodiments, the magnet units 400 are spaced apart along the periphery 110 of the beverage container 100 and / or the magnet units 700 are spaced apart along the periphery 510 of the closure 500. For example, the magnet units 400 may be positioned around the periphery of the container mouth 300. Arranging the magnet units 400 and / or the magnet units 700 along the periphery of the beverage container 100 and / or the closure 500 may allow the magnet units 400 and the magnet units 700 to easily interact when the closure 500 is rotated relative to the beverage container 100.

[0057] In some embodiments, each magnet unit 400 is respectively positioned at the same distance from the central axis 20 of the drinking vessel 10. In some embodiments, each magnet unit 700 is respectively positioned at the same distance from the central axis 20 of the drinking vessel 10. In some embodiments, at least one magnet unit 400 (e.g., all magnet units 400) and at least one magnet unit 700 (e.g., all magnet units 700) are respectively positioned at the same distance from the central axis 20 of the drinking vessel 10.

[0058] In some embodiments, magnet unit 400 and / or magnet unit 700 are arc-shaped. For example, compared with other magnet shapes, this shape can reduce the total amount of required materials. In other embodiments, rectangular magnets can also be used to replace arc magnets to form magnet unit 400 and / or magnet unit 700. In such embodiments, rectangular magnets can be arranged in closely adjacent groups so as to approximate a single arc magnet together. For example, two or more magnets with the same polarity and oriented side by side with a slight angle between each other can approximate the function of a single arc magnet and can replace any arc magnet described herein.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet unit 400 and the magnet unit 700 are arranged so that the magnet unit 400 and the magnet unit 700 have rotational symmetry about the central axis 20 of the drinking vessel 10. The "rotational symmetry" discussed herein relates to the physical arrangement of the magnet unit 400 and / or the magnet unit 700, without having to consider the magnetic properties of each magnet unit 400 and / or each magnet unit 700. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet unit 400 and the magnet unit 700 have a fourth-order rotational symmetry. However, the magnet unit 400 and / or the magnet unit 700 may have a higher or lower order of rotational symmetry. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet unit 400 and the magnet unit 700 have a rotational symmetry of the same order as the number of magnets. However, in other embodiments, the magnet unit 400 and / or the magnet unit 700 may have a rotational symmetry of an order less than the number of magnets.

[0060] In some embodiments, the magnet units 400 are equally spaced along the perimeter 110 of the beverage container 100, and the magnet units 700 are equally spaced along the perimeter 510 of the closure 500. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the magnet units 400 are spaced every 90 degrees along the perimeter 110 of the beverage container 100, and the magnet units 700 are spaced every 90 degrees along the perimeter 510 of the closure 500. However, in other embodiments, the magnet units 400, the magnet units 700, or both are spaced closer or farther apart. In some embodiments, the magnet units 400 are unequally spaced along the perimeter 110 of the beverage container 100, the magnet units 700 are unequally spaced along the perimeter 510 of the closure 500, or both. In embodiments including those described above where each magnet unit is formed by a plurality of separate closely adjacent magnets, the adjacent rectangular magnets forming the magnet unit are spaced closer to each other than any other magnets in the magnet unit group to which they belong.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the total arc length of all magnet units 400 is 180 degrees, and the total arc length of all magnet units 700 is 180 degrees. When applied to arc or rectangular magnets (or other magnet shapes), arc length refers to the distance of the circular periphery occupied by the magnet, defined by the angle of its vertex at the center of the circle. For example, the total arc length of the magnet is 180 degrees, meaning that half of the circular periphery is occupied by the magnet. However, the magnet unit 400 can have any suitable total arc length, and the magnet unit 700 can have any suitable total arc length. In certain embodiments, the total arc length of the magnet unit 400 is less than 180 degrees. In certain embodiments, the total arc length of the magnet unit 400 is greater than 180 degrees. In certain embodiments, the total arc length of the magnet unit 700 is less than 180 degrees. In certain embodiments, the total arc length of the magnet unit 700 is greater than 180 degrees.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the total arc length of the magnet unit 400 is equal to the total arc length of the magnet unit 700. However, the total arc length of the magnet unit 400 may be greater than or less than the total arc length of the magnet unit 700. In some embodiments, the total arc length of the magnet unit 400 is twice the total arc length of the magnet unit 700. For example, in some embodiments, the total arc length of the magnet unit 400 is 180 degrees, and the total arc length of the magnet unit 700 is 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the total arc length of the magnet unit 400 is half the total arc length of the magnet unit 700. For example, in some embodiments, the total arc length of the magnet unit 400 is 90 degrees, and the total arc length of the magnet unit 700 is 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the total arc length of the magnet unit 400 is between half and twice the total arc length of the magnet unit 700.

[0063] The total arc length of the magnet unit 400 and / or the magnet unit 700 can, for example, affect the attractive and repulsive forces between the closure 500 and the beverage container 100. For example, increasing the total arc length of the magnet unit 400 and / or the magnet unit 700 can allow for a greater attractive force between the magnet unit 400 and / or the magnet unit 700 when the closure 500 is in its closed position. For example, increasing the total arc length of the magnet unit 400 and / or the magnet unit 700 can also result in a greater overlap between the magnet unit 400 and the magnet unit 700 when the closure 500 rotates, so that the magnet unit 400 and the magnet unit 700 always push the closure 500 away from the closed position or pull the closure 500 toward the closed position. That is, when the closure 500 rotates, the magnet unit 400 and the magnet unit 700 are not in a position where they do not interact with each other to move the closure. On the other hand, if the intervals between the magnet units of the magnet unit 400 and / or the magnet units of the magnet unit 700 are too small, it may be difficult for the user to remove the closure member 500 from the closed position, for example.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, adjacent magnets in magnet unit 400 and magnet unit 700 have opposite polarities. However, in other embodiments (e.g., the number of magnet units 400 is not equal to the number of magnet units 700), adjacent magnet units in magnet unit 400 and magnet unit 700 do not need to have opposite polarities to achieve the desired attractive and repulsive forces. For example, in an embodiment where the number of magnet units 400 is half the number of magnet units 700, adjacent magnet units in magnet unit 400 may have the same polarity, while adjacent magnet units in magnet unit 700 may have opposite polarities. Depending on the relative number of magnet units 400 and magnet units 700 and the desired attraction and repulsion behaviors of the closure 500 and the beverage container 100, adjacent magnet units of the magnet unit 400 may have the same polarity; adjacent magnet units of the magnet unit 700 may have the same polarity; some adjacent magnet units of the magnet unit 400 and / or the magnet unit 700 may have the same polarity; and / or some adjacent magnet units of the magnet unit 400 and / or the magnet unit 700 may have opposite polarities.

[0065] For example, in an embodiment where the number of magnet units 400 is twice the number of magnet units 700 , adjacent magnet units in magnet units 400 may have opposite polarities, while adjacent magnet units in magnet units 700 may have the same polarity.

[0066] The magnet unit 400 and / or the magnet unit 700 may be a permanent magnet or include a permanent magnet. The magnet unit 400 and / or the magnet unit 700 may be or include, for example, a rare earth magnet, such as a neodymium magnet.

[0067] In some embodiments, beverage container 100 may include a single integral (e.g., annular) magnet having portions with polarities corresponding to magnet units 400 described in the present disclosure, such that magnet units 400 may be formed together as part of an integral (e.g., annular) magnet. In some embodiments, closure 500 may include a single integral (e.g., annular) magnet having portions with polarities corresponding to magnet units 700 described in the present disclosure, such that magnet units 700 may be formed together as part of an integral (e.g., annular) magnet.

[0068] As described above, in some embodiments, the closure 500 includes one or more latching members 900 and the beverage container 100 includes one or more latch stops 350 that engage to retain the closure 500 in the closed position.

[0069] The latch member 900 can be coupled to the closure base 600 of the closure 500 and can be moved from an unlatched position in which the latch member 900 is completely or mostly located within the closure base 600 to a latched position in which the latch member 900 extends into the interior 505 of the closure 500 (e.g., in a radially inward direction). The latch stop 350 can be formed, for example, in a wall of the container mouth 300 of the beverage container 100.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the beverage container 100 includes four latch stops 350, and the closure 500 includes four latch members 900. However, the beverage container 100 may include fewer or more latch stops (e.g., two latch stops, three latch stops, five latch stops, six latch stops, seven latch stops, or eight latch stops), and the closure 500 may include fewer or more latch members (e.g., two latch members, three latch members, five latch members, six latch members, seven latch members, or eight latch members). In some embodiments, the number of latch stops 350 is equal to the number of latch members 900.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, the latch member 900 may include a first abutment surface 910, and the latch stop 350 may include an abutment surface 352 (eg, a top surface 352). Figure 8 As shown, when the closure 500 is in the closed position and the latch member 900 is in the latched position, the first abutment surface 910 of the latch member 900 can be at least partially positioned below the abutment surface 352 of the latch stop 350. Therefore, if the closure 500 is to be moved away from the beverage container 100 in the direction 40, the first abutment surface 910 will engage the abutment surface 352, thereby preventing the closure 500 from moving further in the direction 40 and maintaining the closure 500 in the closed position. On the other hand, when the closure 500 is in the closed position and the latch member 900 is in the unlatched position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4 ), the first abutment surface 910 of the latch member 900 can be at least partially positioned below the abutment surface 352 of the latch stop 350. Therefore, if the closure 500 is to be moved away from the beverage container 100 in the direction 40, the first abutment surface 910 will engage the abutment surface 352, thereby preventing the closure 500 from moving further in the direction 40 and maintaining the closure 500 in the closed position. Fig. 9 ), the first abutment surface 910 of the latch member 900 is not located below the abutment surface 352 of the latch stop 350. Therefore, if the closure 500 moves away from the beverage container 100 in the direction 40, the abutment surface 910 will not interfere with the abutment surface 352, and the closure 500 can freely continue to move in the direction 40.

[0072] Also like Figure 4As shown, the latch member 900 may include a pivot 920, and the closure base 600 (e.g., the inner shell 610 of the closure base 600) may include a pivot bracket 660. When the closure 500 is assembled, the pivot 910 of the latch member 900 may be received within the pivot bracket 660 of the closure 600 so that the latch member 900 may pivot about the pivot axis 50 (see FIG. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 ).

[0073] The latch member 900 may be in its latched position (e.g., Figure 8 ) and an unlatched position (e.g., as Fig. 9 505). In some embodiments, the latched position of the latch member 900 can correspond to a position in which the latch member 900 extends into the interior 505 of the closure 500, and the unlatched position can correspond to a position in which the latch member 900 does not extend inwardly into the interior 505 of the closure 500 (or at least does not extend as far inwardly into the interior 505 of the closure 500 as when in its latched position). For example, in the unlatched position, the latch member 900 can be rotated far enough away from the interior 505 so as not to interfere with a surface of the latch stop 350 if the closure 500 is lifted from the container mouth 300 (e.g., in direction 40). In other words, when the latch member 900 is in the unlatched position and the closure 500 is seated on the container mouth 300, the first abutment surface 910 of the latch member 900 does not vertically overlap with the abutment surface 352 of the latch stop 350.

[0074] In some embodiments, such as shown in the illustrated embodiment, if the closure 500 is to be moved away from the beverage container 100 in the direction 40, the abutment surface 352 of the latch stop 350 will apply a downward force to the portion of the latch member 900 that is positioned radially inward and above the pivot axis 50 of the latch member 900. This force, in turn, will cause the latch member 900 to pivot radially inward toward the latched position, or at least remain in the latched position.

[0075] As described above, in some embodiments, the latching member 900 is biased toward its latched position. In some embodiments, the closure 500 includes a biasing member 1000 to bias the latching member 900 toward its latched position. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the biasing member 1000 biases the latching member 900 radially inward toward the interior 505 of the closure 500. In the illustrated embodiment, a single biasing member 1000 biases multiple latching members 900. However, in other embodiments, each latching member may be provided with a separate biasing member.

[0076] In some embodiments, the biasing member 1000 may be annular. In some such embodiments, the annular biasing member 1000 biases the plurality of latching members 900 toward their latched positions. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the annular biasing member 1000 is biased radially inwardly toward the central axis 20 of the drinking vessel 10, and the biasing member 1000 contacts the plurality of latching members 900 at the outwardly facing surfaces of the plurality of latching members 900, thereby pushing the latching members 900 radially inwardly toward their latched positions. In some embodiments, such as in the illustrated embodiment, the annular biasing member 1000 contacts the latching members 900 at portions located radially outwardly and above their respective latching member axes 50, such that the biasing force applied by the annular biasing member 1000 causes the latching members 900 to pivot about their latching member axes 50 toward their latched positions.

[0077] The biasing member 1000 may be formed of an elastic material or may be formed as a compression spring or a tension spring.

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown, the latch stop 350 may include a side surface 354, which may be inclined (i.e., at an angle relative to the radial direction 60 of the drinking vessel 10). Therefore, when the closure 500 is rotated away from the closed position, the inclined surface 354 may engage the latch member 900, thereby causing the latch member 900 to move (pivot) away from the interior of the closure 500 and toward the unlatched position. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, when the inclined surface 354 engages the latch member 900, the inclined surface 354 applies an outward force to the portion of the latch member 900 that is radially inwardly positioned and above the pivot axis 50. In turn, the force causes the latch member 900 to pivot radially outward toward the unlatched position. In some embodiments, the portion of the inclined surface 354 that is away from the pivot axis 50 may be larger than the portion that is close to the pivot axis 50, so that the inclined surface 354 contacts the latch member 900 away from the pivot axis 50, thereby allowing the latch member 900 to pivot more easily toward the unlatched position. In the illustrated embodiment, the side surface 354 is inclined. However, in other embodiments, the side surface 940 of the latch member 900 may alternatively or additionally be inclined such that rotation of the closure 500 causes the latch stop 350 to slide against the inclined side surface 940 of the latch member 900 and thereby pivot the latch member 900 away from its latched position.

[0079] In some embodiments, the latch stops 350 are spaced apart along the perimeter 115 of the beverage container 100 and / or the latch members 900 are spaced apart along the perimeter 515 of the closure 500 .

[0080] As described above, in some embodiments, the beverage container 100 includes a plurality of latch stops 350, and the closure 500 includes a plurality of latch members 900. In some such embodiments, each latch member 900 can engage with any latch stop 350 to cause interference and / or movement of the latch member 900.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, the latch stop 350 and the latch member 900 are arranged such that the latch stop 350 and the latch member 900 have rotational symmetry about the central axis 20 of the drinking vessel 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch stop 350 and the latch member 900 have fourth-order rotational symmetry. However, the latch stop 350 and / or the latch member 900 may have higher-order or lower-order rotational symmetry. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch stop 350 is equally spaced along the periphery 115 of the beverage container 100, and the latch member 900 is equally spaced along the periphery 515 of the closure 500. However, in some embodiments, the latch stop 350 is unequally spaced along the periphery 115 of the beverage container 100, the latch member 900 is unequally spaced along the periphery 515 of the closure 500, or both.

[0082] The latch member 900 can be made of food-grade plastic (e.g., polypropylene, copolyester, copolymers sold under the name 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).

[0083] As described above, in some embodiments, the closure 500 includes a locking member 1100 that selectively prevents the latch member 900 from moving out of the latched position, thereby preventing the closure 500 from rotating out of the closed position and / or moving out of the drinking opening 302 .

[0084] The locking member 1100 may be in an unlocked position (e.g., Figure 1 1100 and a locking position 1100. The locking member 1100 can be moved (e.g., rotated) between its positions, such as by engaging a portion of the locking member 1100 (e.g., the protrusion 1120) and sliding the locking member 1100 (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise about the locking member axis 80).

[0085] When the locking member 1100 is in the unlocked position, the latch member 900 can move from the latched position to the unlatched position. Figure 4 As shown, the locking member 1100 can define an open space 1110, and when the locking member 1100 is in the unlocked position (e.g., in Fig. 9), the latch member 900 is aligned with the open space 1110 and is free to pivot into the open space 1110. However, when the locking member 1100 is in the locked position, the latch member 900 can be prevented from moving out of the latched position. Fig.10 As shown, when the locking member 1100 is in the locked position, the latch member 1100 is not aligned with the open space 1110. Therefore, if the latch member 900 is to be pivoted toward the unlatched position, the latch member 900 will encounter the locking member 1100. This engagement will prevent the latch member 900 from moving further toward the unlatched position.

[0086] As described above, in some embodiments, the locking member 1100 rotates between its locked position and its unlocked position about the locking member axis 80, and the latching member 900 pivots between the latched position and the unlatched position about the latching member axis 50. In some embodiments, the locking member axis 80 and the latching member axis 50 are orthogonal.

[0087] The locking member 1100 can be made of food-grade plastic (e.g., polypropylene, copolyester, copolymers sold under the name 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).

[0088] In some embodiments, the drinking vessel 10 includes a strap 1200 coupled to the beverage container 100 and / or the closure 500. The strap 1200 can be formed into a loop or other extension so that a user can use it to carry the drinking vessel 10. The strap 1200 can be formed from a length of string, wire rope, rope, chain, or other material. In some embodiments, the carrying loop 1200 can be a separate component from the beverage container 100 and / or the closure 500. In some embodiments, the carrying loop 500 can be integrally formed as a part of the beverage container 100 and / or the closure 500.

[0089] FIG. 6A to FIG. 7 The relative positions of the magnet unit 400, the magnet unit 700 and certain portions of the beverage container 100 and the closure 500 during the opening operation are shown, wherein the closure 500 is rotated in a disengaging direction (eg, counterclockwise).

[0090] Fig. 6A and 6BThe relative positioning of the magnet unit 400, the magnet unit 700, and certain portions of the beverage container 100 and the closure 500 are shown when the closure 500 is in the closed position. When the closure 500 is in the closed position, the magnetic unit 400a can interact with the magnetic unit 700a located above the magnetic unit 400a. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet unit 400a and the magnet unit 700a are arranged so that the north pole of the magnet unit 400a faces the south pole of the magnet unit 700a. Therefore, when the closure 500 is in the closed position, the magnet unit 400a exerts a downward force on the magnet unit 700a, thereby pulling the closure 500 toward the beverage container 100 in the direction 30 and holding the closure 500 relative to the beverage container 100. This downward force may compress the seal 800 between the container mouth 300 and the closure 500, thereby sealing the drinking opening 302. Magnet unit 400 b / 700 b , magnet unit 400 c / 700 c , and magnet unit 400 d / 700 d may similarly interact to pull closure 500 in direction 30 toward beverage container 100 .

[0091] exist Figure 7 , the closure member 500 has been moved out of the closed position by rotating the closure member 500 in a counterclockwise direction relative to the beverage container 100 about the central axis 20 (as viewed from the top of the beverage container 100). Figure 7 As shown, when the closure 500 is rotated to this position, the interaction of the magnet unit 700a with the magnet unit 400b may be stronger than its interaction with the magnet unit 400a. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet unit 400b and the magnet unit 700a are arranged so that the south pole of the magnet unit 400b faces the south pole of the magnet unit 700a. Therefore, when the closure 500 is in Figure 7 In the position shown, magnet unit 400b exerts an upward force on magnet unit 700a, thereby pushing closure 500 in a direction opposite to direction 30 (away from beverage container 100 and opening closure 500). Magnet unit 400c / 700b, magnet unit 400d / 700c, and magnet unit 400a / 400d can similarly interact to push closure 500 away from beverage container 100.

[0092] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment, the closure member 500 has been Fig. 6A and 6B However, in other embodiments, magnet unit 400 and / or magnet unit 700 may be configured such that closure 500 rotates more or less than shown in the figure to reach a position where magnet unit 400 and magnet unit 700 interact as described above.

[0093] Figures 8 to 10is a perspective cross-sectional view illustrating the relative positions of certain components of the drinking vessel 10 during operation.

[0094] Figure 8 The drinking vessel 10 is shown with the closure 500 in the closed position and the latching member 900 in the latched position. In this position, the first abutment surface 910 of the latching member 900 is at least partially positioned below the abutment surface 352 of the latch stop 350. Thus, if the closure 500 is moved away from the beverage container 100 in the direction 40, the first abutment surface 910 will abut the abutment surface 352, thereby preventing the closure 500 from moving further in the direction 40, thereby maintaining the closure in the closed position and keeping the drinking container 10 sealed.

[0095] exist Fig. 9 , the closure 500 has been moved out of the closed position by rotating the closure 500 relative to the beverage container 100. Fig. 9 , the locking member 900 rotates relative to the beverage container 100 and, thereby, relative to the latch stop 350. When the inclined surface 352 of the latch stop 350 encounters the latch member 900, the inclined surface 352 pushes outward on the latch member 900, thereby moving the latch member 900 toward its unlatched position and at least partially into the open space 1100 provided in the locking member 1100. When the latch member 900 is in the Fig. 9 In the unlatched position shown, the first abutment surface 910 of the latch member 900 is not located below the abutment surface 352 of the latch stop 350. Therefore, if the closure 500 is moved away from the beverage container 100 in the direction 40, the first abutment surface 910 will not interfere with the abutment surface 352, and the closure 500 can freely continue to move in the direction 40 to open the closure 500.

[0096] exist Fig.10 , a drinking vessel 10 is shown with the closure 500 in the closed position and the latch member 900 in the closed position. Figure 8 However, in Fig.10 In the embodiment, the locking member 1100 has been Figure 8 The unlocked position shown is rotated to the locked position. Fig.10In the locked position shown, the first abutment surface 910 of the latch member 900 is at least partially located below the abutment surface 352 of the latch stop 350. Therefore, if the closure 500 is to be moved away from the beverage container 100 in the direction 40, the abutment surface 910 will contact the abutment surface 352, thereby preventing the closure 500 from further movement in the direction 40. In addition, if the closure 500 is to be rotated away from the closed position (e.g., by rotating the closure 500 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction), the latch member 900 will not be able to freely pivot into the open space 1110 because the inclined surface 352 of the latch stop 350 pushes the latch member 900 outward and because the latch member 900 is not aligned with the open space 1110. In contrast, the second abutment surface 930 (e.g., the outer portion of the latch member 900) will contact the locking surface 1130 of the locking member 1100 (e.g., the inner portion of the locking member 900), thereby preventing the movement of the latch member 900 away from the latched position. This, in turn, prevents the closure 500 from rotating out of the closed position and / or moving away from the drinking opening 302.

[0097] As discussed above, the magnetic closure mechanisms and latch mechanisms described herein are beneficial when used alone and also beneficial when used together, and in addition to embodiments that include both, some embodiments may include one without the other.

[0098] In some embodiments including the magnetic closure mechanism and latch mechanism described herein, when the closure 500 is in the closed position, the magnetic attraction between the at least one magnet unit 400 and the at least one magnet unit 700 holds the closure 500 in position relative to the beverage container 100, and the latch member 505 extends into the latch stop 350 to further hold the closure 500 in position relative to the beverage container 100. In some such embodiments, when the closure 500 is in the closed position, each magnet unit 400 can be positioned opposite a magnet unit 700 having opposite polarity. For example, the use of both mechanisms together can more securely attach the closure 500 to the beverage container 100 than using either mechanism alone. For example, the magnetic connection between the closure 500 and the beverage container 100 can provide a strong downward force (e.g., in a direction opposite to the direction 40) to seal the drinking opening 302, but the connection may be somewhat sensitive to rotational forces about the central axis 20. On the other hand, the latch connection between the closure 500 and the beverage container 100 may resist rotational forces (when locked) but may allow some movement in a direction opposite to direction 40 .

[0099] In some embodiments that include both the magnetic closure mechanism and the latch mechanism described herein, when the user rotates the closure 500 (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction) away from the closed position, the rotation causes the latch member 900 to move toward its unlatched position and also causes a magnetic repulsion force to be generated between the magnet unit 400 and the magnet unit 700 (e.g., by causing the magnet unit 400 to interact more strongly with the magnet unit 700 having the same polarity). In this way, the rotation of the closure 500 releases the latch mechanism and also causes the closure 500 to be pushed away from the beverage container 100, thereby opening the closure 500.

[0100] 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 but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention contemplated by the inventors, and therefore, are not intended to limit the present invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0101] 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 without excessive experimentation by applying the technical knowledge in the field without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, based on the teachings and guidance set forth herein, such adjustments and modifications are intended to be included in the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology herein is for descriptive purposes, 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.

[0102] 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 drinking vessel, comprising: a beverage container defining a drinking opening therethrough; a closure attachable to the beverage container to close the drinking opening; A first set of magnet units coupled to the beverage container; as well as a second set of magnet units coupled to the closure member, wherein, when the closure is in the closed position, a magnetic attraction force between at least one magnet unit in the first group of magnet units and at least one magnet unit in the second group of magnet units keeps the closure in a proper position relative to the beverage container, thereby closing the drinking opening, and When the closure element is rotated away from the closed position, the magnetic repulsion force between at least one magnet unit in the first group of magnet units and at least one magnet unit in the second group of magnet units pushes the closure element away from the beverage container, thereby opening the drinking opening.

2. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein when the closure moves toward the drinking opening, magnetic repulsion and attraction between the first and second sets of magnet units generate a force tending to rotate the closure toward the closed position.

3. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein the magnet units of the first set of magnet units are spaced apart along a perimeter of the beverage container and the magnet units of the second set of magnet units are spaced apart along a perimeter of the closure. 4 . The drinking vessel according to claim 3 , wherein the magnet units of the first set of magnet units, the magnet units of the second set of magnet units, or the magnet units of the first set of magnet units and the second set of magnet units are each formed by a single arc-shaped magnet. 5 . The drinking vessel of claim 3 , wherein the magnet units of the first group of magnet units, the magnet units of the second group of magnet units, or the magnet units of the first group of magnet units and the second group of magnet units are each composed of a group of adjacent rectangular magnets.

6. A drinking vessel according to claim 5, wherein individual magnets in each group of adjacent rectangular magnets forming the magnet unit are spaced closer to each other than to any other magnet in the group of magnet units to which they belong.

7. The drinking vessel of claim 3, wherein the total arc length of the magnet units of the first set of magnet units, the magnet units of the second set of magnet units, or the magnet units of the first set of magnet units and the second set of magnet units is at least 180 degrees.

8. The drinking vessel of claim 3, wherein the magnet units of the first set of magnet units, the magnet units of the second set of magnet units, or the magnet units of the first set of magnet units and the second set of magnet units are arranged such that adjacent magnet units have opposite polarities.

9. The drinking vessel of claim 3, wherein the magnet units of the first set of magnet units are spaced every 90 degrees along the circumference of the beverage container, the magnet units of the second set of magnet units are spaced every 90 degrees along the circumference of the closure, or both.

10. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein when the closure is in the closed position, each magnet unit of the first set of magnet units is positioned opposite a magnet unit of the second set of magnet units having an opposite polarity.

11. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein the first set of magnet units includes four magnet units and the second set of magnet units includes four magnet units.

12. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein the first set of magnet units includes four magnet units and the second set of magnet units includes four magnet units, in, The magnet units of the first group of magnet units and the magnet units of the second group of magnet units are arranged so that adjacent magnet units have opposite polarities, and Wherein, the total arc length of the magnet units of the first group of magnet units and the magnet units of the second group of magnet units is at least 180 degrees.

13. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein the first set of magnet units are formed as an integral annular magnet, and in, The second group of magnet units is formed as an integral ring magnet.

14. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein the beverage container includes a container mouth defining the drinking opening, and in, The magnet units of the first set of magnet units are positioned around the periphery of the container mouth.

15. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein the beverage container comprises an upward facing platform, in, The closure includes a downwardly facing rim configured to be positioned above an upwardly facing platform of the beverage container when the closure is in the closed position, wherein the first set of magnet units is positioned below the upward facing platform of the beverage container, and Wherein, the second group of magnet units is positioned above the downward facing edge of the closure.

16. A drinking vessel according to claim 15, wherein The portion of the platform positioned opposite the magnet units of the second group of magnet units is formed of a material having a lower static friction coefficient than a material forming the portion of the platform not positioned opposite the magnet units of the second group of magnet units.

17. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein when the closure is in the closed position, the magnetic force between the first set of magnet units and the second set of magnet units is at least 1 lb.

18. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein when the closure is in the closed position, a sealing member of the closure seals the drinking opening, and in, When the closure is in the open position, the sealing member of the closure does not seal the drinking opening.

19. The drinking vessel of claim 1 further comprising a lock for mechanically preventing movement of the closure member away from the closed position when the lock is in the locked position.

20. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein the beverage container comprises a container spout, the container spout comprising the first set of magnet units, and wherein the container spout is detachable from the drinking vessel of the beverage container.

21. The drinking vessel of claim 1 , wherein the closure comprises a latch member, in, The beverage container includes a latch stop configured to engage with a latch member of the closure, and Wherein, when the closure is in the closed position, the latch member and the latch stop further hold the closure in place.

22. The drinking vessel of claim 1, wherein the closure comprises a plurality of latch members engageable with a plurality of latch stops provided on the beverage container, in, The plurality of latch members and the plurality of latch stops further hold the closure in place when the closure is in the closed position, wherein the latch members are spaced apart along a first periphery of the closure, wherein the latch stops are spaced apart along a first periphery of the beverage container, wherein the magnet units of the first group of magnet units are spaced apart along a second periphery of the beverage container, and Wherein, the magnet units of the second group of magnet units are spaced apart along a second periphery of the closure member.

23. A drinking vessel comprising: a beverage container defining a drinking opening therethrough; as well as a closure attachable to the beverage container to close the drinking opening, wherein the closure comprises a latch member movable between a latched position and an unlatched position, wherein the beverage container comprises a latch stop configured to engage with a latch member of the closure, wherein when the closure is in the closed position and the latching member is in the latched position, the closure is held in the closed position, wherein the latch member moves toward the unlatched position in response to the closure member being rotated away from the closed position.

24. A drinking vessel according to claim 23, wherein the closure is removable from the beverage container when the latch member is in the unlatched position.

25. The drinking vessel of claim 23, wherein the latch member is biased toward the latched position.

26. The drinking vessel of claim 23, wherein when the closure is in the closed position and the latch member is in the latched position, a top surface of the latch stop engages the latch member to retain the closure in the closed position.

27. The drinking vessel of claim 23, wherein rotating the closure away from the closed position causes a side surface of the latch stop to engage the latch member, thereby moving the latch member toward the unlatched position.

28. A drinking vessel according to claim 27, wherein the side surface of the latch stop is inclined.

29. The beverage container of claim 23, wherein the latch stop is formed in a wall of a container mouth of the beverage container.

30. The drinking vessel of claim 23, wherein the latch member is pivotable between the latched position and the unlatched position.

31. The drinking vessel of claim 23, wherein the closure defines an interior space to receive a mouth of the beverage container, and in, The latch member extends radially inwardly into the interior space when the latch member is in the latched position.

32. The drinking vessel of claim 23, further comprising a locking member movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, in, When the locking member is in the locked position, the latching member is prevented from moving away from the latched position, and Wherein, when the locking member is in the unlocking position, the latching member is movable from the latching position to the unlocking position.

33. A drinking vessel according to claim 32, wherein the locking member is rotatable between the locked position and the unlocked position.

34. A drinking vessel according to claim 32, wherein the locking member rotates about the locking member axis between the locked position and the unlocked position, in, The latch member pivots about a latch member axis between the latched position and the unlatched position, and Wherein, the latching member axis and the locking member axis are orthogonal.

35. The drinking vessel of claim 32, wherein when the locking member is in the locked position, an inner portion of the locking member engages an outer portion of the latching member to prevent movement of the latching member away from the latched position.

36. A drinking vessel according to claim 32, wherein the locking member defines an open space, and in, The latch member is at least partially positioned within the open space when the locking member is in the unlocked position and the latch member is in the unlatched position.

37. The drinking vessel of claim 32, wherein the closure comprises a closure base, in, the latch member being coupled to the closure base at a first pivot connection, wherein the biasing member engages with the latch member to bias the latch member toward the unlocked position, wherein, when the locking member is in the locking position, the locking member engages with the latching member to retain the latching member in the latching position, and Wherein the biasing member and the locking member engage the latch member on a same side of the latch member relative to the pivot axis.

38. The drinking vessel of claim 23, wherein the closure comprises a plurality of latch members, wherein each latch member is movable between a corresponding latched position and a corresponding unlocked position, in, The beverage container includes a plurality of latch stops configured to engage with the plurality of latch members, wherein the closure member is retained in the closed position when the closure member is in the closed position and the latching members are in their respective latched positions, and wherein the latching members move toward their respective unlatched positions in response to the closure being rotated away from the closed position.

39. A drinking vessel according to claim 38, wherein the latch members move simultaneously.

40. The drinking vessel of claim 36, wherein the latch members are spaced apart along a periphery of the closure, and wherein the latch stops are spaced apart along a periphery of the drinking vessel.

41. The drinking vessel of claim 38, wherein each latch member is pivotable radially inwardly from its respective unlatched position to its respective latched position.

42. The drinking vessel of claim 38, wherein each latch member is biased toward its respective latched position.

43. The drinking vessel of claim 38, wherein a single biasing member biases the plurality of latching members toward their respective latched positions.

44. The drinking vessel of claim 38, wherein the biasing member is annular.

45. A drinking vessel according to claim 38, wherein the closure comprises a locking member rotatable about a locking member axis between a locked position and an unlocked position, in, Each latch member is pivotable about a respective latch member axis between a respective latched position and a respective unlocked position, wherein when the locking member is in the locked position, the latching members are prohibited from moving away from their respective latching positions, wherein the latching members are movable from their respective latching positions to their respective unlocking positions when the locking members are in the unlocking positions, and Wherein, all latching member axes are orthogonal to the locking member axis.

46. ​​The drinking vessel of claim 23, wherein when the closure is in the closed position, a magnetic attraction between the closure and the beverage container further holds the closure in place relative to the beverage container.

47. The drinking vessel of claim 23, wherein when the closure is rotated away from the closed position, a magnetic repulsive force between the closure and the beverage container pushes the closure away from the beverage container, thereby opening the drinking opening.

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