Container cover and beverage container comprising same

Abstract

The utility model relates to a container cover and a beverage container comprising the container cover, the container cover comprises a base part, the base part defines (1) a base part receiving piece centrally arranged in the base part and (2) a drinking opening which is located in the base part and deviates from the center. A cover defining a straw opening, the cover including a catch rotatably disposed in a receptacle. The gasket defines a slit aligned with the straw opening for receiving a straw. The cover is rotatably positionable in a first position in which the slit is aligned with the drinking opening. The cover is rotatably positionable in a second position in which the slit is misaligned with the drinking opening.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a utility model patent application with an application date of May 29, 2023, an application number of 202321331420.9, and an invention name of “Container lid and beverage container including the container lid”. Background Art

[0002] Drinking containers with various types of lids are used to hold liquids or beverages for drinking as desired. Such lids may include a drinking opening through which the beverage can be drunk, for example, by tilting the drinking container. The drinking opening may be blocked by a tab formed with the cover, but this tab rarely seals the drinking opening adequately, resulting in leakage when the container is shaken or tilted. Some lids may enable access to the liquid via a straw inserted through a slit in the lid, but these slits also typically allow leakage. Utility Model Content

[0003] In one aspect, the technology relates to a container lid, the container lid comprising: a base defining a drinking opening located off-center in the base; and a cover rotatably mounted in the base and defining a straw opening, wherein the cover comprises: a gasket defining a slit aligned with the straw opening for receiving a straw, wherein the cover is rotatably positionable in a first position in which the slit is aligned with the drinking opening, and wherein the cover is rotatably positionable in a second position in which the slit is not aligned with the drinking opening. When the cover is in the second position, the drinking opening is exposed. The gasket comprises a head, a tail, and a base, the base connecting the head and the tail, wherein the head defines the slit. The head and the tail are coplanar and disposed in a first plane, and wherein the base is disposed in a second plane that is not coplanar with the first plane. The cover defines an opposite opening disposed opposite to the straw opening, and wherein the head extends through the straw opening, and wherein the tail extends through the opposite opening. The cover is positionable in a third position in which the tail is aligned with the drinking opening and seals about the drinking opening, and wherein the tail is not aligned with the drinking opening when the cover is in the second position.

[0004] In another example of the above aspect, the base defines a base receiver centrally disposed in the base, the gasket further defines an anchor, and wherein the cover defines an anchor receiver for receiving the anchor, and wherein the anchor, the anchor receiver, and the base receiver are aligned. In one example, the base includes an upper surface, and the cover defines a lower surface. In another example, the upper surface of the base at least partially defines a first receiver and a second receiver, and wherein the cover includes a stop extending from the lower surface of the cover. In yet another example, when the cover is in a first position, the stop engages the first receiver, and wherein when the cover is in a second position, the stop engages the second receiver. In yet another example, the head of the gasket includes a plurality of deflectable baffles.

[0005] In another example of the above aspect, the cover also includes a snap rotatably disposed in the receiving member and an O-ring disposed around the snap. In one example, the base receiving member defines a plurality of ventilation channels, wherein the cover covers the plurality of ventilation channels when in the first position. In yet another example, the upper surface of the base at least partially defines the first receiver and the third receiver, and wherein the cover includes a stopper extending from the lower surface of the cover, wherein: when the cover is in the first position, the stopper engages with the first receiver; and when the cover is in the third position, the stopper engages with the third receiver. In one example, the contained beverage includes a container lid.

[0006] In another aspect, the technology relates to a container lid, comprising: a base defining a base receiver centrally disposed in the base and a drinking opening located off-center in the base; and a cover defining a straw opening, the cover comprising: a buckle rotatably disposed in the receiver; and a gasket defining a straw seal aligned with the straw opening for receiving a straw, wherein the cover is rotatably positionable in a first position in which the straw seal is aligned with the drinking opening, and wherein the cover is rotatably positionable in a second position in which the straw seal is not aligned with the drinking opening, wherein when the cover is in the second position position, the drinking opening is exposed, wherein the gasket includes a head, a tail and a base, the base connecting the head and the tail, wherein the head defines the straw seal, wherein the head and the tail are coplanar and disposed in a first plane, and wherein the base is disposed in a second plane that is not coplanar with the first plane, wherein the cover defines an opposite opening, the opposite opening is disposed opposite to the straw opening, and wherein the head extends through the straw opening, and wherein the tail extends through the opposite opening, wherein the cover is positionable in a third position in which the tail is aligned with the drinking opening and seals around the drinking opening, and wherein the tail is not aligned with the drinking opening when the cover is in the second position.

[0007] In another example of the above aspect, the head of the gasket includes a plurality of deflectable baffles.

[0008] In another aspect, the technology relates to a beverage container, which includes a container cover according to the above technical solution.

[0009] In another aspect, the technology relates to a method of using a container lid, the container lid including a base and a cover, the base defining a drinking opening, and the cover being rotatably fixed to the base, wherein the cover includes a straw opening, the straw opening being defined by a gasket, the method comprising: placing the cover in a first rotational position, wherein the straw opening is aligned with the drinking opening when in the first rotational position; placing the cover in a second rotational position, wherein the drinking opening is exposed when in the second rotational position; and placing the cover in a third rotational position, wherein the seal is aligned with the drinking opening when in the third rotational position. In one example, the method further comprises inserting a straw into the straw opening when the cover is in the first position, thereby displacing the gasket. In another example, the container lid includes a stopper and a receiver, and wherein the cover is placed in at least one of the first position, the second position, and the third position, so that the stopper engages with the receiver. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1A A perspective view of an exemplary container having a container body and a container lid is depicted.

[0011] Figure 1B Depicted Figure 1A A three-dimensional view of a container, wherein the container body is separated from the container lid.

[0012] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Depicted separately Figure 1A and Figure 1B An enlarged exploded top perspective view and an enlarged exploded bottom perspective view of a container cover.

[0013] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The first straw receiving position is depicted. Figure 1A and Figure 1B A top view and a cross-sectional view of a container cover.

[0014] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The second open position is depicted Figure 1A and Figure 1B A top view and a cross-sectional view of a container lid.

[0015] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The third closed position is depicted Figure 1A and Figure 1B A top view and a cross-sectional view of a container cover.

[0016] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The fourth middle position is depicted Figure 1A and Figure 1B A top view and a cross-sectional view of a container cover.

[0017] Figure 7 A method of using a container lid is depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] A lid for a beverage container is described herein (examples of beverage containers may be described as reusable or disposable cups, flat glasses, vessels, etc.). The container lid is configured to position a cover of the container lid in a rotatable manner on the container lid in multiple positions. In a first position, the cover is positioned so that a straw can be inserted into the container via the container lid and a drinking opening in the container lid. A gasket is provided in the opening in the cover, and the straw is inserted through the opening; this reduces or prevents leakage of the liquid in the event that the container is agitated or tipped over. In a second position, the cover is positioned so that the drinking opening of the container lid is exposed and accessible, thereby enabling a user to drink from the container without a straw (e.g., directly contacting the lid with her lips). In a third position, the cover is positioned so that the drinking opening is covered, which can partially or completely prevent leakage through the drinking opening. Pressure applied to draw liquid from the container (e.g., during use of a straw, or when pouring liquid directly into the mouth) can be released via a vent in the container lid.

[0019] The rotation of the cover between the three positions is made easier by the presence of one or more stops on one or both of the cover base and the cover. When rotating between the above three positions, the stop slides along the upper surface of the cover base, thereby forming a space or gap between the upper surface and the bottom surface of the cover. This reduces the friction between the base and the cover so as to allow easy rotation. At certain positions, the stop can engage with one or more receivers on the other of the base and the cover, both of which properly position the cover in the desired position and provide the user with a tactile or audible indication that the cover is properly positioned. In addition, the engagement of the stop with the receiver helps to keep the cover in the proper position. The depicted cover configuration includes many of these structural features, but any fewer number of structural features can also be combined as needed or desired for specific applications. Therefore, the structure of the cover including one or more of the above features helps to prevent the liquid in the container from leaking out from the container during the movement of the container.

[0020] Figure 1A A perspective view of an exemplary container 100 having a container body 102 and a container lid 104 is illustrated. Figure 1B A perspective view of the container 100 of FIG. 1 is illustrated, wherein the container body 102 is separated from the container lid 104 . Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe container 100 is described simultaneously, and not every feature described herein is visible in both figures. The container 100 is illustrated as a reusable tumbler, but may alternatively take the form of a glass, mug, goblet, beer glass, tankard, vessel, beaker, drinking vessel, drinkware, or other vessel for holding a liquid beverage for consumption. Although the container 100 is described for liquids, the container 100 may be used to hold any other substance, material, or item as needed or desired.

[0021] The container body 102 has an upper end portion 106, an opposite lower end portion 108, and a middle portion 110 extending between the upper end portion 106 and the lower end portion 108. The container body 102 defines an interior chamber 112 configured to hold a liquid in the interior chamber 112. The upper end portion 106 is open for access to the interior chamber 112, and the lower end portion 108 is closed. The interior chamber 112 extends from the upper end portion 106 into the middle portion 110 and toward the lower end portion 108. In this example, the container body 102 has a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein the upper end portion 106 has a slightly smaller diameter than the lower end portion 108, although other container configurations (e.g., tapered, stepped, inclined, etc.) are contemplated. As illustrated, the container body 102 includes a handle 113. However, in another example, the container body 102 need not include a handle. The container body 102 can be formed of plastic. In other aspects, the container body 102 can be formed of glass, ceramic, stainless steel, etc. or a combination of glass, ceramic, stainless steel, etc. The container body 102 can also be manufactured to provide isolation from the surrounding environment for the liquid contained in the container body 102. For example, the container body 102 can have a single-wall or double-walled construction. In other examples, one or more ribs or other features (not shown) can be provided on the container body 102 to improve its grip or holding.

[0022] The container cap 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 container engagement portion 114 to be fixed to the container cap 104. In this example, the container cap 104 includes a base 118 and a cover 120, which are rotatably engaged to reduce or prevent leakage, as described below. The cover 120 includes a rotatable body 116 defined by two raised ends 122, which allows the cover 120 to be easily rotated. The cover 120 is rotated around the cap axis A. LThe base 118 can be rotated to position the lid 104 under various conditions (e.g., as described herein, defined by the position of the cover 120). The base 118 can include a threaded outer engagement portion 124 that can be threadably engaged with threads provided on the container engagement portion 114, although other types of attachment systems are also contemplated, such as bayonet, press fit, etc. The raised end 122 is configured to rotate within a raised rim 125 of the base 118. The straw 126 extends downwardly from the container lid 104 into the interior chamber 112 of the container body 102 via the straw opening 129.

[0023] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Depicted separately Figure 1A and Figure 1B An enlarged exploded top perspective view and an enlarged exploded bottom perspective view of the container cover 104 are shown. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B The description is made at the same time, and not all components described are depicted in all drawings, and the above Figure 1A and Figure 1B Certain components described in the description need not be further described. The container cap 104 includes a base 118 and a cover 120. The base 118 includes a threaded outer engagement portion 124 for engaging with a corresponding engagement portion on the container body (not shown). The base 118 defines a centrally disposed axis A. L The base receiver 128 is provided with a plurality of ventilation channels 132 in the form of grooves extending along the receiver 128. A plurality of receivers 134 are provided around the receiver 128, and the plurality of receivers 134 are formed as recesses in the upper surface 136 of the base 118. The receivers 134 are positioned so as to engage with one or more stops 138 provided on the lower surface 140 of the cover 120 when the cover 120 is rotated into certain predetermined positions. An O-ring 142 is provided around a snap 144 extending from the cover 120 and helps to seal the joint between the base 118 and the cover 120 to prevent or limit the leakage of liquid in the container from the container. The snap 144 protrudes within the base receiver 128 and rotatably fixes the cover 120 to the body 118 using a pair of teeth 144a, 144b.

[0024] The body 116 of the cover 120 defines a plurality of openings and receivers, specifically, a straw opening 129 and an opposing opening 146 (so named because it is opposite to the straw opening 129), and an anchor receiver 148 disposed between the straw opening 129 and the opposing opening 146. Each of the straw opening 129, the opposing opening 146, and the anchor receiver 148 is located within a gasket recess 150 configured to receive a gasket 152. The gasket 152 may be made of rubber, silicon, or other materials that are different from the plastic used in the construction of the rest of the cover 104. This allows for a different tactile feel and other performance advantages for the gasket 152, as described below.

[0025] The washer 152 includes an elongated base 154 from which an anchor 156 protrudes and which is sized to be received in the washer recess 150. A head portion 158 is disposed at a first end of the elongated base 154 and defines at least one slot 160 for receiving a straw (not shown) at a straw opening 162 of the head portion 158. A tail portion 164 is disposed at an opposite end of the elongated base 154. Each of the head portion 158 and the tail portion 164 includes an outer periphery configured to mate with corresponding recesses 166a, 166b on the bottom surface 140 of the cover 120. This allows these portions of the washer 152 to remain relatively elevated from the lower surface 140 to reduce friction when the cover 120 rotates relative to the base 118. The location of the stop 138 also allows the cover 120 to be raised relative to the upper surface 136 of the base 118 during rotation, as described elsewhere herein.

[0026] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The first straw receiving position is depicted. Figure 1A and Figure 1B A top view and a cross-sectional view of the container cover 104 are shown. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B The description is made at the same time, and not all components described are depicted in all drawings, and the above Figures 1A to 2BCertain components described in the description need not be described further. The gasket 152 is fixed to the cover 120 at the anchor 156, the head portion 158 and the tail portion 164. The central base 154 defines a first plane P1, which is located above the portion of the cover 120 that defines the straw opening 129 and the opposite opening 146. The head portion 158 and the tail portion 164 are enlarged and define a plane P2, which is located below the portion of the cover 120 that defines the straw opening 129 and the opposite opening 146. Therefore, these planes P1 and P2 are not coplanar and help seal these penetrations to prevent leakage through these penetrations. The seal between the base 118 of the cap 104 and the container (not shown) is made by the depicted threaded connection 124 and the peripheral gasket 168 adjacent to the threaded connection 124.

[0027] exist FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B 160, the drinking opening 130 in the base 118 is aligned with the straw opening 129 in the cover 120, wherein the straw opening 162 is positioned in the head portion 158 of the gasket 152. Thus, the straw 126 can be inserted through the slit 160 into the interior chamber of the container (not shown). The portion of the gasket 152 defining the slit 160 thus forms a plurality of baffles that deflect downwardly and substantially surround the straw 126 to reduce or prevent leakage through the straw 126. Each of the gasket 152 (located at the gasket anchor 156), the anchor receiver 148, and the base receiver 128 is disposed along the lid axis A. L Align. Figure 3B As depicted in , in the straw receiving position, two detents 138 engage with two receivers 134. In other examples, a different number of snaps may be used with multiple receivers, each receiver positioned so as to engage with a detent when the cover is disposed in a predetermined position.

[0028] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The second open position is depicted Figure 1A and Figure 1B A top view and a cross-sectional view of the container cover 104 are shown. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B The description is made at the same time, and not all components described are depicted in all drawings, and the above Figures 1A to 3B Certain components described in the drawings need not be described further. The engagement between the teeth 144a, 144b of the buckle 144 and the receiving member 128 is depicted. In the depicted example, the cover 120 is disposed relative to the Figure 3A and Figure 3B1. The cover 120 is rotated about 90 degrees from the straw receiving position of the base 118. In this position, the drinking opening 130 is not aligned with the straw opening 129. The cover 120 is positioned so as to not hinder a user from accessing the drinking opening 130, such as by placing her mouth close to the raised rim 125 of the base 118 and tilting the container to pour liquid through the drinking opening 130. As depicted, in the open position, the two stops are disengaged from the two receptacles 134, although the engagement in this position occurs with the stops and receptacles arranged in a portion approximately 90° from the portion depicted.

[0029] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The third closed position is depicted Figure 1A and Figure 1B A top view and a cross-sectional view of the container cover 104 are shown. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B The description is made at the same time, and not all components described are depicted in all drawings, and the above Figures 1A to 4B Certain components described in the description need not be described further. In the depicted example, the cover 120 is relative to Figure 3A and Figure 3B 180 degrees. In this position, the drinking opening 130 is covered by the tail portion 164 of the gasket 152, thereby reducing or preventing leakage through the drinking opening 130. The portion of the gasket 152 that defines the slit 160 is positioned opposite the slit 160, wherein the slit 160 is in a substantially closed configuration. As depicted, in the closed position, the two stops 138 engage the two receivers 134, although other numbers of engagements between the stops and receivers are also contemplated, as described above.

[0030] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The fourth middle position is depicted Figure 1A and Figure 1B A top view and a cross-sectional view of the container cover 104 are shown. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B The description is made at the same time, and not all components described are depicted in all drawings, and the above Figures 1A to 5B Certain components described in the description need not be described further. In the depicted example, the cover 120 is relative to Figure 3A and Figure 3B The straw receiving position is rotated about 45 degrees. In the intermediate position, the cover 120 is located in the middle of any of the positions depicted above, so that no stop 138 engages any receiver 134. Therefore, the stop 138 slides in a rotatable manner along the upper surface 136 of the base 118, thereby forming a gap or space between the base 118 and the cover 120. This reduces friction between the two components and simplifies rotation between the above positions.

[0031] Figure 7 Described is a method 200 of using a container lid, such as a multi-component rotating container lid described herein. Such a beverage lid may include a base defining a drinking opening and a cover fixed to the base in a rotatable manner. The cover may include a straw opening and a seal around the straw opening. The method starts from operation 202, and the cover is placed in a first rotational position, wherein, when in the first rotational position, the straw opening is aligned with the drinking opening. In optional operation 204, method 200 may include inserting the straw into the straw opening when the cover is in the first position. Once inserted, the seal forms a seal around the straw to reduce or prevent leakage. Operation 206 envisions placing the cover in a second rotational position, wherein, when in the second rotational position, the drinking opening is exposed. In operation 208, the cover is placed in a third rotational position, wherein, when in the third rotational position, the seal is aligned with the drinking opening.

[0032] The present disclosure describes some examples of the present technology with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein only some possible examples of the possible examples are shown. However, other aspects can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the examples set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure is exhaustive and complete, and the scope of the possible examples is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Any number of features of the different examples described herein can be combined into a single example, and alternative examples with less than or more than all the features described herein are possible. In addition, as used herein and in the claims, the phrase "at least one of element A, element B, or element C" is intended to express any 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 is to be understood that the terms used herein are intended only for the purpose of describing specific examples and are not intended to be restrictive. It must be noted that, as used in this specification, the singular forms "one", "an", and "the" include plural indications unless the context clearly states otherwise. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand the extent to which terms such as "approximately" or "substantially" are conveyed according to the measurement techniques used herein. To the extent that such terms may not be clearly defined or understood by persons skilled in the art, terms such as "about" or "substantially" shall mean plus or minus ten percent.

[0033] 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. Therefore, specific structures, actions, or media are disclosed only as illustrative examples. Unless otherwise specified herein, elements or components that are generally disclosed but not explicitly illustrated in the 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.

[0034] The embodiments of the present invention can be understood by referring to the following numbered paragraphs:

[0035] 1. A method of using a container lid, the container lid comprising a base and a cover, the base defining a drinking opening, the cover rotatably secured to the base, wherein the cover comprises a straw opening, the straw opening being defined by a gasket, the method comprising:

[0036] placing the cover in a first rotational position, wherein the straw opening is aligned with the drinking opening when in the first rotational position;

[0037] placing the cover in a second rotational position, wherein the drinking opening is exposed in the second rotational position; and

[0038] The cover is placed in a third rotational position, wherein the seal is aligned with the drinking opening in the third rotational position.

[0039] 2. The method of paragraph 1, further comprising inserting a straw into the straw opening when the cover is in the first position, thereby displacing the gasket.

[0040] 3. The method of paragraph 2, wherein the container lid includes a stop and a receiver, and wherein placing the cover in at least one of the first position, the second position, and the third position causes the stop to engage with the receiver.

Claims

1. A container cover, comprising: a base defining a drinking opening located off-center in the base; as well as A cover member rotatably mounted in the base and defining a straw opening, wherein the cover member comprises: a gasket defining a slot aligned with the straw opening for receiving the straw, wherein the cover is rotatably positionable in a first position in which the slit is aligned with the drinking opening, wherein the cover is rotatably positionable in a second position in which the slit is not aligned with the drinking opening, wherein the drinking opening is exposed when the cover is in the second position, wherein the gasket comprises a head portion, a tail portion and a base portion, the base portion connecting the head portion and the tail portion, wherein the head portion defines the slit, wherein the head portion and the tail portion are coplanar and disposed in a first plane, and wherein the base portion is disposed in a second plane that is not coplanar with the first plane, wherein the cover defines an opposite opening, the opposite opening being disposed opposite to the straw opening, and wherein the head portion extends through the straw opening, and wherein the tail portion extends through the opposite opening, wherein the cover is positionable in a third position in which the tail is aligned with the drinking opening and seals about the drinking opening, and wherein when the cover is in the second position, the tail is not aligned with the drinking opening.

2. The container cover according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base defines a base receiver centrally disposed therein, the gasket further defines an anchor, and wherein the cover defines an anchor receiver for receiving the anchor, and wherein the anchor, the anchor receiver, and the base receiver are aligned.

3. The container cover according to claim 1, characterized in that: The head portion of the gasket includes a plurality of deflectable baffles.

4. The container cover according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cover also includes a buckle rotatably disposed in the receiver and an O-ring disposed around the buckle.

5. The container cover according to claim 2, characterized in that: The base receiver defines a plurality of ventilation channels, wherein the cover covers the plurality of ventilation channels when in the first position.

6. The container cap according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper surface of the base at least partially defines the first and third receivers, and wherein the cover includes a stop extending from the lower surface of the cover, wherein: When the cover is in the first position, the stop engages with the first receiver; The stop engages the third receiver when the cover is in the third position.

7. A beverage container, characterized in that: The beverage container comprises the container lid according to claim 1.

8. A container cover, comprising: a base defining a base receiver centrally disposed therein and a drinking opening located off-center therein; as well as A cover member, wherein the cover member defines a straw opening, wherein the cover member comprises: a buckle, the buckle being rotatably disposed in the receiving member; and a gasket defining a straw seal aligned with the straw opening for receiving a straw, wherein the cover is rotatably positionable in a first position in which the straw seal is aligned with the drinking opening, and wherein the cover is rotatably positionable in a second position where the straw seal is not aligned with the drinking opening, wherein when the cover is in the second position, the drinking opening is exposed, wherein the gasket comprises a head portion, a tail portion and a base portion, the base portion connecting the head portion and the tail portion, wherein the head portion defines the straw seal, wherein the head portion and the tail portion are coplanar and disposed in a first plane, and wherein the base portion is disposed in a second plane that is not coplanar with the first plane, wherein the cover defines an opposite opening, the opposite opening being disposed opposite to the straw opening, and wherein the head portion extends through the straw opening, and wherein the tail portion extends through the opposite opening, wherein the cover is positionable in a third position in which the tail is aligned with the drinking opening and seals about the drinking opening, and wherein when the cover is in the second position, the tail is not aligned with the drinking opening.

9. The container cap according to claim 8, characterized in that: The head portion of the gasket includes a plurality of deflectable baffles.

10. A beverage container, characterized in that: The beverage container comprises the container lid according to claim 8.

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