Container cover

Abstract

A container lid (104) includes a lid body (118) having a peripheral wall (124) defining a lid cavity (132), an internal structure (136) disposed within the lid cavity, and a well wall (138) extending between the peripheral wall and the internal structure. The well wall defines a plurality of openings (140) disposed about the internal structure. The container lid further includes a lid upper portion (120) having a lid top portion (142) coupled to the internal structure such that the lid top portion at least partially covers and is spaced apart from the well wall. The cap upper portion is non-removably coupled to the cap body.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application was filed as a PCT international patent application on November 9, 2023. This PCT international patent application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 423,985, filed on November 9, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Beverage containers typically have a lid with an opening such that the liquid contained therein can leave the container. The opening can be always open (e.g., without a closable cover), so that users can drink from the container more easily. However, when the container is moved, the always - open opening may cause the liquid contained therein to splash out through the lid. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, the present technology relates to a container lid that includes: a lid body that includes: a peripheral wall that defines a lid cavity; an internal structure disposed within the lid cavity; and a well wall that extends between the peripheral wall and the internal structure, the well wall defining a plurality of openings disposed around the internal structure, and the container lid includes a lid upper portion that includes a lid top that is coupled to the internal structure such that the lid top at least partially covers the well wall and is spaced apart from the well wall, wherein the lid top is non - removably coupled to the lid body.

[0005] In an example, the well wall of the lid body includes a first wall segment extending from the peripheral wall and a second wall segment extending from the internal structure, and the first wall segment is angled relative to the second wall segment. In another example, the first wall segment is inclined in an opposite direction relative to the second wall segment. In yet another example, the plurality of openings are defined at the intersection of the first wall segment and the second wall segment. In yet another example, the peripheral wall of the lid body includes an outer wall segment and an inner wall segment, and the distal end of the outer wall segment has a lip configured to removably couple to the container. In an example, an annular flange is radially inwardly spaced from the lip.

[0006] In another example, the internal structure of the lid body is a generally cylindrical wall that projects upward from the well wall, and the top end of the generally cylindrical wall forms a shoulder for attaching the lid top. In yet another example, the lid top includes an annular protrusion that sits on the shoulder of the generally cylindrical wall. In yet another example, the top end of the generally cylindrical wall is closed. In an example, the lid top includes a sleeve configured to receive at least a portion of a straw, and the sleeve is at least partially disposed within the internal structure of the lid body.

[0007] In another aspect, the present technology relates to a container lid that includes: a peripheral wall having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end configured to couple to a container, the first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis; a central wall disposed within and spaced from the peripheral wall; a well wall extending between the peripheral wall and the central wall, the well wall at least partially defining a plurality of openings circumferentially spaced about the longitudinal axis; and a lid top coupled to the central wall, the lid top having a peripheral diameter that at least partially covers the plurality of openings, wherein the lid top is non-removably coupled to the central wall.

[0008] In an example, the lid top is spaced from the well wall such that a splash chamber is thereby defined that extends completely circumferentially about the longitudinal axis. In another example, the lid top includes a sleeve centered about the longitudinal axis, the sleeve defining a hole extending through the lid top. In yet another example, the sleeve is radially tapered. In yet another example, the peripheral wall includes an outer wall section spaced from an inner wall section, the outer wall section attached to the inner wall section at the second end of the peripheral wall. In an example, the outer wall section includes a lip configured to removably couple to the container, and the plurality of openings are disposed in the same axial plane as the lip relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0009] In another example, the well wall extends from the inner wall section and is fully positioned below the inner wall section. In yet another example, the peripheral diameter of the lid top is less than the diameter of the peripheral wall such that an annular gap is formed between the lid top and the peripheral wall. In yet another example, the lid top is offset relative to the second end of the peripheral wall.

[0010] In another aspect, the present technology relates to a beverage container that includes: a container body; and a container lid configured to removably couple to the container body, the container lid including: a peripheral wall having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end having a lip configured to couple to the container body, the first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis; a central wall disposed within and spaced from the peripheral wall; a well wall extending between the peripheral wall and the central wall, the well wall at least partially defining a plurality of openings circumferentially spaced about the longitudinal axis; and a lid top coupled to the central wall, the lid top having a peripheral diameter that at least partially covers the plurality of openings, wherein the lid top is spaced from the well wall such that a splash chamber is thereby defined that extends completely circumferentially about the longitudinal axis, and a flow path within the container lid is defined to pass through the plurality of openings and the splash chamber, and wherein the lid top is non-removably coupled to the central wall. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary container having a container body and a container lid is illustrated.

[0012] Figure 2 illustrates Figure 1 a top perspective view of the container lid shown.

[0013] Figure 3 illustrates Figure 1 a bottom perspective view of the container lid shown.

[0014] Figure 4 illustrates Figure 1 a top view of the container lid shown.

[0015] Figure 5 illustrates Figure 1 a bottom view of the container lid shown.

[0016] Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container lid taken along Figure 4 line 6-6.

[0017] Figure 7 illustrates a top perspective view of another exemplary container lid.

[0018] Figure 8 illustrates Figure 7 a bottom perspective view of the container lid shown.

[0019] Figure 9 illustrates Figure 7 a cross-sectional view of the container lid shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Described herein is a lid for a beverage container (examples of beverage containers can be described as reusable or disposable cups, tumblers, vessels, etc.). The container lid is configured to prevent liquid contained therein from splashing through the lid during movement of the container. The lid includes a lid body that is sealingly secured to the container body using a peripheral seal, such as a lip. The lid body includes a peripheral wall that tapers inwardly to assist in guiding the liquid within the container to the user's mouth during drinking (e.g., by positioning the user's lower lip at or below the outermost edge portion of the peripheral wall to guide the liquid within the container to the user's mouth).

[0021] The lid body is configured to form a peripheral well adjacent to the peripheral wall. The peripheral well surrounds an internal structure. The peripheral well includes structural features that allow liquid to flow freely during drinking but prevent liquid from jetting through the structural features during movement of the container. The depicted configuration includes a number of these structural features, but any lesser number of structural features can be combined according to the needs or desires of a particular application to prevent splashing.

[0022] For example, the lower side of the lid (e.g., the surface facing the interior of the container body) slopes upward from the outermost extent near the peripheral wall. Thus, most of the liquid forced upward along the inner wall of the container body due to container movement impacts the lower side of the lid and deflects upward and inward within the container body.

[0023] The bottom surface of the peripheral well (opposite the aforementioned lower side) slopes downward as the bottom surface approaches the peripheral wall, such that the lowest extent is adjacent to the expanded peripheral wall. As this lowest extent, the peripheral well defines a plurality of openings through which liquid can pass during consumption. Since these openings are located in the lowest extent, the liquid disposed therein (due to consumption or inadvertent liquid movement through the openings due to container movement) will drain from the peripheral well and return to the interior of the container body.

[0024] Liquid moving inadvertently through the openings (e.g., due to container movement) can be ejected upward into the peripheral well through the openings at a significant speed or force. This liquid can contact the lower side of the lid top and deflect back toward the openings. In the depicted configuration, the lower side of the lid top is generally convex, which will direct the ejected liquid inward and away from the gap between the peripheral wall and the lid top. This deflected liquid can contact the internal structure and drain downward in the peripheral well for return through the plurality of openings.

[0025] Thus, the structure of the peripheral well including one or more of the above features helps prevent liquid within the container from splashing out of the container during container movement. The peripheral well presents a coiled flow path that can interrupt the movement of liquid therethrough to prevent splashing.

[0026] Additionally, the lid top can include a sleeve configured to receive a straw for use with the container. The sleeve is separate from the peripheral well such that the splash-proof property of the lid is maintained while adding additional functionality. In the depicted example, for ease of manufacture, the lid is made in two parts, but an integral lid can also be used. In the example, the lid top can be non-removably coupled to the internal structure such that the container lid does not have any removable parts and is convenient for use and manufacture.

[0027] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary container 100 having a container body 102 and a container lid 104 is illustrated. The container 100 is illustrated as a reusable cup having a container lid 104 that is slightly disconnected from the container body 102, but can alternatively take the form of a glass, mug, tumbler, goblet, stein, pitcher, beaker, drinking utensil, beverage utensil, food container, or other utensil for holding a liquid beverage or food for consumption. Although the container 100 is described as for liquids, the container 100 can be used to contain any other substance, material, or item as needed or desired.

[0028] The container body 102 has an upper end portion 106, an opposite lower end portion 108, and an intermediate portion 110 that extends between the upper end portion 106 and the lower end portion 108. The container body 102 defines an internal chamber 112 that is configured to hold a liquid therein. The upper end portion 106 is open for access to the internal chamber 112, and the lower end portion 108 is closed. The internal chamber 112 extends from the upper end portion 106 into the intermediate portion 110 and toward the lower end portion 108. In the example, the container body 102 has a downwardly tapering profile, where the diameter of the lower end portion 108 is less than the diameter of the upper end portion 106. In other examples, the container body 102 may have a generally cylindrical shape, where the upper end portion 106 has the same diameter as the lower end portion 108. As illustrated, the container body 102 does not include a handle. In other aspects, the container body may include one or more handles as needed or desired. The container body 102 may be formed of plastic. In other aspects, the container body 102 may be formed of glass, ceramic, stainless steel, etc., or a combination of glass, ceramic, stainless steel, etc. The container body 102 may also be manufactured such that it provides isolation for the liquid contained therein from the surrounding environment. For example, the container body 102 may have a single-wall or double-wall construction. In other examples, one or more ribs (not shown) may be provided on the container body 102.

[0029] The container lid 104 is configured to be removably coupled to the container body 102. For example, the upper end portion 106 of the container body 102 includes a distal container lid 114 that is to be secured to the container lid 104. The container lid 104 defines one or more liquid flow paths 116 that are for dispensing liquid from the container body 102 when the container lid 104 is coupled to the container body 102. In the example, the container lid 104 includes a lid body 118 and a lid upper portion 120 that are configured to reduce liquid spillage from the container 100. The liquid flow path 116 may be at least partially defined between the lid body 118 and the lid upper portion 120. The container lid 104 includes a lid lip 122 that is configured to engage the container lid 114 of the container body 102 in a press-fit connection to form a seal between the lid 104 and the container body 102 and to force the liquid contained therein to flow through the liquid flow path 116.

[0030] Figure 2 A top perspective view of the container lid 104 is illustrated. Figure 3 A bottom perspective view of the container lid 104 is illustrated. Also refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3, the container lid 104 can be formed to have a lid body 118 and a lid upper part 120. The lid body 118 includes a peripheral wall 124 having a first end 126 and an opposite second end 128. The first end 126 and the second end 128 define a longitudinal axis 130 of the lid 104. The first end 126 is configured to be coupled to the container body 102 (shown in Figure 1 ). The first end 126 includes a lid flange 122 for coupling the container lid 104 to the container body 102. When the container lid 104 is coupled to the container body 102, the lid flange 122 can at least partially cover the upper end portion 106 of the container body 102. In other aspects, the lid flange 122 of the container lid 104 can be at least partially received within the upper end portion 106 of the container body 102 to couple the container lid 104 to the container body 102.

[0031] The second end 128 of the peripheral wall 124 at least partially defines an upper lid cavity 132, and the lid upper part 120 is disposed within the upper lid cavity 132. A liquid flow path 116 is defined within the upper lid cavity 132, and in operation, liquid flows through the upper lid cavity 132 and out of the second end 128 of the peripheral wall 124. The second end 128 of the peripheral wall 124 includes an edge segment 134 configured for use by a user to drink from the container lid 104 and as described herein.

[0032] The lid body 118 further includes an internal structure 136 disposed within the peripheral wall 124 and the upper lid cavity 132. The internal structure 136 is connected to the peripheral wall 124 by a well wall 138 extending between the internal structure 136 and the peripheral wall 124. In an example, the well wall 138 extends from at least a portion of the first end 126 of the peripheral wall 124. The well wall 138 at least partially defines a plurality of openings 140. The openings 140 can be circumferentially spaced about the longitudinal axis 130 and form part of the liquid flow path 116 through the container lid 104. For example, the openings 140 can form an inlet for liquid to flow from the container body 102 into the lid 104. When liquid flows from the container body 102 through some of the openings 140 into the lid 104, an air flow in the opposite direction from the lid 104 into the container body 102 is also generated to enhance liquid flow.

[0033] The cover upper portion 120 includes a cover top 142 fixed to the internal structure 136. The cover top 142 at least partially covers the opening 140 such that the liquid flow path 116 through the cover 104 is not a linear passage. Instead, the liquid flowing through the liquid flow path 116 must make one or more turns or otherwise coil in order to discharge from the cover 104. The cover top 142 is spaced apart from the inner wall portion segment 144 of the outer peripheral wall 124 such that a gap 146 is formed between the cover top 142 and the inner wall portion segment 144. The gap 146 can form an outlet for the liquid to flow out of the cover 104. In an example, the gap 146 extends completely circumferentially around the longitudinal axis 130.

[0034] The outer peripheral wall 124 further includes an outer wall portion segment 148. The edge portion segment 134 is disposed between the outer wall portion segment 148 and the inner wall portion segment 144 such that a recess 150 is defined within the cover body 118. The recess 150 is open and unstructured such that the container covers 104 can be stacked one above the other for transportation and storage. For example, when stacked, the second end portion 128 of the cover 104 can be at least partially received within the recess 150. The outer wall portion segment 148 includes a cover lip 122, and the inner wall portion segment 144 supports the well wall 138.

[0035] Figure 4 A top view of the container cover 104 is illustrated. Figure 5 A bottom view of the container cover 104 is illustrated. Referring also to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The container cover 104 includes a cover body 118 and a cover upper portion 120 including a cover top 142. The cover body 118 includes an outer peripheral wall 124, an internal structure 136, and a well wall 138 extending between the outer peripheral wall 124 and the internal structure 136. In an example, the cover body 118 can have an integral construction, and the outer peripheral wall 124, the internal structure 136, and the well wall 138 are integrally formed. Similarly, the cover upper portion 120 can have an integral construction with the integrally formed cover top 142. Then, the cover body 118 and the cover upper portion 120 can be firmly attached together, for example, via ultrasonic welding, an adhesive, or by using a press fit or other mechanical fasteners. In other examples, the cover body 118 and the cover upper portion 120 can have an integral construction and be integrally formed together. In one aspect, the cover body 118 and / or the cover upper portion 120 can be formed of a plastic-based material. In other aspects, the container cover 104 can be formed of a rubber-based material, a ceramic-based material, or a combination thereof. In still some other examples, the features of the container cover 104 (e.g., the outer peripheral wall 124, the internal structure 136, the well wall 138, and / or the cover top 142) can be formed and joined together as needed or desired.

[0036] The internal structure 136 defines a central wall 152 spaced apart from the peripheral wall 124. The central wall 152 is generally cylindrical in shape, extends in an upward direction from the well wall 138 and is as Figure 6 shown. A first end or bottom end portion 154 of the central wall 152 (shown in Figure 6 ) extends from the well wall 138, and a second end or top end portion 156 of the central wall 152 (shown in Figure 6 ) includes a cover portion 158. Thus, the top end portion 156 of the central wall 152 is closed and defines a bottom cover cavity 160. In the example, the central wall 152 is centered within the cover body 118 and aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis 130 (shown in Figure 2 ).

[0037] The well wall 138 extends between the peripheral wall 124 and the central wall 152. An opening 140 in the well wall 138 forms an inlet for fluid to enter the container lid 104. A lid top 142 is coupled to the central wall 152 to form the container lid 104. The lid top 142 is disposed above the well wall 138 and faces the well wall 138, and is configured to cover the opening 140 such that the liquid flow path 116 is not a straight linear path from the opening 140 towards the gap 146 between the lid top 142 and the peripheral wall 124. The peripheral diameter 162 of the lid top 142 is greater than the outer peripheral diameter 164 of the opening 140. This configuration requires that the liquid flow path 116 have at least a radial component in addition to an axial component when passing through the opening 140 and exiting the gap 146. In the example, the circumferential length of each opening 140 is greater than the length of the support between the openings. The circumferential arrangement of the openings 140 in combination with the annular gap 146 allows a user to drink from the lid 104 at any position (e.g., 360°) around the longitudinal axis 130. In other examples, the openings 140 may be arranged around less than the entire circumference of the well wall 138.

[0038] Figure 6 Illustrated is a cross-sectional view of the container lid 104 taken along line 6-6 of Figure 4 . The cover body 118 has a first end 126 and a second end 128 extending along the longitudinal axis 130. The first end 126 includes a lid flange 122 formed at the distal end of the outer wall section 148, which enables the container lid 104 to be coupled to the container body 102 (shown in Figure 1(as shown). The lid lip 122 engages with the container body 102 such that leakage of liquid through the formed seal is reduced or prevented. This configuration allows the user to drink from the container lid 104 without leakage from the container and lid connection. In an example, the lid lip 122 has an L-shaped shape and its inner surface has a radially extending annular lug 166 for engaging with the outer surface of the container body 102. Additionally or alternatively, the lid lip 122 includes an axially extending annular flange 168 that is radially inwardly spaced relative to the annular lug 166. The annular flange 168 is configured to engage with the inner surface of the container body 102. The annular flange 168 may extend from a position where the lid lip 122 extends from the outer wall section 148. The annular flange 168 may have an axial length that is shorter than the axial length of the lid lip 122, and thus the distal end of the annular flange 168 is offset relative to the distal end of the lid lip 122. In one aspect, the thickness of the lid lip 122 may be greater than the thickness of the outer wall section 148. In other aspects, the thickness of the lid lip 122 may be equal to the thickness of the outer wall section 148.

[0039] The outer diameter 170 of the first end 126 is greater than the outer diameter 172 of the second end 128. Thus, the outer wall section 148 of the peripheral wall 124 tapers inwardly from the first end 126 towards the second end 128. In one aspect, the outer wall section 148 may include a generally frustoconical shape having a curved wall or a straight inclined wall. The outer wall section 148 extends from the inner wall section 144, where a marginal section 134 is provided between the outer wall section 148 and the inner wall section 144. As needed or desired, the marginal section 134 may be curved (as illustrated) or may be an axially flat surface. The inner wall section 144 has a top end with a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the bottom end, and thus the inner wall section 144 tapers outwardly in the direction towards the second end 128. The tapering of the inner wall section 144 facilitates allowing the user to drink from the container lid 104. The inner wall section 144 may be a straight wall. A recess 150 is formed in the space between the inner wall section 144 and the outer wall section 148 and allows any liquid flowing therein during the use of the container lid 104 to drain back into the container body 102 (as shown in Figure 1 (as shown), and furthermore allows the container lids 104 to be stacked as described above.

[0040] The central wall 152 of the internal structure 136 is radially spaced from the inner wall portion 144 of the outer peripheral wall 124. Within the cover body 118, the inner wall portion 144 of the outer peripheral wall 124, the well wall 138, and the central wall 152 at least partially define a peripheral well 174 that extends radially outward from the central wall 152 and is configured to permit liquid to flow within the peripheral well 174. The peripheral well 174 has a plurality of openings 140 disposed about the central wall 152. The cover top 142 of the cover upper 120 is coupled to the central wall 152 such that the cover top 142 at least partially covers the well wall 138 and forms an upper boundary for the peripheral well 174.

[0041] The cover top 142 includes a bottom annular protrusion 176. The cover top 142 flares relative to the bottom annular protrusion 176 and extends generally radially outward. The bottom annular protrusion 176 is configured to seat on a shoulder 178 formed at the top end portion 156 of the central wall 152. In an example, an upward annular protrusion 180 extends from the cover piece portion 158 to at least partially form the shoulder 178 and aids in coupling the cover top 142 to the internal structure 136.

[0042] In an example, the cover upper 120 is formed as one piece and the cover body 118 is formed as another piece. The cover body 118 may be coupled to the cover upper 120 such that once joined together, the cover body 118 is fixed to the cover upper 120 and is non-removable or non-removable without damaging the pieces. For example, the cover upper 120 is coupled to the cover body 118 in a non-removable manner, or the cover top 142 is coupled to the central wall 152 in a non-removable manner. In one aspect, the cover upper 120 may be ultrasonically welded to the cover body 118, and this is facilitated by material from the bottom annular protrusion 176 and the upward annular protrusion 180. In another aspect, the cover upper 120 may be snap-fit or press-fit to the cover body 118. In yet another aspect, the cover upper 120 may be threaded onto the cover body 118. In still another aspect, the cover upper 120 may be integrally formed with the cover body 118 (e.g., integrally formed via an additive manufacturing process or a molding process). In an example, a void 182 may be formed between the internal structure 136 and the cover top 142. The void 182 is not configured to receive any liquid flow therein.

[0043] The well wall 138 extends between the inner wall section 144 and the central wall 152. The well wall 138 may include a first wall section 184 and a second wall section 186. The first wall section 184 extends from the bottom end portion of the inner wall section 144, and the second wall section 186 extends from the bottom end portion 154 of the central wall 152. The intersection of the first wall section 184 and the second wall section 186 is angled relative to each other such that the first wall section 184 and the second wall section 186 are inclined in opposite directions. The first wall section 184 may have a larger inclination angle than the second wall section 186. This configuration forms the lowest side valley portion 188 within the peripheral well 174 for the liquid to flow towards.

[0044] The lowest side valley portion 188 is radially inwardly offset relative to the inner wall section 144. The opening 140 is defined within the well wall 138 at the lowest side valley portion 188 and at the intersection of the first wall section 184 and the second wall section 186. In an example, the opening 140 is formed in both the first wall section 184 and the second wall section 186, and the central axis of each opening 140 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis 130. In other examples, the opening 140 may be formed in only one of the first wall section 184 and the second wall section 186 such that the central axis of each opening is not parallel to the longitudinal axis 130. In one aspect, the lug 166 of the lid lip 122 defines an axial plane 190 relative to the longitudinal axis 130, and the opening 140 is disposed in the same plane 190 as the first end portion 126 of the container lid 104. Thus, the well wall 138 can be fully positioned below the inner wall section 144. In one aspect, the transition between the inner wall section 144 and the well wall 138 does not include any protrusions or shoulders, and the thickness of the wall is constant between the two parts.

[0045] The well wall 138 is configured to support the central wall 152. In an example, the central wall 152 is spaced upward relative to the first end portion 126 of the outer peripheral wall 124 and is offset 192 relative to the first end portion 126. This results in the lower side surface 194 of the well wall 138 being concave in shape. Additionally, a bottom cover cavity 160 is formed within the internal structure 136. When the container body 102 is in use, this configuration prevents liquid from splashing out of the container body 102 and allows the liquid to flow back into the container body 102. In one aspect, along the longitudinal axis 130, the covering portion 158 is located at approximately one - quarter of the height of the lid body 118. In another aspect, the covering portion 158 is located at approximately one - third of the height of the lid body 118. In yet another aspect, the covering portion 158 is located below the middle of the height of the lid body 118.

[0046] The bottom surface 196 of the peripheral well 174 (e.g., the surface of the well wall 138 opposite the lower side surface 194) slopes downward from the central wall 152 toward the opening 140. In various aspects, the downward slope of the bottom surface 196 can be curved or linear as needed or desired. For example, the second wall section 186 of the well wall 138 can be a curved wall or a linear wall as needed or desired.

[0047] A plurality of openings 140 are defined within the well wall 138 to define fluid inlets into the peripheral well 174. In one aspect, the openings 140 are defined by the lid body 118 near the lowest extent of the peripheral well 174. This configuration allows liquid within the peripheral well 174 to drain back into the container body 102 when the container body 102 is oriented in a generally upright position.

[0048] The lid top 142 at least partially covers the peripheral well 174. The outer peripheral diameter 162 of the lid top 142 (shown in Figure 4 can be at least partially disposed above the well wall 138. Thus, the lid top 142 at least partially covers the opening 140. In one aspect, the lid top 142 completely covers the opening 140. As used herein, covering the opening 140 means that the lid top 142 is axially positioned above the opening 140.

[0049] The peripheral diameter 162 is less than the inner surface diameter of the outer peripheral wall 124. Thus, a gap 146 is formed between the lid top 142 and the lid body 118. The gap 146 allows liquid to flow out of the container lid 104 from the peripheral well 174. In one aspect, the gap 146 extends completely circumferentially around the longitudinal axis 130. This configuration enables a user to drink from any position around the second end 128 of the lid body 118.

[0050] When the lid upper portion 120 is fixed to the lid body 118, the lid top 142 is axially separated from the well wall 138 such that a splash chamber 198 is defined therebetween. The splash chamber 198 is a volume that is at least partially located within the lid 104 and is configured such that liquid is difficult to flow through undesirably. In one aspect, the splash chamber 198 is substantially unstructured except for its boundary components. The splash chamber 198 may be generally cylindrical in shape having axial, radial, and circumferential dimensions. The inlet of the splash chamber 198 is defined by the opening 140, and the outlet for the splash chamber 198 is defined by the gap 146 between the lid top 142 and the peripheral wall 124. In one aspect, the splash chamber 198 extends completely circumferentially about the longitudinal axis 130. The opening 140 and the gap 146 are positioned relative to each other such that the liquid flow path 116 for liquid traveling through the splash chamber 198 includes one or more curves. In one aspect, the liquid flow path 116 is not linear or substantially linear. For example, the liquid flow path 116 is forced to turn about the peripheral diameter 162 of the lid top 142 and the opening 140 of the well wall 138 because the opening 140 is radially inwardly spaced relative to the gap 146.

[0051] In operation, when liquid within the container body 102 splashes around and travels through one or more of the openings 140, the liquid flow path 116 is shaped such that liquid is reduced or prevented from traveling through the gap 146 and exiting the container lid 104. Instead, the liquid is captured within the splash chamber 198 and then permitted to drain back into the container body 102 via the opening 140 and when the container body 102 is positioned upright. However, when a user purposefully drinks from the container and tilts the lid 104 into a drinking configuration, the liquid may flow along the inner surface of the peripheral wall 124, flow more smoothly through the splash chamber 198, and exit the gap 146. Both the opening 140 and the gap 146 are positioned at the radially outer end of the splash chamber 198, but the opening 140 and the gap 146 are not axially aligned along the longitudinal axis 130. Since the opening 140 and the gap 146 extend circumferentially about the longitudinal axis 130, air can enter the container body during drinking such that the liquid flow through the liquid flow path 116 is relatively smooth and consistent. The liquid flow path 116 is always open within the lid 104, and neither the opening 140 nor the gap 146 has any cover (e.g., pivot cover or sliding cover) covering them. Thus, it is the structural configuration of the lid 104, rather than a user-movable cover of the liquid flow path, that provides the anti-splash function as described herein.

[0052] In an example, the upper side portion of the lid top 142 can be convex. The vertex 200 of the lid top 142 is disposed below the upper extension of the second end portion 128 of the lid body 118. This configuration allows liquid that is not consumed by the user during drinking to also drain back into the container body 102. In one aspect, the vertex 200 is disposed near the midpoint of the height of the lid body 118. In another aspect, the vertex 200 is disposed within the upper half of the lid body 118. In yet another example, the vertex 200 is disposed within the upper one-third portion of the lid body 118.

[0053] Figure 7 A top perspective view of another exemplary container lid 300 is illustrated. Figure 8 A bottom perspective view of the container lid 300 is illustrated. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the container lid 300 is illustrated. Also refer to Figures 7 to 9 and the container lid 300 is similar to the container lid 104 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 8 and is similarly configured to be removably coupled to the container body 102 (shown in Figure 1 ). Many of the components are similar and thus will not be described further below. However, in this example, the lid upper portion 302 has a sleeve 304 that extends through the lid top 306. The sleeve 304 is configured to receive at least a portion of a straw (not shown) and enables the straw to be additionally or alternatively used for drinking from the container lid 300. The sleeve 304 is centered about a longitudinal axis 308 and defines a through hole 310 that extends through the lid top 306.

[0054] The sleeve 304 defines an upper opening 312 formed in the surface of the lid top 306. The sleeve 304 extends downwardly and has a lower opening 314 such that a straw can extend through the container lid 300. The sleeve 304 is integrally formed with the lid upper portion 302 and is disposed within an annular protrusion 316 extending from the lid top 306. In an example, the upper opening 312 of the sleeve 304 is larger than the lower opening 314 such that the sleeve 304 is in a radially tapered shape. In other aspects, the sleeve 304 can be in a generally cylindrical shape.

[0055] The sleeve 304 is configured to be received within the internal structure 318 of the lid body 320. The lid portion 322 of the internal structure 318 has an opening 324 such that the sleeve 304 can extend through the opening 324 and provide open communication between the upper lid cavity 326 and the lower lid cavity 328. The lower opening 314 of the sleeve 304 is offset relative to the first end 330 of the lid body 320. In other examples, the lower opening 314 of the sleeve 304 can be substantially axially aligned with the axial plane of the first end 330. The lower opening 314 of the sleeve 304 can be axially aligned with the well wall 332. The height of the sleeve 304 between the lower opening 314 and the upper opening 312 is less than the height of the lid body 320 between the first end 330 and the second end 334. In an example, the height of the sleeve 304 is about half of the height of the lid body 320. In other examples, the height of the sleeve 304 is about one-third of the height of the lid body 320. The container lid 300 also includes a peripheral wall 336 and an opening 338 within the well wall 332 and is similar to the examples described above.

[0056] The sleeve 304 is separated from the splash chamber 340 formed by the lid body 320 and the lid upper portion 302 such that the anti-splash property of the container lid 300 is maintained and as described herein.

[0057] The techniques described herein relate to a lid for a beverage container. The lid includes a lid body and a lid upper portion that are configured to define a liquid flow path therebetween that is coiled and that restricts or prevents liquid from spilling out of the lid during container movement. In some examples, the lid can also include a sleeve for a straw that is separated from the liquid flow path. The lid body and the lid upper portion are joined together in a non-removable manner to form the lid.

[0058] Many components of the container lid can be referred to as having generally cylindrical, circular, annular, or conical features. Such features can be referred to as a circumference, radius, outer surface, inner surface, and / or other terms suitable for defining such features, or be defined by a circumference, radius, outer surface, inner surface, and / or other terms suitable for defining such features. It should be noted that such features can alternatively be elliptical, polygonal, etc. As used herein, the terms "axial" and "longitudinal" refer to directions and orientations that extend generally parallel to the centerline of the lid. Additionally, the terms "radial" and "radially" refer to directions and orientations that extend generally perpendicular to the centerline of the lid. Further, as used herein, the terms "circumferential" and "circumferentially" refer to directions and orientations that extend arcuately around the centerline of the lid.

[0059] This disclosure describes some examples of the present technology with reference to the accompanying drawings, where only some of the possible examples among the possible examples are shown. However, other aspects may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Instead, these examples are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete and conveys the full scope of the possible examples to those skilled in the art. Any number of features of the different examples described herein may be combined into a single example, and alternative examples with fewer or more than all of the features described herein are possible. Further, as used herein and in the claims, the phrase "at least one of element A, element B, or element C" is intended to mean any one of the following: element A, element B, element C, element A and B, element A and C, element B and C, and element A, B, and C. It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, as used in this specification, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents. Additionally, those skilled in the art will understand the degree conveyed by terms such as "about" or "substantially" in accordance with the measurement techniques used herein. To the extent that those skilled in the art may not clearly define or understand these terms, terms such as "about" or "substantially" should mean plus or minus ten percent.

[0060] Although specific examples are described herein, the scope of the present technology is not limited to those specific examples. Those skilled in the art will recognize other examples or improvements within the scope of the present technology. Accordingly, specific structures, acts, or media are disclosed only as illustrative examples. Unless otherwise specified herein, elements or components that are generally disclosed but not explicitly exemplified in combination may also be combined according to examples of the present technology. The scope of the present technology is defined by the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A container lid, comprising: a lid body, the lid body comprising: a peripheral wall that defines a lid cavity; an internal structure disposed within the lid cavity; and a well wall that extends between the peripheral wall and the internal structure, the well wall defining a plurality of openings disposed around the internal structure; and a lid upper portion, the lid upper portion comprising: a lid top that is coupled to the internal structure such that the lid top at least partially covers the well wall and is spaced apart from the well wall, wherein the lid upper portion is non - removably coupled to the lid body.

2. The container lid according to claim 1, wherein the well wall of the lid body includes a first wall segment extending from the peripheral wall and a second wall segment extending from the internal structure, and the first wall segment is angled relative to the second wall segment.

3. The container lid according to claim 2, wherein the first wall segment is inclined in an opposite direction relative to the second wall segment.

4. The container lid according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of openings are defined at an intersection of the first wall segment and the second wall segment.

5. The container lid according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral wall of the lid body includes an outer wall segment and an inner wall segment, and a distal end portion of the outer wall segment has a lip configured to be removably coupled to a container.

6. The container lid according to claim 5, further comprising an annular flange that is radially inwardly spaced apart from the lip.

7. The container lid according to claim 1, wherein the internal structure of the lid body is a generally cylindrical wall that projects upward from the well wall, and a top end portion of the generally cylindrical wall forms a shoulder for attaching the lid top.

8. The container lid according to claim 7, wherein the lid top includes an annular projection that sits on the shoulder of the generally cylindrical wall.

9. The container lid according to claim 7, wherein the top end portion of the generally cylindrical wall is closed.

10. The container lid according to claim 1, wherein the lid top includes a sleeve configured to receive at least a portion of a straw, and the sleeve is at least partially disposed within the internal structure of the lid body.

11. A container lid, comprising: a peripheral wall having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end configured to be coupled to a container, and the first end and the second end defining a longitudinal axis; a central wall disposed within the peripheral wall and spaced apart from the peripheral wall; a well wall that extends between the peripheral wall and the central wall, the well wall at least partially defining a plurality of openings circumferentially spaced around the longitudinal axis; and a lid top that is coupled to the central wall, the lid top having a peripheral diameter that at least partially covers the plurality of openings, wherein the lid top is non - removably coupled to the central wall.

12. The container lid according to claim 11, wherein The top of the lid is spaced apart from the well wall such that a splash chamber is thereby defined, which extends completely circumferentially around the longitudinal axis.

13. The container lid according to claim 11, wherein, the top of the lid includes a sleeve centered around the longitudinal axis, the sleeve defining a hole extending through the top of the lid.

14. The container lid according to claim 13, wherein, the sleeve is radially tapered.

15. The container lid according to claim 11, wherein, the peripheral wall includes an outer wall section spaced apart from an inner wall section, the outer wall section being attached to the inner wall section at the second end of the peripheral wall.

16. The container lid according to claim 15, wherein, the outer wall section includes a lip configured to removably couple to the container, and wherein the plurality of openings are disposed in the same axial plane as the lip relative to the longitudinal axis.

17. The container lid according to claim 15, wherein, the well wall extends from the inner wall section and is completely positioned below the inner wall section.

18. The container lid according to claim 11, wherein, the peripheral diameter of the top of the lid is less than the diameter of the peripheral wall such that an annular gap is formed between the top of the lid and the peripheral wall.

19. The container lid according to claim 11, wherein, the top of the lid is offset relative to the second end of the peripheral wall.

20. A beverage container, comprising: a container body; and a container lid configured to removably couple to the container body, the container lid including: a peripheral wall having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end having a lip configured to couple to the container body, the first end and the second end defining a longitudinal axis; a central wall disposed within the peripheral wall and spaced apart from the peripheral wall; a well wall extending between the peripheral wall and the central wall, the well wall at least partially defining a plurality of openings circumferentially spaced around the longitudinal axis; and a top of the lid coupled to the central wall, the top of the lid having a peripheral diameter that at least partially covers the plurality of openings, wherein the top of the lid is spaced apart from the well wall such that a splash chamber is thereby defined, which extends completely circumferentially around the longitudinal axis, and a flow path within the container lid is defined to pass through the plurality of openings and the splash chamber, and wherein the top of the lid is non-removably coupled to the central wall.

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