Beverage container lid with selectable drinking mode

Abstract

A lid for a beverage container having a first drinking opening, a second drinking opening, and a selector. The selector is configured to linearly slide between a first position in which the first drinking opening is accessible and the second drinking opening is inaccessible, and a second position in which the second drinking opening is accessible and the first drinking opening is inaccessible.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 597,043, filed November 8, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to lids for beverage containers. More specifically, some embodiments relate to lids for beverage containers that provide selectable drinking modes. Background Technology

[0004] The lid of a beverage container may include a drinking opening for the user to drink from. Some users may prefer to drink from a straw. Some users may prefer not to drink from a straw. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Some embodiments provide a lid for a beverage container, comprising a lid body. The lid body may include a first side configured to face outwards from the beverage container and a second side configured to face inwards from the beverage container. The lid may include a first drinking opening extending through the lid body; a second drinking opening extending through the lid body; and a selector disposed on the first side of the lid body and configured to slide between the first position, in which the first drinking opening is accessible and the second drinking opening is inaccessible, and in the second position, in which the second drinking opening is accessible and the first drinking opening is inaccessible. The lid may also include a trapdoor disposed on the second side of the lid body and configured to removably seal the first drinking opening when the selector is in the first position and to release the seal when the selector is in the second position.

[0006] Some embodiments provide a lid for a beverage container, comprising a lid body, a drinking opening, a mounting base extending downward from the lid body, and a trapdoor coupled to the mounting base. The trapdoor may be configured to slide within the mounting base between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the trapdoor is rotatable within the mounting base to removably seal the first drinking opening, and in the second position the trapdoor is not rotatable within the mounting base and is held away from the drinking opening.

[0007] Brief description of the attached figures

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate the present disclosure and, together with the specification, further serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure and enable those skilled in the art to make and use the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 1 A top-view perspective view of a beverage container with a lid is shown.

[0010] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the beverage container above, with a straw inserted through the first drinking opening.

[0011] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the beverage container above, in which the second drinking opening is exposed.

[0012] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 The top three-dimensional diagram of the lid.

[0013] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 The disassembled 3D diagram below the lid.

[0014] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the top of the lid.

[0015] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 The 3D view below the selector of the cover.

[0016] Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the top of the trapdoor.

[0017] Figure 9 It shows along Figure 1 The line 9-9 was cut off Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cover, in which the selector is in the first position.

[0018] Figure 10 It shows along Figure 2 The line 10-10 cut Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cover, in which the selector is in the first position.

[0019] Figure 11 It shows along Figure 3 The line 11-11 cut Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cover, in which the selector is in the second position.

[0020] Figure 12 It shows along Figure 1 The line 9-9 was cut off Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cover, with the selector in the third position.

[0021] Figure 13 It shows along Figure 1 The line 9-9 was cut off Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cover, in cleaning mode.

[0022] Figure 14It shows Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the cover.

[0023] Figure 15 It shows Figure 13 Side view of the trapdoor.

[0024] Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the cover according to the second embodiment is shown, wherein the selector is in the first position.

[0025] Figure 17 It shows Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the cover, in which the selector is in the first position.

[0026] Figure 18 It shows Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the cover, in which the selector is in the second position.

[0027] Figure 19 It shows Figure 16 An exploded top-view view of the cover flap door and selector.

[0028] Figure 20 It shows Figure 16 The exploded 3D view below shows the cover flap door and selector. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments including structures, systems, and methods can be practiced without these specific details. The descriptions and illustrations herein conform to the standards used by those experienced or skilled in the art to most effectively communicate the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. In some instances, well-known methods, processes, components, and elements have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of this disclosure.

[0030] The specification uses terms such as "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "example embodiment," and "some embodiments" to indicate that the embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but each embodiment may not necessarily include that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, this disclosure has been designed so that when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that the feature, structure, or characteristic is applicable in connection with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not.

[0031] The following examples are illustrative and not limiting of this disclosure. Other suitable modifications and adjustments to various conditions and parameters commonly encountered in the art and which will be apparent to those skilled in the art are within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0032] People use reusable beverage containers to hold a variety of drinks, and some people may have different preferences on how to drink different beverages. For example, the same person might prefer to drink iced tea through a straw, and might also prefer to sip water instead of using a straw. This often means that person needs two different types of beverage containers to hold their drinks, depending on the type of beverage. Or, the person may have to drink their beverage in a way they don't like.

[0033] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a beverage container with a lid that can be used both to drink the beverage with a straw and to drink the beverage without a straw. Thus, one can rely on a single container with a single lid to drink according to either preference. As will be described in more detail below, the exemplary beverage container shown herein has a lid with a selector that slides between a first position and a second position. When the selector is in the first position, a first drinking opening through the lid is accessible, and the user can insert a straw through the first drinking opening and drink the beverage through the straw. When the selector is in the second position, a second drinking opening of the lid is accessible, and the user can tilt the beverage container to pour the beverage from the second drinking opening.

[0034] Furthermore, it is advantageous to provide sealing and venting for beverage containers to hold and dispense beverages. And when the lid for a beverage container has multiple drinking openings to satisfy different drinking preferences, it may be advantageous to be able to achieve sealing and / or venting of multiple drinking openings with a simple action by the user. Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a mechanism for sealing a first drinking opening and a second drinking opening when the beverage is not dispensed, and for automatically venting through the first drinking opening when the beverage is dispensed from the second drinking opening.

[0035] Finally, when the lid for a beverage container has a complex structure to accommodate different drinking preferences, it can be difficult to clean the lid, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Therefore, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the sealing mechanism for each of the first and second drinking openings can be removed or retained in the open position, making them easily accessible for cleaning.

[0036] These and other implementation schemes are discussed in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figures 1 to 5 A beverage container 10 according to some embodiments is shown, wherein Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is an exploded view of a beverage container 10. The beverage container 10 may include a lid 20 and a vessel 30. The lid 20 may include multiple components, including a lid body 100, a selector 200, and a trapdoor 300.

[0038] In some embodiments, the lid 100 includes: a first side (outer side) 108 facing the exterior of the beverage container 10; a second side (inner side) 109 facing the interior of the beverage container 10; a first drinking opening 102; and a second drinking opening 104. In some embodiments, the first drinking opening 102 may be closer to the center of the lid 20 than its distance to the outer edge of the lid 20. In some embodiments, the first drinking opening 102 may be closer to the center of the lid 20 than its distance to the center of the lid 20. The second drinking opening 104 may be closer to the outer edge of the lid 20 (e.g., adjacent to the upper edge 106 of the lid 100) than its distance to the center of the lid 20.

[0039] In some embodiments, the selector 200 is disposed on the outer side 108 of the cover 100. The selector 200 may be in a first position relative to the cover 100 (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown), the second position (for example, Figure 3 (as shown) and the third position (e.g., Figure 12 The selector can move between (e.g., slide linearly) the selector (as shown). In some embodiments, the selector 200 may include a selector opening 202.

[0040] When selector 200 is in its first position, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first drinking opening 102 may be accessible (e.g., through the selector opening 202) and the second drinking opening 104 may be inaccessible (e.g., because the selector 200 is positioned above the second drinking opening 104). In some embodiments, when the selector 200 is in its first position, the selector opening 202 may be aligned with the first drinking opening 102, allowing a user to insert a straw 40 through both the selector opening 202 and the first drinking opening 102. In such embodiments, when the cap 20 is assembled with the vessel 30 and the selector 200 is in its first position, the user can dispense the beverage contained in the vessel 30 using the straw 40. In some embodiments, when the selector 200 is in its first position, the selector 200 is positioned above and seals the second drinking opening 104. In some embodiments, the selector 200 includes a sealing member 250 to seal the second drinking opening 104 in its first position. The term “seal” as used here and elsewhere does not necessarily require a perfect airtight seal; rather, a seal that prevents the passage of liquid fluid is sufficient.

[0041] In some embodiments, a trapdoor 300 is disposed on the inside 109 of the cover 100 to removably seal the first drinking opening 102. In some embodiments, the trapdoor 300 is rotatably mounted on a pair of mounting seats 150 on the inside 109 of the cover 100, such that the trapdoor 300 can be pushed to rotate away from the first drinking opening 102 (e.g., toward the interior of the beverage container 10) to release the seal on the first drinking opening 102. In some embodiments, a spring or other resilient element (e.g., a torsion spring 320) can bias the trapdoor 300 toward the first drinking opening 102 to seal the first drinking opening 102. Therefore, when the selector 200 is in its first position, the trapdoor 300 can seal the first drinking opening 102 under the biasing force of the spring when the straw 40 is not inserted; when the straw 40 is inserted, the trapdoor 300 can be pushed into the beverage container 10 to release the seal on the first drinking opening 102; and when the straw 40 is removed again, the trapdoor 300 can automatically move back under the biasing force of the spring to seal the first drinking opening 102. In some embodiments, the trapdoor 300 can be held in a position away from the first drinking opening 102 to allow the user to clean the components more easily, which is discussed in further detail below.

[0042] If the user does not prefer to drink from a straw, the user can move (e.g., linearly slide) the selector 200 relative to the lid 100. Figure 3 The second position is shown. The user can slide the selector 200 relative to the cap 100, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the first drinking opening 102, to move the selector 200 from its first position to its second position. Sliding the selector 200 linearly relative to the cap 100—rather than, for example, a rotational movement—allows the user to move the selector relative to the cap more easily with one hand. Furthermore, by using a linear sliding arrangement, no rotational axis (and related structures) is required, which simplifies the construction of the cap 20 and, in some embodiments, simplifies the separation of the selector 200 from the cap 100 for disassembly. In some embodiments, the selector 200 has a grip 206 to assist the user in gripping and sliding the selector 200.

[0043] like Figure 3As shown, when the selector 200 is in its second position, the second drinking opening 104 can be accessible. Therefore, when the lid 20 is assembled with the vessel 30, the user can dispense the beverage contained in the vessel 30 through the second drinking opening 104 by tilting the beverage container 10 toward the second drinking opening 104. In some embodiments, when the selector 200 is in its second position, the selector 200 can be positioned away from the second drinking opening 104, and the sealing member 250 does not seal the second drinking opening 104. In some embodiments, when the selector 200 is in its second position, the first drinking opening 102 can be inaccessible (e.g., because the selector 200 is positioned above the first drinking opening 102). Therefore, when the lid 20 is assembled with the vessel 30, and the selector 200 is in its second position, the user may not be able to dispense the beverage contained in the vessel 30 through the first drinking opening 102. In some implementations, when the selector 200 is in its second position, the selector opening 202 may be offset from the first drinking opening 102, so that the straw 40 cannot be inserted through the selector opening 202 and the first drinking opening 102.

[0044] In some embodiments, when the selector 200 moves to its second position, the selector 200 engages the flap door 300 to push the flap door 300 away from the cover 100 and slightly unseal the first drinking opening 102, thereby creating a venting path through the first drinking opening 102. The venting path through the first drinking opening 102 allows air to flow in from the outside of the beverage container 10, which helps maintain a steady flow of beverage dispensed through the second drinking opening 104 by replacing the volume lost due to liquid dispensing with air from outside the beverage container 10. This venting mechanism is discussed in further detail below.

[0045] In some implementations, selector 200 can be moved to, for example... Figure 12 The third position shown allows it to be detached from the cover 100. This, for example, allows the user to more easily clean the cover 20 and the selector 200. In some embodiments, the selector 200 moves to its third position by sliding past its second position, which is described in further detail below. Figure 4 An exploded view of a beverage container 10 according to some embodiments is shown, and Figure 5 An exploded view of cover 20 according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 5In the figure, a portion of the lid 100 is cut out to more clearly show the components of the lid 20. As shown, the beverage container 10 may include a lid 20 and a vessel 30. The lid 20 may include a lid body 100, a selector 200 with a sealing member 250, a flap 300 with a sealing member 302, and a gasket 500. The lid body 100 may include a first drinking opening 102, a second drinking opening 104, an upper edge 106, a lower sidewall 107, an outer side 108 facing the outside of the beverage container 10, an inner side 109 facing the inside of the beverage container 10, and a pair of mounting seats 150 extending from the inner side 109. The first drinking opening 102 and the second drinking opening 104 may extend through the lid body 100 (e.g., from the inner side 109 to the outer side 108).

[0046] In some embodiments, the first drinking opening 102 has a circular shape, and the second drinking opening 104 has an elongated, elliptical shape, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown. However, the first drinking opening 102 and the second drinking opening 104 can each have any other suitable shape. When the lid 20 is assembled with the vessel 30, the user can drink the beverage contained in the vessel 30 through the first drinking opening 102 or the second drinking opening 104, depending on the position of the selector 200.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first drinking opening 102 may be positioned at or near the center of the lid 20. For example, the first drinking opening 102 may be closer to the center of the lid 20 than it is to the outer edge of the lid 20, or the first drinking opening 102 may be closer to the center than the second drinking opening 104 is to the center. This positioning allows the user to comfortably drink through the straw 40 extending through the first drinking opening 102 when the selector 200 is in its first position. In some embodiments, the second drinking opening 104 may be positioned near the outer edge of the lid 20 (e.g., near the top edge 106). For example, the second drinking opening 104 may be closer to the outer edge than it is to the center of the lid 20, or the second drinking opening 104 may be closer to the outer edge than the first drinking opening 102 is to the outer edge. This positioning may, for example, allow the user to comfortably drink from the edge of the lid 20 (e.g., the top edge 106) by tilting the beverage container 10 toward the second drinking opening 104 when the selector 200 is in its second position.

[0048] The lid 100 may include an attachment mechanism 110 on the lower sidewall 107 of the lid 100. The vessel 30 may include a corresponding attachment mechanism 31 near its upper edge, configured to engage with the attachment mechanism 110 to removably attach the vessel 30 to the lid 20. Attachment mechanisms 110 and 31 may be threaded connections (such as… Figure 5 and Figure 6(As shown), a friction-fitting connector, a snap-fit ​​connector, or any other suitable releasable attachment mechanism. The attachment of the lid 100 to the vessel 30 is not limited to the arrangement shown in the figures. For example, in some embodiments, the lid 100 may be attached above the vessel 30 rather than inside the vessel 30.

[0049] The gasket 500 can be fitted around the lower sidewall 107 of the lid 100. When the lid 20 is assembled with the vessel 30, the gasket 500 can be pressed between the inner surfaces of the lid 100 and the vessel 30 to form a seal between the lid 20 and the vessel 30. The gasket 500 can be a removable part or can be an integral part of the lid 100 or the vessel 30.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown (and in Figure 6 (As shown in enlarged view), in some embodiments, the cover 100 may include a mating structure 112 on the outer side 108. The mating structure 112 may be formed to receive mating features of the selector 200 (in...). Figure 7 (As shown in the enlarged view), to help the selector 200 move relative to the cover 100 and maintain its position relative to the cover 100.

[0051] For example, the engagement structure 112 of the cover 100 can be formed as a recess 118 recessed from the outer side 108, the recess 118 having a pair of receiving channels 113 formed by channel walls 114 on both sides. The selector 200 can be received in the recess 118, and the flanges 214a and 214b of the selector 200 can be received below the receiving channels 113 below the channel walls 114. The engagement structure 112 thereby prevents the selector 200 from vertically moving or rotating relative to the cover 100. In some embodiments, the channel walls 114 include stops 120 to provide resistance and tactile feedback when the selector 200 moves relative to the cover 100 (e.g., from a first position to a second position). In some embodiments, the channel walls 114 include notches 122a and 122b having shapes corresponding to the flanges 214a and 214b of the selector 200. When the selector 200 is moved to its third position, the flanges 214a and 214b can be aligned with the notches 122a and 122b, so that the selector 200 can be removed from the channel 113 and thus detached from the cover 100.

[0052] The engagement of the cover 100 and the selector 200 is not limited to the arrangement shown in the figure. For example, in some embodiments, the selector 200 may include a receiving channel to receive a flange of the cover 100.

[0053] The cover 100 may be formed of food-grade plastics (such as polypropylene, copolyester, copolymers sold as Eastman Tritan, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)), glass or metals (such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper or titanium), and may be formed as a single integral piece or as multiple pieces.

[0054] As described above, the selector 200 is removably disposed on the outer side 108 and is movable relative to the cover 100 (e.g., linearly sliding). The selector 200 may include a grip 206 to which a user can apply force to move the selector 200 relative to the cover 100. In some embodiments, a sealing member 250 is disposed under the selector 200 to seal the second drinking opening 104 when the selector 200 is in its second position. The sealing member 250 may contact the cover 100 around the outer periphery of the second drinking opening 104, thereby sealing the second drinking opening 104. The sealing member 250 may move relative to the cover 100 together with the selector 200. In some embodiments, the sealing member 250 is a separate component removably coupled to the selector 200. In such embodiments, the selector 200 includes a flange 214a and a rib 208 (e.g., [missing information]) corresponding to the shape of the sealing member 250. Figure 7 As shown), the sealing member 250 can be press-fitted within the flange 214a and rib 208. In some embodiments, the sealing member 250 is integrally formed with the selector 200 (e.g., by co-molding). In some embodiments, the selector 200 includes a pair of downwardly extending ribs 208 and a protrusion 210, which can engage with the flap door 300 to allow ventilation of the first drinking opening 102 when the selector 200 is in its second position.

[0055] Selector 200 may be formed of food-grade plastics (e.g., polypropylene, copolyester, copolymers sold as Eastman Tritan, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)) or metals (e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or titanium), and may be formed as a single integral piece or as multiple pieces. Sealing member 250 may be formed of a food-grade material suitable for sealing the second drinking opening 104, such as silicone or another flexible, elastic material. In some embodiments, sealing member 250 is formed of a material that is more elastic than the material used for selector 200.

[0056] Figures 16 to 20 Alternative implementations are shown, which differ somewhat in structure but achieve the same results as those targeted at [the specific target]. Figures 4 to 15 The implementation scheme described in detail yields similar results. Figures 16 to 20 The structure and operation of the implementation plan Figures 4 to 15 Where there are similarities, the differences will be explained in this case, unless otherwise specified.

[0057] exist Figures 16 to 20 In the second embodiment shown, the selector 1200 may have the same structure as the selector 200 described above, except that, unlike the selector 200 which has a pair of ribs 208, the selector 1200 has only one rib 1208 extending downward from the selector 1200 for engagement with the trapdoor 1300 described below. In some embodiments, the rib 1208 extends at the center of the selector 1200, and therefore, the sealing member 1250 is shorter than the sealing member 250 and does not engage with the rib 1208. Instead, the sealing member 1250 is only within and held by the flange 1214a. The selector 1200 and the sealing member 1250 may also be formed of the same material as the selector 200 and the sealing member 250 described above.

[0058] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 8 The trapdoor 300 can be mounted on a mounting base 150 on the inner side 109 and is rotatable relative to the lid 100. The trapdoor 300 can removably seal the first drinking opening 102 when rotated relative to the lid 100. For example, the trapdoor 300 can seal the first drinking opening 102 by rotating toward it and release the seal by rotating it away from it. In some embodiments, the trapdoor 300 includes a torsion spring 320 to bias it toward the first drinking opening 102 such that the trapdoor 300 only moves away from the first drinking opening 102 when a force is applied to push the trapdoor 300 (e.g., by inserting a straw 40). In some embodiments, the trapdoor 300 includes a sealing member 302 to seal the first drinking opening 102 (see example...). Figure 9 The sealing member 302 may contact the cover 100 around the outer periphery of the first drinking opening 102, thereby sealing the first drinking opening 102. In some embodiments, the trapdoor 300 includes an edge 304 that extends into the first drinking opening 102 when the trapdoor 300 seals the first drinking opening 102, and the sealing member 302 continuously contacts the cover 100 around the first drinking opening 102, thereby sealing the drinking opening 102. In some embodiments, the edge 304 may be planar, and a pair of protrusions 306 extend from the edge 304 to engage with the selector 200 to allow the first drinking opening 102 to vent when the selector 200 is in its second position, as discussed in further detail below.

[0059] In some embodiments, the trapdoor 300 includes a pair of protrusions 310 for engaging with the mounting base 150 (see example...). Figure 8The protrusion 310 and the mounting base 150 may be shaped to allow the trapdoor 300 to slide within the mounting base 150 from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the trapdoor 300 can rotate relative to the cover 100. In the second position, the trapdoor 300 is held away from the first drinking opening 102 and the cover 100 to allow easy cleaning of the components, which is discussed in further detail below.

[0060] The trapdoor 300 can be formed from food-grade plastics (such as polypropylene, copolyester, copolymers sold as Eastman Tritan, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)) or metals (such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or titanium), and can be formed as a single integral piece or as multiple pieces. The sealing member 302 can be formed from a food-grade material suitable for sealing the first drinking opening 102, such as silicone or another flexible, elastic material. In some embodiments, the sealing member 302 is formed from a material that is more elastic than the material used for the trapdoor 300.

[0061] exist Figures 16 to 20 In the second embodiment shown, the trapdoor 1300 may have the same structure as the selector 200 described above, except that, unlike the trapdoor 300 which has a pair of protrusions 306 extending from an edge 304, the trapdoor 1300 has a protrusion in the form of an edge 1304 that extends upward to allow the selector 1200 to be in its second position (e.g., as shown) Figure 18 The first drinking opening 102 (as shown) engages with the selector 1200 to allow ventilation. In some embodiments, the edge 1304 has a raised leading edge 1314 (e.g., forming a lip) that interacts with a structure (e.g., a ramp 1209) to control the position and sealing of the trapdoor 1300. The trapdoor 1300 may also be formed of the same material as the trapdoor 300 described above.

[0062] The vessel 30 can be any type of container. The vessel 30 can be generally cylindrical or truncated conical (e.g., a flat-bottomed cup, such as...). Figures 1 to 4(as shown) or have other external or internal shapes. In some embodiments, the vessel 30 may be double-walled to enhance its thermal insulation properties. In some embodiments, the area between the double walls of the vessel 30 may be hermetically sealed and may form at least a partial vacuum. In some embodiments, the vessel 30 may be made of stainless steel. In some embodiments, the vessel 30 may be made of another food-grade material, such as food-grade plastics (e.g., polypropylene, copolyester, copolymers sold as Eastman Tritan, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)), glass, or other metals (e.g., steel, aluminum, copper, or titanium).

[0063] When the beverage container 10 is assembled and the selector 200 is in its first position and the straw 40 is inserted through the first drinking opening 102, the bottom end of the straw 40 may extend to or near the inner bottom surface of the container 30. The straw 40 may be formed of food-grade materials. For example, the straw 40 may be formed of food-grade plastics (e.g., polypropylene, copolyester, copolymers sold as Eastman Tritan, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)), glass, or other metals (e.g., steel, aluminum, copper, or titanium).

[0064] Figures 9 to 14 These are vertical cross-sectional views showing the relative positions of certain components of the lid 20 in various configurations. These views show portions of the lid body 100, selector 200, and trapdoor 300, and it should be understood that they are compatible with the vessel 30.

[0065] Figure 9 The closed configuration of the lid 20 is shown. In this configuration, the selector 200 is in its first position. The trapdoor 300 is biased toward the first drinking opening 102 by a torsion spring 320, and the sealing member 302 seals the first drinking opening 102. The selector 200 covers the second drinking opening 104, and the sealing member 250 (shown in dashed lines) seals the second drinking opening 104. The selector opening 202 is aligned with the first drinking opening 102. This closed configuration allows the beverage to be sealed within the beverage container 10 and carried with the user.

[0066] In some embodiments, the selector opening 202 has an edge 203, and the edge 203 has a cutout 204 to receive a protrusion 306 when the selector 200 is in its first position (see example...). Figure 5 ).from Figure 9It can also be seen that the protrusion 306 of the trapdoor 300 extends through the first drinking opening 102 and extends above the outer side 108 of the lid, and fits within the cutout 204. The height of the cutout 204 allows the trapdoor 300 to be in a position where the sealing member 302 seals against the first drinking opening 102 under the biasing force of the spring 320.

[0067] On the other hand, rib 208 and protrusion 210 extend downward from selector 200, and rib 208 is connected to cutout 204 via ramp 209. When selector 200 is in its first position, protrusion 306 does not contact ramp 209 or rib 208. Since ramp 209 and rib 208 extend lower than cutout 204, it should be understood that when protrusion 306 begins to contact ramp 209 or rib 208, protrusion 306 and trapdoor 300 will already be relative to Figure 9 The indicated position was pushed downwards. This is referenced below. Figure 11 Let's discuss this in more detail.

[0068] exist Figure 16 In the second embodiment shown, rib 1208 and protrusion 1210 extend downward from selector 1200, and rib 1208 has a ramp 1209 leading to a cut 1204 at edge 1203. Ramp 1209 bends downward to protrusion 1216, which defines the lowest point of rib 1208, and from protrusion 1216, rib 1208 bends upward to a flat surface 1218, which is above protrusion 1216 but below cut 1204.

[0069] When selector 1200 is in its first position, such as Figure 16 As shown, the sealing member 1302 of the trapdoor 1300 seals against the first drinking opening 102 under the biasing force of the spring 320, and the leading edge 1314 of the edge 1304 extends through the first drinking opening 102 and is within the cutout 1204. Since the ramp 1209 and the flat surface 1218 extend lower than the leading edge 1314 when it is within the cutout 1204, it should be understood that when the leading edge 1314 begins to move onto the ramp 1209 and proceeds through the protrusion 1216 to the flat surface 1218, the leading edge 1314 and the trapdoor 1300 will have been pushed downwards, as... Figure 18 As shown.

[0070] Figure 10The straw configuration of the lid 20 is shown. In this configuration, the selector 200 is in its first position. The selector opening 202 is aligned with the first drinking opening 102. The straw 40 is inserted through the selector opening 202 and the first drinking opening 102. The trapdoor 300 is pushed away from the first drinking opening 102 and into the interior of the beverage container 10 by the straw 40. The selector 200 covers the second drinking opening 104, and the sealing member 1250 seals the second drinking opening 104. This straw configuration allows the user to drink beverages from the beverage container 10 through the straw 40, as indicated by arrow 50.

[0071] In the second embodiment, the straw pattern is shown in Figure 17 In this configuration, the selector 1200 is in its first position. The selector opening 1202 is aligned with the first drinking opening 102. A straw 40 is inserted through the selector opening 1202 and the first drinking opening 102. The trapdoor 1300 is pushed away from the first drinking opening 102 and into the interior of the beverage container 10 by the straw 40. The selector 1200 covers the second drinking opening 104, and the sealing member 1250 seals the second drinking opening 104. This straw configuration allows the user to drink beverages from the beverage container 10 through the straw 40, as indicated by arrow 50. When the straw 40 is removed from the first drinking opening 102, the trapdoor 1300 is biased by the torsion spring 320.

[0072] In some embodiments, when the selector 200 is in its first position and the straw 40 is inserted through the selector opening 202 and the first drinking opening 102, air can flow from the outside of the beverage container 10, through the selector opening 202 and the first drinking opening 102, and into the interior of the beverage container 10. For example, as Figure 10 As shown, the straw 40 can be designed to be smaller than the selector opening 202 and the first drinking opening 102, thereby allowing air to flow around the straw 40 through the selector opening 202 and the first drinking opening 102 and into the beverage container 10, as indicated by arrow 52. This ability of air to flow from the outside of the beverage container 10 to the inside helps maintain a stable flow of liquid through the straw 40 and minimizes the buildup of vacuum that could disrupt the flow.

[0073] In some embodiments, when the straw 40 is removed from the first drinking opening 102, the trapdoor 300 is biased by the torsion spring 320 to automatically move toward the first drinking opening 102 to seal the first drinking opening 102, thereby switching to Figure 9 The closed pattern shown.

[0074] Figure 11The opening mode of the lid 20 is shown. In this configuration, the selector 200 is in its second position. The selector 200 at least partially covers the first drinking opening 102, and the selector opening 202 is offset from the first drinking opening 102, preventing the straw 40 from being inserted into the first drinking opening 102. The second drinking opening 104 is accessible because the selector 200 and the sealing member 250 (shown in dashed lines) have been removed. This opening mode allows the user to dispense beverage via the second drinking opening 104 by tilting the beverage container 10.

[0075] In some implementations, in this open mode, the trapdoor 300 does not seal the first drinking opening 102. As the selector 200 begins to move from its first position to its second position, the protrusion 306 of the trapdoor 300 leaves the cutout 204, moves onto the ramp 209, and then contacts the rib 208. Because the ramp 209 and the rib 208 are below the cutout 204 (see also, for example...), Figure 9 Therefore, the engagement between the protrusion 306 and the ramp 209 and / or rib 208 pushes the trapdoor 300 downward and away from the first drinking opening 102, thereby breaking the seal of the sealing member 302 around the first drinking opening 102. This creates a ventilation path to allow air to flow through the selector opening 202 and the first drinking opening 102, as indicated by arrow 54. The ability of air to flow from the outside of the beverage container 10 to the inside of the beverage container 10 helps maintain a steady flow of liquid through the second drinking opening 104 and minimizes the buildup of vacuum that could interrupt the flow.

[0076] When selector 200 fully reaches its position... Figure 11 In the second position shown, the sealing member 302 remains unsealed in the first drinking opening 102 to form a venting path 54, and the protrusion 306 reaches the protrusion 210 of the selector 200. The engagement between the engagement edge 308 and the engagement edge 212 can provide resistance to the selector 200 moving toward the third position (see example...). Figure 12 Resistance to movement.

[0077] In some implementations, when the selector 200 moves from its second position to its first position, the protrusion 306 disengages from the ribs 208 and the protrusion 210 and returns to the cutout 204 via the ramp 209, and the trapdoor 300 is biased by the torsion spring 320 to rotate toward the first drinking opening 102 to seal the first drinking opening 102, thereby switching to Figure 9 The closed pattern shown.

[0078] In the second embodiment, when selector 1200 starts from its first position (e.g., Figure 16 ) moves to its second position (e.g., Figure 18When the selector 1200 is in the cutout 1204, the leading edge 1314 of the trapdoor 1300 moves onto the ramp 1209, travels over the protrusion 1216, and then contacts the flat surface 1218 of the rib 1208 until it reaches the protrusion 1210. The leading edge 1314 can engage with the protrusion 1210 to resist further sliding of the selector 1200. Since the ramp 1209, the protrusion 1216, and the flat surface 1218 are all lower than the leading edge 1314 when it is in the cutout 1204 (e.g., Figure 16 Therefore, the engagement between the leading edge 1314 and the ramp 1209, the protrusion 1216, and the flat surface 1218 pushes the trapdoor 1300 downward and away from the first drinking opening 102, thereby breaking the seal of the sealing member 1302 around the first drinking opening 102. When the selector 1200 moves from its second position to its first position, the leading edge 1314 disengages from the rib 1208 and returns to the cutout 1204 via the protrusion 1216 and the ramp 1209.

[0079] Figure 12 The cover 20 and selector 200 are shown in the disassembled position. In this configuration, selector 200 is in its third position, and the flanges 214a and 214b of selector 200 (as shown) Figure 7 (as shown) and the notches 122a and 122b of channel 113 (as shown) Figure 6 (As shown) Alignment is achieved so that selector 200 can be removed from channel 113 and thus detached from cover 100. Removing selector 200 from cover 100 allows for easy cleaning of each component. In some embodiments, sealing member 250 can be removed from selector 200 after selector 200 has been removed from cover 100.

[0080] In some implementations, the selector 200 is moved to its third position by sliding past its second position (i.e., by continuing to slide the selector 200 in the same direction it moved between its first and second positions). When the selector 200 is in its second position, the engagement between the protrusion 306 of the trapdoor 300 and the protrusion 210 of the selector 200 provides resistance against movement of the selector 200 from its second position to its third position. This resistance prevents the selector 200 from unintentionally moving to its third position. To move the selector 200 to its third position, the user may rotate the trapdoor 300 away from the cover 100 before moving the selector 200 to its second position, such that the protrusion 306 does not extend through the first drinking opening 102, so that the protrusion 306 does not engage with the protrusion 210 when the selector 200 is in its second position, and the selector 200 can then continue to slide from its second position to its third position.

[0081] In some implementations, selector 200 can move from its third position to its first position or its second position to switch back to, for example, Figure 9 The closed pattern shown or as Figure 11 The opening mode shown.

[0082] Figure 13 The cleaning mode of lid 20 is shown. In this configuration, selector 200 is removed from lid 100, and trapdoor 300 is held within mounting base 150 and cannot rotate relative to lid 100. In some embodiments, trapdoor 300 is held at an angle away from the first drinking opening 102, thereby allowing cleaning of each component, such as in a dishwasher.

[0083] It should be understood that Figure 13 The cleaning mode is also suitable for Figures 16 to 20 The implementation scheme shown.

[0084] Figure 14 and Figure 15 The geometry of the mounting base 150 and the trapdoor 300 is shown, which allows the trapdoor 300 to slide from a first position to a second position within the mounting base 150. In the first position, the trapdoor 300 can rotate relative to the cover 100, and in the second position, the trapdoor 300 is held within the mounting base 150 away from the first drinking opening 102. Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the trapdoor 300 includes a pair of protrusions 310 for engaging with the mounting base 150. In some embodiments, each protrusion 310 has a first layer 311 and optionally a second layer 312, wherein the second layer 312 extends from the first layer 311 (e.g., the second layer 312 extends further away from the trapdoor 300 than the first layer 311). In some embodiments, the second layer 312 is smaller than the first layer 311. Figure 5 and Figure 14 As shown, in some embodiments, each mounting base 150 has a recess 152 for engaging with a protrusion 306, and each recess 152 has a first layer 153 and optionally a second layer 154, wherein the second layer 154 extends from the first layer 153 (e.g., the second layer 154 extends deeper into the mounting base 150 than the first layer 153). In some embodiments, the second layer 154 is smaller than the first layer 153. Thus, when assembled, the first layer 311 of the protrusion 310 engages with the first layer 153 of the recess 152, and the second layer 312 of the protrusion 310 engages with the second layer 154 of the recess 152. In some embodiments, each protrusion 310 has only a first layer 311 and no second layer 312, and each recess 152 has only a first layer 153 and no second layer 154.

[0085] In some embodiments, the second layer 312 of the protrusion 310 has the shape of a circle 314 with a radius of R1, and the second layer 154 of the recess 152 has the shape of a stadium 156 with a radius of R1. Therefore, the second layer 312 of the protrusion 310 can rotate and slide within the second layer 154 of the recess 152.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first layer 153 of the notch 152 has a shape including a circle 158 of radius R2 and a slot 160 connected to the circle 158, where R2 is greater than R1. The shape of the first layer 311 of the protrusion 310 is limited by a circle 316 of radius R2, such that when the trapdoor 300 is in its first position within the mounting base 150, the first layer 311 of the protrusion 310 can rotate within the circle 158 of the first layer 153. The shape of the first layer 311 of the protrusion 310 also includes an edge 318, which is similar in shape to the slot 160, such that when the first layer 311 rotates within the circle 158 to a position where the edge 318 is aligned with the slot 160, the edge 318 can slide into the slot 160, thereby moving the trapdoor 300 to its second position within 150. In this second position of the trapdoor 300, the engagement of the slot 160 with the edge 318 resists the biasing force from the spring 320, and thus resists rotation of the trapdoor 300, holding the trapdoor 300 in one position. In some embodiments, the slot 160 is formed at an angle θ relative to the lid 100 and the first drinking opening 102, such that the trapdoor 300 is held in its second position also at the same angle θ relative to the lid 100 and the first drinking opening 102. The angle θ can be an obtuse angle to allow easy access to and cleaning of the trapdoor 300 and the lid 100. In some embodiments, the angle θ is in the range of 60° to 150°, for example 90° to 120°, such as 105°.

[0087] In some implementations, when cleaning is complete, the user can exit the cleaning mode by sliding the trapdoor 300 back to its first position along the slot 160 toward the circle 158, so that the first layer 311 of the protrusion 310 can rotate again within the circle 158, and the trapdoor 300 can be biased toward the first drinking opening 102 to seal the first drinking opening 102 by means of the torsion spring 320.

[0088] It should be understood that, regarding Figure 14 and Figure 15 The geometry of the described mounting base 150 and trapdoor 300 is also applicable. Figures 16 to 20 The mounting base 150 and trapdoor 1300 of the embodiment shown.

[0089] It should be understood that the detailed description section (rather than the summary and abstract sections) is intended to interpret the claims. The summary and abstract sections may describe one or more (but not all) exemplary embodiments of the disclosed invention as conceived by the inventors, and therefore are not intended to limit the disclosed invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0090] The above description of specific embodiments will fully reveal the general nature of the claimed invention, enabling others to easily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments for various applications by applying knowledge within the scope of the art, without excessive experimentation and without departing from the general concept of the claimed invention. Therefore, based on the teachings and guidance presented herein, such modifications and alterations are intended to fall within the meaning and equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology herein is for descriptive rather than limiting purposes, and that the terminology or terminology in this specification will be interpreted by those skilled in the art based on the teachings and guidance.

[0091] The breadth and scope of the claimed invention should not be limited by any of the above exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A lid for a beverage container, the lid comprising: The cover body includes: The first side is configured to face outwards from the beverage container, and The second side is configured to face the inside of the beverage container; A first drinking opening extends through the lid; A second drinking opening extends through the lid; A selector, disposed on a first side of the cap and configured to slide between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the first drinking opening is accessible and the second drinking opening is inaccessible, and in the second position the second drinking opening is accessible and the first drinking opening is inaccessible; and A trapdoor is provided on the second side of the cover and is configured to removably seal the first drinking opening when the selector is in the first position and to release the seal when the selector is in the second position.

2. The cover according to claim 1, wherein, When the selector is in the first position, the flap door is biased to seal the first drinking opening and is configured to be pushed away from the first drinking opening to release the seal on the first drinking opening.

3. The cover according to claim 1, wherein, When the selector is in the second position, the trapdoor is prevented from sealing the first drinking opening.

4. The cover according to claim 1, wherein, The trapdoor includes a protrusion configured to extend through the first drinking opening and over a first side of the lid. The selector includes ribs extending downward from the selector, and The protrusions and ribs are configured to engage at the second position to push the trapdoor away from the first drinking opening to release the seal on the first drinking opening.

5. The cover according to claim 4, wherein, The selector includes a selector opening configured to align with the first drinking opening at the first location, and wherein the selector opening includes a cut configured to receive at least a portion of the protrusion at the first location.

6. The cover according to claim 4, wherein, The protrusion is an edge with a raised leading edge configured to extend through the first drinking opening and over a first side of the cap. The raised leading edge and the rib are configured to engage at the second position to push the trapdoor away from the first drinking opening to release the seal of the first drinking opening.

7. The cover according to claim 6, wherein, In the first position, the rib extends below the raised leading edge.

8. The cover according to claim 4, wherein, The rib includes a ramp leading to the cut.

9. The cover according to claim 1, wherein, The selector includes a sealing member configured to seal the second opening when the selector is in the first position.

10. The cover according to claim 9, wherein, The sealing component is integrated with the selector.

11. The cover according to claim 1, wherein, The selector is configured to slide to a third position, in which the selector is configured to be removed from the cover.

12. The cover according to claim 11, wherein, The trapdoor includes a first protrusion and the selector includes a second protrusion, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to engage with each other to resist sliding of the selector from the second position to the third position.

13. The cover according to claim 1, wherein, The trapdoor is configured to engage with the straw when the selector is in the first position to release the seal on the first drinking opening.

14. The cover according to claim 1, wherein, The first drinking opening is closer to the center of the lid than the second drinking opening.

15. A beverage container comprising: The cover according to claim 1; and Vessel, including an opening, The lid is configured to attach to and close the opening of the vessel.

16. A lid for a beverage container, the lid comprising: Cover; Drinking opening; Mounting base, which extends downward from the cover; and A trapdoor, which is connected to the mounting base; The trapdoor is configured to slide within the mounting base between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the trapdoor is rotatable within the mounting base to removably seal the first drinking opening, and in the second position the trapdoor is not rotatable within the mounting base and is held away from the drinking opening.

17. The cover according to claim 16, further comprising a torsion spring, The trapdoor is biased by the torsion spring to seal the drinking opening, and When the trapdoor is in the second position, the torque of the torsion spring is resisted by interference with the structure of the mounting base, preventing the trapdoor from rotating sufficiently to seal the drinking opening.

18. The cover according to claim 16, wherein, When the trapdoor is in the second position, the trapdoor is held at an angle relative to the drinking opening.

19. The cover according to claim 18, wherein, The angle between the trapdoor and the drinking opening is in the range of 60° to 150°.

20. The cover according to claim 18, wherein, The angle between the trapdoor and the drinking opening is an obtuse angle.

21. The cover according to claim 16, wherein, The trapdoor includes a sealing member configured to seal around the drinking opening.

22. The cover according to claim 16, wherein, The trapdoor is configured to engage with the straw in the first position to release the seal on the drinking opening.

23. A beverage container comprising: The cover according to claim 16; and Vessel, including an opening, The lid is configured to attach to and close the opening of the vessel.

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